Can I still drive with Multiple Sclerosis?

Discussion in 'Driver Health' started by ThaDude03, Feb 6, 2012.

  1. ThaDude03

    ThaDude03 Bobtail Member

    3
    0
    Sep 29, 2011
    Houston, TX
    0
    I am thinking about becoming a truck driver. I have Multiple Sclerosis, in my early 30's. I spoke with my doctor and he said go for it. He is even willing to sign a form stating that I am more than able to drive a truck. I have a very light case of it. I can run, walk, move my hands, do pretty much anything now as I could most of my life. In fact, I am prob more healthy then some of the drivers out there lol.

    I spoke with my community college that offers CDL training, and they said that having MS is not an issue, as long as I pass my physical (which I know can pass). But the school said be up front with the doctor, and be up front with companies that I apply at. And I will do just that - be up front.

    I have read of stories of drivers being diagnosed with MS after driving for a few years & they still stay employed with the company as long as the doctor ok's it and DOT ok's it. But I have not found out much info about some having MS before driving a truck.

    I spoke with a driver years ago who had MS before getting hired on with J.B Hunt. All they wanted was a note from his doctor and he got hired once he gave them the note.

    I also have a friend who was a truck driver, and he said the MS is not an issue as long as I have the doctors note & pass DOT physcial.

    So my first question is, will trucking companies still hire me, as long as I pass the DOT physical & have a doctor's note clearing me to go? Or is the school just out to get my money?


    By the way this is NOT Muscular Dystrophy! My bones are strong and not an issue here. This is Multiple Sclerosis I am talking about here.
     
  2. Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.

  3. DL550CAT

    DL550CAT Road Train Member

    1,427
    1,481
    Oct 18, 2009
    Waynesburg, Pa
    0
    I have a driver with MS. He has a terrible walk, looks like he has 2 artifical legs but he drives just fine. He has had no trouble passing a DOT physical. I would not let MS be a road block if you want to drive. I am sure there are smaller companies that would give you a start if the big ones refuse.
     
  4. bulletproof77

    bulletproof77 Medium Load Member

    557
    539
    Oct 2, 2009
    Victorville, CA
    0
    We have a driver that has been with us close to 10 years with MS. No problems. Unfortunately, his is progressing and he will probably retire soon. But as far as hiring..no issues as long as you can pass the physical.
     
  5. claydcousta

    claydcousta Bobtail Member

    12
    1
    Nov 16, 2011
    Folsom
    0
    A person can drive if they have MS. Unless she has the progressive form of the disease, and it has made her physically or cognitively disabled, she can carry on as she did before. But most people have the relapsing/remitting form of the disease, which might cause some temporary problems.
     
  6. ThaDude03

    ThaDude03 Bobtail Member

    3
    0
    Sep 29, 2011
    Houston, TX
    0
    Hey Guys, thanks for the replies. Now here an update...

    Well I got my doctor's note & took my physcial and passed. The DOT doc didn't even care about the MS, even before I showed his office the note.

    Now here is the next roadblock a came across today.. I went the trucking school at a community college & they suddenly got cold feet on me. The lady said that I have to get pre-hired on with a company before they will let me into the school. So she choose Werner. I already got pre-hired with them before, but now they know about the MS. I spoke to the recruiter myself later on & he said that he had to send it off to their Medical board for approval, but he sounded like it was not a big deal.

    The school lady said she has a good relationship with Werner & that they usually does what she wants lol. After she spoke with Werner, she also did not think the MS was a big deal & she sounded more positive.

    So what do you think Werner will say? I've heard they will almost take anyone since people talk pretty low about them.

    By the way, I do not have to go work for Werner after graduating school. I just need them to say "yes" they will hire me for me to be accepted into the school.

    As always, thanks guys!
     
  7. Deckmonkey

    Deckmonkey Bobtail Member

    1
    0
    Apr 11, 2016
    0
    I am currently experiencing a couple of the symptoms of MS and I am currently getting tested. I'm not sure if I have it or not but I will see in time. I was queries about loosing my cdl if I did get diagnosed with it and after reading these posts I feel better knowing that if I am I have a very good chance to continue being able to drive. I wish you luck man and I will pray you get your cdl and get hired on.
     
  8. Zer0chick

    Zer0chick Bobtail Member

    43
    42
    Feb 18, 2018
    USA
    0
    I am being tested and when my company found out they put me on a 30 day (unpaid) medical hold. I had to stop my truck where it was & clean it out. Rent a moving truck ($500 in fees & fuel) & drive 6.5 hours “home”. - my truck was my home!
    I was told if my tests come back positive I’ll be terminated. So best of luck to you. I’m paying that it’s negative because right now I feel so screwed over. I passed my dot physical & have been with this company 7 months. Received a safe driver award, going solo otr & now I feel like #### on their shoes & being punished for seeing a doctor with the insurance I paid into.
     
    Jazz1 Thanks this.
  9. REO6205

    REO6205 Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

    12,583
    56,851
    Feb 15, 2014
    California.
    0
    Are you being tested for MS?
     
  10. x1Heavy

    x1Heavy Road Train Member

    34,017
    42,098
    Mar 5, 2016
    White County, Arkansas
    0
  11. Zer0chick

    Zer0chick Bobtail Member

    43
    42
    Feb 18, 2018
    USA
    0
    Everything has come back negative
     
  • Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.