ict_guy Posted November 10, 2014 Report Share Posted November 10, 2014 (edited) OK, so I have been clay pigeon shooting with friends a number of times and have decided to apply for a licence and get my own shotgun (rather than a friend having to sign one out for me to use at the local club every Sunday afternoon). I have type 1 diabetes (ie. Insulin dependent), very well controlled over the last 20 or so years I have had it. So, I declared this on my application and it came back within a week or so with a questionnaire for my doctor to complete. I have had to pay £30 for this, but I suppose it has to be done. Anyway, as expected, the doctor answered that my diabetes was under very good control and that I regularly see the hospital consultant, no concerns blah blah blah. Also, that my mental health appears to be entirely stable with no evidence of any active mental illness. He states that I do have acute back pain with sciatica and that I am awaiting an MRI scan for this. For the question - "Would you consider there is any impairment when in possession of a firearm?". He states "None noted". Also, "None that I am aware of" for "Is there any additional relevant information about the applicant?". My problem may be, however, that under the listed medication - "Citalopram" is listed. I do not, however, take this for any mental health issue or depression. On the contrary, I have never had any mental health issue or depression. The fact is, I have been taking this drug for many years since it was prescribed by a pain clinic when I first presented back problems - it was a drug that really helped with the nerve pain. Obviously, if you google this - it'll say it's an anti-depressant. It can also be prescribed for bed wetting, however, but I don't wet the bed! LOL I have made no mention of it in my application and have answered every question on the latest form 201 100% honestly - no where did it ask for the prescribed drugs I was taking. I, of course, list Type 1 diabetes under the 'Any medical conditions' question. I have purchased a shotgun cabinet and very securely fixed it to the fabric of my house (upstairs, well hidden away). Am I worrying for nothing here or will there be a whole load of further delays with my application do you think? Many thanks for your input on this. Edited November 10, 2014 by ict_guy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robbiep Posted November 10, 2014 Report Share Posted November 10, 2014 First step : join BASC, or one of the other shooting organisations, to help you with fighting your corner, if it does come to that. It's always useful, as you're covered by various insurances, if things did happen to go to hell in a handcart. I can't imagine that taking painkillers for a bad back will impact on your application. I didn't mention the annual 6 weeks worth of hayfever that I suffer from. The notes for the application state that "You must declare any physical or mental health condition that may affect your ability to safely possess and use a firearm". If a bad back is reason to refuse to grant, then a hell of a lot of us are in trouble ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
r1steele Posted November 10, 2014 Report Share Posted November 10, 2014 I was prescribed a drug that is also used as an anti depresant for my nerve damage pain. The fact it has been prescribed for the pain and not as an anti depresant shouldn't affect the application. It is only a problem (usually) if it has been given for depresion. When you have your home visit and your FEO talks to you about your condition and medication just let him/her know why it was prescribed to you just to clarify things for him/her. They come across this far more often than you would think and are usually clued up about the fact that some of these drugs are used to treat more than just one condition. Good luck, Rob Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scully Posted November 10, 2014 Report Share Posted November 10, 2014 You have nothing to worry about, believe me; with or without a shooting organisation. But it is wise to be insured in some way. Enjoy your shooting. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ict_guy Posted November 10, 2014 Author Report Share Posted November 10, 2014 Thanks for your replies. I have just joined BASC - annual full membership. I take it they will be able to assist should I hit any obstacles in the application process? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keg Posted November 10, 2014 Report Share Posted November 10, 2014 Honesty is best and you have been straight up. Your doctor has been direct and honest so hopefully all will go fine. Fingers crossed for you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dougall Posted November 10, 2014 Report Share Posted November 10, 2014 100% honest then can see no probs at all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rimfire4969 Posted November 10, 2014 Report Share Posted November 10, 2014 You should be fine. I have a bad back, and bad arthritis in my knees and right wrist. Some days worse than others. As someone said, if a bad back is cause for refusal I lot of us are in trouble. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bullet1747 Posted November 10, 2014 Report Share Posted November 10, 2014 I'm diabetic mate and was on tablets for be depressed for three years got upone day and refused to take them any more, applied for sgc, fac told everything on the forms , and on the interviews he asked me about the pills and got in touch with my GP( who is a keen shooter ) ,next thing I have both certs and two cabinets full of guns As some have said be honest and start saving Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scully Posted November 10, 2014 Report Share Posted November 10, 2014 Thanks for your replies. I have just joined BASC - annual full membership. I take it they will be able to assist should I hit any obstacles in the application process? One can always hope. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pegasus bridge Posted November 10, 2014 Report Share Posted November 10, 2014 I had diazepam on a 7 day course for back pain, I made a point of explaining this on renewal and it wasn't an issue at all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drut Posted November 10, 2014 Report Share Posted November 10, 2014 Anti depressants are often prescribed for other uses:e.g. nerve pain.and it may be enough to trigger a police request for more information.You said your Doctor has stated no mental health issues so no problem,police have done their job & will now relax:you should too.I hope you enjoy your shooting. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
7daysinaweek Posted November 10, 2014 Report Share Posted November 10, 2014 (edited) hi do not see any problem in having sgc granted. it is very apparent from your gps information that you control your diabetes very well with no evidence of hypoglycaemic events which have resulted in acute deteriorating loss of cognition and motor skills. so no evidence to suggest that you may pose a risk, would be different if your control was poor and you had history of acute hypos associated with loss of cognition and concioussness etc. thousands of people with type 1 diabetes drive everyday on our roads without incident and i am sure many shoot too. if you know your condition you know how to manage it. As for your citalopram it has been prescribed to you as an adjuvant which is a medication used in conjunction or soley to treat conditions for which it is not liscensed, but is used in the patients best interest, i use many medication on a daily basis in my job which are not liscensed for a specific condition. top and bottom of it is that your diagnosis is chronic nerve pain and not neurological. anyways millions of people are prescribed antidepressants and pose no risk whatsoever Edited November 10, 2014 by 7daysinaweek Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul T Posted November 10, 2014 Report Share Posted November 10, 2014 I'm on a pretty big dose of amitryptilene, also prescribed for depression, but it's as a muscle relaxant to help me sleep. I had no probs with SGC an FAC. You've been up front and honest so shopping about for a gun is the only thing you really need to worry about . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drut Posted November 10, 2014 Report Share Posted November 10, 2014 One can always hope. You have a point! Fortunately OP seems to have no need of support thanks to his doctor's responce. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CharlieT Posted November 11, 2014 Report Share Posted November 11, 2014 You should have no problem whatsoever. You seem far saner than many that post on here ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
super sharp shooter Posted November 11, 2014 Report Share Posted November 11, 2014 As above. I was prescribed amitriptyline a few week ago and I asked the doctor if this would affected my SGC and his reply was no it will go down as pain relief not antidepressant. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ict_guy Posted November 11, 2014 Author Report Share Posted November 11, 2014 (edited) Thanks for your positive replies. What happens now? Will an admin person just read the comments noted by the doctor or will a police doctor scrutinise every line/word? Does anybody know how long things take - I am in Warwickshire. Also, my referee will be away (out of the country) in January and February. Does anyone know when they will seek a reference (at what stage in the application process)? Thanks Edited November 12, 2014 by ict_guy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ict_guy Posted November 12, 2014 Author Report Share Posted November 12, 2014 Bump Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HDAV Posted November 12, 2014 Report Share Posted November 12, 2014 I think it gets referred to force medical officer if there is a concern re medication etc. BASC will know the ins and outs, if your a member give them a call Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ict_guy Posted November 12, 2014 Author Report Share Posted November 12, 2014 (edited) Thanks for your help. I will give BASC a ring tomorrow, but in the meantime, what would you expect the force medic to do? My doctor, in the report, said that there was nothing wrong with my mental health and that there was no reason, in his opinion, for me to not handle a firearm. It may be worth stating to the forum that I am a professional guy (Deputy Head Teacher of a big secondary school) in my 40's. Two grown up children and a loving wife of over 20 years. Does all that help my application? Edited November 12, 2014 by ict_guy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grrclark Posted November 12, 2014 Report Share Posted November 12, 2014 I think you are fretting unnecessarily, from what you have said on here then you will have almost certainly have no problems in your application. I suspect that each force will do things slightly differently and a lot will be determined by the opinion of the FEO that visits you at home. Waiting on your ticket is a bit unsettling when you don't know exactly what they are checking, but regrettably it will just proceed at the pace that your force operates at and you just need to bide your time. Being a responsible chap with a stable family group, socially active and not a loner, no reason to cause any doubt about your motives, you will be fine. Start saving up for the onset of the inevitable gun acquisition syndrome. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ict_guy Posted November 12, 2014 Author Report Share Posted November 12, 2014 (edited) Many thanks. I am really looking forward to taking an active part in this sport. Got my eye on the Silver Pigeon1. Can't wait ;-) Edited November 12, 2014 by ict_guy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HDAV Posted November 12, 2014 Report Share Posted November 12, 2014 While your waiting I'd get some lessons visit a few grounds try a few guns. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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