Is this the end of my career?

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by Unclehams, Jun 12, 2023.

  1. RockinChair

    RockinChair Road Train Member

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    This right here. You need to know why you blacked out, that way you can take steps to prevent that from ever happening again.

    You'll probably bounce back from this accident, but if it happens a second time you're done.
     
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  3. Jumpman

    Jumpman Light Load Member

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    All of the advice about losing weight and eating better is correct but one factor I do not see mentioned is sleep. If possible go to bed, and get up around the same time every day and I mean every day. Your body will thank you. Best of luck on you weight loss and health improvement Journey.
     
  4. Rubber duck kw

    Rubber duck kw Road Train Member

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    It should be voluntarily, at least until you get figured why exactly you blacked out and went limp. Get your health figured out, you don't want to live with yourself if it happens again and you end up killing someone. Go see a doctor, tell them what happened and I'm sure they send you to a cardiologist.
     
  5. tscottme

    tscottme Road Train Member

    I've only ever been a company driver so I am just guessing about anything from the company side of things. The people that decide if you can drive for them will need something to convince them that what caused the accident you described cannot happen again. What is that convincing thing going to be? Plenty of drivers have taken time off for health reasons, got those reasons taken care of and driven again. You don't have to have everything figured out right this minute, but should you drive if you don't know if you will black-out while driving? There are trucking companies that will hire you almost no matter what is in your background. So worry about getting your health back and worry about working after or while you improve your health. It's not the end of the world. Even if it was we have a Savoir in Jesus. There are people that will help you if they know you need help. You have tremendous value in this world and deserve better than working to death.
     
  6. tscottme

    tscottme Road Train Member

    Maybe someone will be as kind to you in your time of need as your comment was to the OP. You're better than that.
     
  7. Knightcrawler

    Knightcrawler Road Train Member

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    I was a medic in the army for 12 years. I would hate to tell you how many times I heard the words "somebody said that I could just..."

    People should know better. And its even worse now (I am a Vietnam vet, so this was a couple of years ago) with the internet.I have seen this sign in many many Drs offices

    DeLrdFLWAAAtToM.jpg
     
  8. Ex-Trucker Alex

    Ex-Trucker Alex Road Train Member

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    So.....any time you black out causing an accident, you can NOT drive until you get checked by a doctor, because your Medical Examiner's Certificate is revoked by law from an accident like that. Please don't tell us that you didn't tell anybody about the cause of your accident; if you did that, then your accident is a "preventable", which is MUCH worse than a "medical". At least with a medical cause, you might get back on the road.

    Once you talk to a doctor, you'll have a better idea as to where you stand. You MAY need to take a few months off to get into shape, or you may need to just give it up now. Depending on your prognosis, maybe it's time to start considering your options outside of trucking. Just keep in mind; trucking does NOT improve with age.

    I was at the same situation about 25 years ago; had a diagnosis of kidney disease, was 100 lbs overweight, could still pass a medical (still can today, but dialysis kinda ruins any idea of going out on the road), but knew that the time would come in about a decade that would ground me. Eventually, I parted my OTR job for local work, then started taking night courses, eventually went into university full-time for my last 2 years, and earned money on paid internships. Today, I'm on dialysis, but work full-time and have a career earing more than I did OTR, AND get home every night.
     
  9. Unclehams

    Unclehams Light Load Member

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    I've already been cleared by a non dot doctor to drive and Im seeking advice from experienced drivers who know more than me. Trying to get a feel for whats ahead.

    crst is considering me for a local job home every day.
     
  10. REO6205

    REO6205 Road Train Member

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    I don't think I've seen that sign in any doctor's office. Or their home either. Most of the doctors I know, and I know quite a few, aren't that arrogant.
     
    InTooDeep Thanks this.
  11. Accidental Trucker

    Accidental Trucker Road Train Member

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    Blacked out, or fell asleep?

    Being that heavy, apnea would be a big concern.
     
    tscottme Thanks this.
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