Greetings,

My experience with forums has taught me that somewhere-someone has asked these questions. However, finding them can be difficult at times. So, if there are threads that address my concerns, please point me to them. Otherwise, I'd appreciate some input.

Background: Just turned 50, married forever (same woman/ supportive), kids grown and gone, unemployed atm, have come to dislike office politics, micro management and bad bosses (do I have problem with authority? Absolutely!), no jobs in my field, independant, looking for a change and I don't worship $ (just need to be comfortable). One of my best high school buddies works for Central Refrigerated Service. I'm hooked up- I just need to make the final call.

Here's the kicker: I blew a knee out when I was 18 and I crushed 2 vertebra in my lower back in a motorcycle accident when I was 21. The back is most comfortable in a slouching position (no vertical pressure on lower back) and I can sit quite some time with the proper support i.e. lumbar. I can't sit in an L shaped restaurant booth for more than about 45 mins. Proper posture is bad for me! The knee gets pretty stiff when I get up on it after non-use for some time. But, it doesn't bother me driving. It's when I get up on it, and it's pretty stiff until it loosens up. So, yah, the injuries are haunting me.

I see the ergonomics in the tractors have come a long way. Nonetheless, I will need to stretch more often than a 30 yr old. Anyone out there with similar nagging old injuries that could shed some light? Will stretch stops be a problem? Don't get me wrong- I was climbing around the attic yesterday running electrical wire- so I'm not decrepit. A little sore today though! ;-/ Any thoughts?

Also, anyone have any exp with Central Refrigerated?

Sorry for the rambling, appreciate your input.

NVM on the CFR question- found the thread!

Hi there! I don't have any of the problems you have but I personally know truckers with similar injuries that are much older than you and they're still trucking and wouldn't consider anything else. They're in and out of the tractors a little slower than the rest but so what? Good luck to you - it sounds like this is what you want to do so GO FOR IT!

I have a bad back and bad knee both. The back gets to bothering me only after a good 5 or 6 days out. By then I' getting sore. My knee hurts all the time. I have a knee that dislocates with any side pressure at all and it has arthritis to boot. If I have been sitting a long time I have to get up slowly and work it some before I can jump out of the truck. I can do that in the bunk or on the steps before I get down. Trucks have come a long way, some of those volvos are nicer than a new mercedes ride wise.

Hey...a fellow Kentuckian...
If your bad knee is the clutch knee you may want to narrow your search to companies with autos.I`m rapidly approaching 40 and am getting out of automotive service and into trucking.
I have been fortunate enough so far to have been called to start cdl school with Maverick.
Good Luck and go cats and cards!!!
Les

I work with some older guys (pushing 70). One will put his back out, and he will be hobbling around still working, cos he is just a trucker at heart. I dont think a broken leg could stop him coming to work.
He usually gets in and out of the truck slowly, but he is steady, and at the end of the day his work is done, like the rest of us.
Go for it! If you like it, great. If not, something else will turn up!

Same here. Blew it out in Tech School USAF, it's my clutch knee. Thinking of getting a brace.

If you're going through the school, the old Freight shakers are beat to hell, and run down. They want you to double clutch. Double the clutch, double the agony.
However.
If you just can't get the double clutch down, they will teach you to float the gears.
The instructors never use the clutch. Totally unfair, but what can you do.
Backing kills my knee more than anything.

__________________


God Bless America and her Heroes. And thank You for the privilege to serve.

You've been given some good examples of how 'less than perfect' specimens manage to get a medical card and do the job.

I'm disabled at the moment...it's a disk problem, and knees..arthritis etc. however I kept driving until I just can't walk around much at present. With medical care, I'll find and hopefully fix the problem and get back out there.

If you can crawl around the attic and walk a couple of city blocks you can probably deal...climb up to clean windows, haul fuel hoses, lift the hood to check your liquid levels etc.....thump tires, do your walk around and check your 5th wheel...I think the sitting may be the hardest for you...but as has been said air ride seats with an auto transmission are great...a slow, careful, three point entrance and exit from the truck...common sense.

About the sitting...you can't use anything stronger than advil jell caps (example) but they help...and you can schedule a stop and stretch without getting into your time unless you're under an express load...even then you can manage it.

If your wife understands that you'll be away (OTR I assume) and is comfortable with it...go for it...even if you sign up with a carrier that will sign you up for a year for repayment, most of us can do anything for a year.

Good Luck,
KJ

WooHoo...20 posts!!!

Thanks Guys (and Gals???). Sounds like it's doable! Appreciate all the input.

[quote]
Actually in Simpsonville- Hansman. We should hook up for a cup down at the truck stop. We could talk to some truckers, ask ?'s and stuff. Kind of like a research project... O.o

[quote]
Would I need a medical card for these old injuries? You're absolutely right about the 1 year stint. Especially, with the way time is flying by me now. I'm sure there will be some whining... but better than than the "no work" bitc...ng! ;-?
Hope you get healed up soon, KJ.

[quote]Fortunatly, my (cough) good knee is my left knee. 32 years of over compensation has worn it to, but it's still in pretty good shape. Braces are good- I have a drawer full. Get one with inside and outside metal support- they work best for lateral support.

Thanks again Y'all. I'm moving forward based on the positive feedback! Woot!!!

Yes Kapman you will need to pass a physical ability test to obtain your medical card...no prob for you I don't think...if/when I go back I'll get a new medical card..

Thanks for the good wishes, and Good Luck there guy...woot!!!

KJ