Question on new hire sleep apnea

Discussion in 'Driver Health' started by snorelord, Jan 27, 2008.

  1. snorelord

    snorelord Light Load Member

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    Jul 21, 2007
    Springfield, Missouri
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    I had sleep apnea back in 1999. Sleep study was done and was given a CPAP. It helped but it was difficult to use the mask when my nose was clogged up. In 2003 I had sugery. The doc removed my uvula, tonsils, cut a bigger hole in the back of my throat, and opened my nasal passages. and did the radio frequencydown the throat thing I forgot what that's called.
    Here is my question: I have decided to be a truck driver. My dad was a driver and I know the ropes a little. Right now I have a class B and I drive a schoolbus for a living. I have applied to the local tech college to get my CDL A. I paid up front $110 for a physical, background check, and MVR.
    During my physical I wrote that I HAD sleep apnea but was corrected with surgery. The doc didn't mention anything but will a future employer look at that as a red flag and not hire me. I am still waiting for the approval of the school to say if I am worthy to hire as a trucker. How should I handle this?
     
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  3. MedicineMan

    MedicineMan Road Train Member

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    Jan 13, 2007
    Woodville, TX
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    if you couldn't get a driving job with slep apnea then the truck stops would never have parking problems.

    Sleep apnea is a occupational hazard in this industry
     
  4. truckerdad57

    truckerdad57 Light Load Member

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    Nov 29, 2008
    Batavia, IL
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    The question might be have you had a sleep study since the surgery?

    The current guidelines on treatment of sleep apnea with surgery for CMV operators are in limbo. The medical review board is looking at them. The issue of DOT certification for sleep apnea patients after surgery was a point of contention. What the doctors want is some kind of proof the surgery actually cured the sleep apnea.

    There are links available for the actual guidlines that you could go over with your doctor if you have issues getting a DOT card.

    YES.. you MUST tell your DOT doctor about your medical history. not telling them about past treatment for sleep apnea opens up a whole BIG can of worms.

    If sleep apnea alone is the reason a company says they will not hire you you now need to get into an Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) complaint for discrimination under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
     
    Last edited: Dec 3, 2008
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