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Just had surgery .... is my trucking career over?

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by Moneyhungrytrucker, Nov 25, 2020.

Page 1 of 4
  1. Nov 25, 2020 #1
    Moneyhungrytrucker

    Moneyhungrytrucker Light Load Member

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    I just had major surgery for a giant cell bone tumor of my distal radius, so I just had en bloc wide incision wrist fusion surgery.

    The surgeon has taken out a 6 inch piece of bone in my arm near my wrist, installed some steel hardware and fused the wrist joint so can keep my hand but I wont be able to flex my wrist joint anymore.

    After maybe many months of physical therapy, my surgery hand grip strength might be only 70% of what it used to be before the surgery.

    I am wondering how this will effect me getting certified for dot physical?

    in my opinion I can still hold a steering wheel firmly with my hands but some DOT doctors can be less forgiving then others.
     
    Last edited: Nov 25, 2020
    Moneyhungrytrucker, Nov 25, 2020
    Moneyhungrytrucker, Nov 25, 2020
    #1
    John Bertucci, Chinatown and reeferwrencher Thank this.
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  3. Nov 25, 2020 #2
    buddyd157

    buddyd157 Road Train Member

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    you do not mention which hand. if the right hand, and you got a standard transmission, it could be a problem.

    if you drive an automatic, you might be ok,........however..

    not all employers want someone unable to do the job. you are considered "broken" now and maybe even a liability to "some" employers.

    only you will know the real answer when you go back to work.

    be forewarned (i went thru this scenario), if they call you and tell you that your health benefits are going to end, cuz you ain't working, and they cannot afford to carry you, and you have to pay them yourself, thru COBRA......

    that's a nearly clear sign, you're done.

    i been thru that...so watch out.....

    your opinion means jack, to a doctor, or a company on your progress.
     
    buddyd157, Nov 25, 2020
    buddyd157, Nov 25, 2020
    #2
    Moneyhungrytrucker Thanks this.
  4. Nov 25, 2020 #3
    Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    People pass the DOT physical with the whole arm missing or hand missing, so you're good to go.
    Most companies have automatic transmissions these days and many are "no-touch" freight.
     
    Chinatown, Nov 25, 2020
    Chinatown, Nov 25, 2020
    #3
    Midwest Trucker, '88K100, Badmon and 5 others Thank this.
  5. Nov 25, 2020 #4
    reeferwrencher

    reeferwrencher Medium Load Member

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    Sorry about your wrist man.You re probably right ,it may depend on the doctor but it would take a real dick to fail you over wrist mobility,don t think strength will matter so much. Good luck with the recovery.
     
    reeferwrencher, Nov 25, 2020
    reeferwrencher, Nov 25, 2020
    #4
    Moneyhungrytrucker Thanks this.
  7. Nov 25, 2020 #5
    Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Chinatown, Nov 25, 2020
    Chinatown, Nov 25, 2020
    #5
    Moneyhungrytrucker Thanks this.
  8. Nov 25, 2020 #6
    TripleSix

    TripleSix God of Roads

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    In 2007, I met a Swift driver that had 2 hook hands. If he can do the job, I am certain that you can overcome your issues.

    Luck in battle.
     
    TripleSix, Nov 25, 2020
    TripleSix, Nov 25, 2020
    #6
    alds, Midwest Trucker, Accidental Trucker and 7 others Thank this.
  9. Nov 25, 2020 #7
    Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Met a drivers with two artificial legs.
    There's reasons many truck stops have special parking for some truckers.
    [​IMG]
     
    Chinatown, Nov 25, 2020
    Chinatown, Nov 25, 2020
    #7
    alds, Gearjammin' Penguin and Moneyhungrytrucker Thank this.
  10. Nov 25, 2020 #8
    smokey12

    smokey12 Road Train Member

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    Looking at some of this hippos out here that can t hardly get in the truck..no you will be fine. Speedy recovery to you!!
     
    smokey12, Nov 25, 2020
    smokey12, Nov 25, 2020
    #8
    piston865, Accidental Trucker, MACK E-6 and 2 others Thank this.
  11. Nov 25, 2020 #9
    Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Some are missing the brain. Punch them in the head and sounds like you punched a empty 55 gallon steel drum.
     
    Chinatown, Nov 25, 2020
    Chinatown, Nov 25, 2020
    #9
    alds, jdchet, exhausted379 and 8 others Thank this.
  12. Nov 25, 2020 #10
    kemosabi49

    kemosabi49 Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    I've never had a DOT examiner ask me to flex my wrists and fingers. If they said anything about it I would say I must have pulled something playing ball with the kids. Which I did on one occasion when my hip hurt so bad I could hardly walk. And yes, I know what you are supposed to put on the forms but oh well. You need to make a living.
     
    kemosabi49, Nov 25, 2020
    kemosabi49, Nov 25, 2020
    #10
    buddyd157, BoxCarKidd, snowwy and 1 other person Thank this.
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