hernia, high blood pressure and diabetic

The hernia might be a problem, but controlled high BP and diabetes shouldn't be.

 

hernia can be simple ,i was back to work in 2 wks and i worked in a food warehouse.

I would get it fixed.

 

Well when i had mine ,i just felt discomfort.
A very small hernia but as many know it will increase in size .
You might be able but i am not a DR(LOL)

 

It is very important that you have documentation from your personal doc that the HBP is controlled and that the diabetes is controlled without insulin. "Controlled" is the operative word here. I would recommend getting a statement from your doc in which he/she list each med you take, how long you have been taking them, and that the meds have been consistently working to control the conditions for which they are prescribed. DO NOT go to Swift without hard and fast evidence that your conditions are controlled......(there's that word controlled again).

Talk to your recruiter. Many students/orientees complain about getting sent home saying, "Well, if they had only told me I wouldn't have gone to all the trouble to get into the Academy or into orientation". If I'm not mistaken, HIPPA (health info privacy) regs come into play here. You've got to open the door with your recruiter about medical issues, the recruiter cannot open the door.

With respect to the hernia; does your doc think it should be repaired or left alone? Will it affect your ability to do what it takes to operate a commercial vehicle and take care of freight? Does it cause you discomfort or pain?

Bottom line here: SPILL YOUR GUTS to the recruiter, document the hell out of everything, DO NOT go to school or to orientation hoping you'll pass the physical requirements. Keep in mind that just because you can get a DOT med card DOES NOT mean that Swift or any other carrier is legally bound to accept you for employment. DOT sets minimum standards. Carriers must have standards that are at least equal to DOT standards, BUT carriers can also raise the bar. Try to communicate with your recruiter via email, create a paper trail of info!

 

Excellent answers.

I believe some states now require CDL training schools to require you be able to pass a DOT Physical as one of the criteria for admissions.

Here is one example...

http://www.ntts.edu/Admissions

I'm gonna go out on a limb as guess some of these schools (not necessarily the one I linked) were accepting everyone from blind people to quadriplegics and so the states had to step in to protect the new students from wasting their money.

 

This is a good question because i have a small hernia that my doctor told me not to worry about unless it bothers me and it doesnt. But when i called a few trucking co, they told me that they see people being sent home every week from things like hernias high blood pressure and back problems. I cant see how a hernia would effect your driving unless it makes you sit sideways.

 

Climbing in and out of the truck and trailer.

Unloading the truck.

 

I drive a truck now non cdl but i climb up and down in it all day long and pick up heavy sand bags load and unload now and no problems. I can always find a no touch freight company to drive for like swift.