How can I keep my physical up to date while recovering from shoulder surgery?

Discussion in 'Driver Health' started by MericanMade, Mar 24, 2021.

  1. MericanMade

    MericanMade Heavy Load Member

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    First of all, I'm starting to regret having had the surgery. The weeks leading up to my surgery I felt great, was able to perform my cabinet installations with no problem, and pretty much was pain-free. I questioned whether I really needed the surgery. But with a 3 cm tear and a many bone spurs, my doctor said I was too young NOT to have the surgery. Took him four hours. Whined to my wife that I had worn him out.

    Here I am four month post op. I was the stud of Select Physical Therapy, Tiger Point, for the first six weeks. "Oh, you're doing so well." "You have amazing range of motion..." Then I hit the wall. Progress has been incredibly slow and improvement is only incremental. Movement pain is sharp. Resting pain is minimal.

    Tonight was the first time since late November last that I've been able to cut my own hair. I gave myself a pretty good looking high-n-tight, but I had to lift my right arm up into position with my left arm. Once up there, I was able to control the clippers while holding a mirror and looking back into a mirror (been doing this since about 1984).

    Anyway, I think my medical card has expired, and I'm not sure if I'd pass another one given my right arm's reluctance to move in certain ways. I recall last time that the medical examiner had me raise up and outstretch my arms. I can't go straight from arms down at my side to outstretched in one sweeping motion with my right arm. I could get there, but I'd have to pump my right arm up and down a few times with my left arm to get it limbered up, then I could raise my right arm straight up, then slowly lower it to the outstretched position and hold it there, where I would think about my tricep waddle from all the atrophy of being in a sling for six weeks. Looks like my mom's arm.

    I'm not useless. I loaded and unloaded a large set of cabinets by myself, and helped my son haul a sofa and queen mattress up a flight of stairs. He moved out today (yea!). I can climb into the back of a 53' box trailer as easily as the driver who delivers my cabinets. Just can't do that one thing.

    What do you guys think?
     
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  3. buddyd157

    buddyd157 Road Train Member

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  4. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Try it anyway; might luck out.
     
  5. GFTLLC

    GFTLLC Light Load Member

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    We do a self certification form here. I believe it's a federal thing. I think you can fill out that you have a CDL but currently don't drive and then you don't have to update your medical card but keep the cdl. You can't drive until the medical card is updated and you do another self certification form to let them know you are back to driving. I know someone who also had surgery and had to go this route. Maybe this would buy some time to get the strength built back up before they take issue with an expired card.
     
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  6. Wasted Thyme

    Wasted Thyme Road Train Member

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    also I had shoulder surgery, too. Years ago. Still gets stiff but I stretch it out daily. I hit the wall, too. But the doctor put me under and manually stretched my shoulder. Basically they put you under so you don't scream in pain and get your range of motion back. Might want to see about that if you are still doing PT this far along.
     
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  7. kemosabi49

    kemosabi49 Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    You need to contact your DMV and "Self-Certify" either "Excepted Interstate" or "Excepted Intrastate". The only real difference is the Intrastate exception will get an Intrastate only restriction (K) on the back of your license. Then your CDL will not be downgraded and when you are ready to work, go get a physical and re certify yourself for driving.
    I been doing this for a few years now and even renewed my license while in the excepted status.
     
  8. MericanMade

    MericanMade Heavy Load Member

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    I went to World Market and picked up a six pack of Tsing Tao beer. I swear, I like it better than Guiness Stout.
     
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  9. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    That's the only beer I drink now. Maybe it has poppy seed hops.....joking!
     
  10. ZVar

    ZVar Road Train Member

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    Call the place you het a physical. Without looking at the medical examiner handbook, I'm not sure that would disqualify you.
    I can't remember that I have had to do movement exercises for my dot.
     
    Bean Jr. Thanks this.
  11. MericanMade

    MericanMade Heavy Load Member

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    She made me duck-walk,too. Not joking.
     
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