DOT Physical? (how healthy u gotta be?)

I passed an extensive physical (1/2 day) covering hearing, vision, heart rate, muscle/joint flexibility, drug testing ect for Halliburton for an oilfield job, (1 year ago) before I was even hired. I hope the DOT is no worse.

 

I had 2 back surgerys about 15 years ago, 1st surgery they screwed up that's why I had my 2nd. right after surgery they put me on restiction as far as how much weight I could carry. I am fine now and have no problems. I passed my dot physical in school, will the company I train with do another physical and if so will my prior surgery's be a problem?
D'kota

 

There are a whole host of issues about having sleep apnea and getting a DOT card,

Being "under current and effective treatment" is a medical opinion by the doctor treating you. I STRONGLY suggest you seek out a sleep specialist familiar with DOT reg's and trucking. There are several out there (new here so I can;t send PM's but e-mail me off list removed email and i can suggest a couple).

Being denied employment by a trucking company for having sleep apnea is an American's with Disabilities Act (ADA) issue. Sleep apnea is a disability under the ADA as it affects the basic life process of sleeping (court cases on point). Yet, companies regularly refuse to hire drivers with sleep apnea. You will need to file an EEOC complaint (can be done on-line) if you want to fight it. A better tactic is to look at companies with active sleep apnea treatment and screening programs. Schneider and Swift both have programs.

There are other issues about idling for power and climate control to use your CPAP etc... drop me an e-mail if you have more questions.