Medical Card question

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by BoxxTrucker, Oct 15, 2019.

  1. BoxxTrucker

    BoxxTrucker Bobtail Member

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    Hello all, my question is a little complicated but try to bear with me. I recently got a medical card, I did it on my own through a private doctor I personally knew. I have borderline high blood pressure due to anxiety but managed to get a just barely passable reading (138/89) after two other high readings taken earlier in the day (150/99 and 161/95). I thought I was in the clear but recently found out that the company interested in hiring me requires me to get another card issued through their own clinic (a major chain, rhymes with boncentra) . These clinics are notorious for referring out and denying cards, especially for things like sleep apnea and high blood pressure. I’m entirely sure my HBP is anxiety related, but a random doctor doesn’t know or care about my medical history and I have no insurance and can’t afford to see a specialist on my own. I need to know if I attend this appointment and get a high reading, or some other health concern, will it void my current card? In California your license can be suspended for a medical card issue and I can not afford to lose my license especially when I already have a valid card on file. My appointment is in two days and I need to make a decision by then. The job im up for would be ideal but if my card could be voided it isn’t worth the risk and I’ll keep looking. Thanks in advance for your help...
     
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  3. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Concerta is a PITA. I'm always a little high on BP and have to lay in a dark room for 30 minutes and then barely pass.
    Videos of how to pass dot blood pressure test
    *
    How to Lower Blood Pressure for Testing | Livestrong.com
    https://www.livestrong.com/article/94143-lower-blood-pressure-testing
    • Author: Cheryl Grace Myers
      1. Breathe deep for 15 minutes before testing. Shallow breathing increases blood pressure. Deep …
      2. Drink 20 oz. of beet juice. Beet juice contains nitrate, a component that dilates blood vessels and …
      3. Take a brisk walk for at least 15 to 20 minutes. While at least 30 minutes of physical activity five …
      4. Drink a glass of water. Water has a calming effect on the nervous system, and water flushes out …
      See all full list on livestrong.com
     
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  4. starmac

    starmac Road Train Member

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    I have heard that some people have been known to borrow a couple of high blood pressure pills from a friend and take them the day before, just what I have heard, not sure if that really works or not.
    I do know that some folks blood pressure goes up when they go in to take a physical, doctors have a name for it, but I forget what it is called.
     
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  5. SoCalRed

    SoCalRed Medium Load Member

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    I like the above advise. Find some bp pills and take them just to pass the test.
     
  6. BoxxTrucker

    BoxxTrucker Bobtail Member

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    What does PITA mean? I only have experience with Concentra from about 10 years ago when I first got my CDL to work for a slave labor starter company. My BP was high normal but I was in top physical condition with a very healthy BMI. The doctor “passed” me but still found some issue with my lung function and wheezing and suggested I see a pulmonary doctor ‍♂️. I’ve heard horror stories from other drivers about having to spend 1200 on sleep apnea studies after leaving there simply for having a fat neck...
     
  7. starmac

    starmac Road Train Member

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    pita+ pain in the backside. lol
     
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  8. BoxxTrucker

    BoxxTrucker Bobtail Member

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    Haha, makes sense. And sounds about accurate from what I’ve heard. Now if only i had a plug for the BP pills. As long as the (possibly negative) results won’t void my current card, it’s worth the risk, but that right there is the million dollar question...
     
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  9. starmac

    starmac Road Train Member

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    From what I understand, the pills themselves will not fail you.
     
  10. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Sometimes I'd pass when the nurse used a larger size cuff. That can make a big difference.
    Some of those people that take your blood pressure have no idea what they're doing.
    If you will, ask for a large cuff; tell the person that's what always been used on you in the past.
     
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  11. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    With pills you get a 12 mos. card. Without pills you get a 2 yr. card.
    The time I slipped up and said I was on pills, they slapped me with a one year card and took my two yr. card.
     
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