as long as you can touch your toes with your knees straight and walk on your heels....Thats what they made me do....
Go to a "minute clinic" They are inside some CVS pharmacys. (look on the web) They offer a DOT physical for 60 bucks. I pretty much had to talk the person doing my physical how to do it, and what to write down..Other than taking my Blood pressure, and making me pee in a cup, she was not very thorough. I would not even mention your gout, the less known the better. But if You think it will affect your driving, then I wouldn't pursue trucking.
One thing to remember when you go through life and especially in this trucking business. There is such a thing as being too honest!!! Don't tell, unless asked!!
For the most part no problem. However, some of the trucking companies have a more intensive physical they have done and the agility part could be difficult with your problem, if the gout is active.
Thanks for all the info. I am think about pursuing a career change into driving. I have been pounding concrete for the past 10 plus years and I'm tired of hurting after my shift.
I had to help my family doctor too she never did one b4,I had to get my bp checked about 3x b4 it was low enough.
My BP isnt really a concern, had a dr appointment to and all is good. Just every once in a while I have a run in of gout in either in my knees or ankles.
A friend of mine had problems with gout in his 40s... his big toe, specifically (can't remember which foot). He has worked construction all his life, and when that gout bothers him, it really affects his bottom line... I recall looking up the disorder in a medical guide, and it said to increase water intake and decrease sodium intake, for starters. Don't know if that will help alleviate your problem, I just know that these things can put you out of work if they're serious. Okay, that's my little spiel or $.02 on the subject... best of luck to ya, 'cuz I know from my friend's bad experience that gout can really bother a hand. Alright, I'm outta here... "Adios!!!"
Seguy- you need to avoid or severely limit the high -purines in your diet- along with decreased alcohol consumption and increased fluids. Purines lead to the formation of Uric Acid crystals which form and accumlate in or around a joint. High-purine foods: including organ meats, such as liver, and herring, anchovies and mackerel. Red meat (beef, pork and lamb), fatty fish and seafood (tuna, shrimp, lobster and scallops) are associated with increased risk of gout. Because all animal protein contains purines, limit your intake to 4 to 6 ounces . Some medications can increase the risk of gout such as diuretics (water pills) you don't say your age so I am not sure if you are on one. There are medications for gout attacks-help when happen or prevention: Colchincine and Allopurinol but are prescription medications. You can also look some more info up on the net. Hope this helps and good luck!
