I have been a long time lurker on this forum and I have always wanted to drive for a living, which I currently do. I have had a few issues in the past that prevented me from getting my CDL. Now everything seems to be lining up. 11 Years ago I had Gastric Bypass surgery I had tried going to school before this and I could not pass my DOT physical. 6 years after surgery I tried again and could not pass the physical because I had a basketball size hernia in my stomach. It never gave me any problems and my Doctor told me not to worry about it because the hole was so big it would never be an issue. Last year I had to have emergency surgery Because my Bowel had turned and died and they also fixed the hernia at the same time. So now I have applied and I start school in Fort Wayne on June 4. I will be working for PAM when I finish up with school. I am not to crazy about the team driving. I figure that I have to start somewhere, and after this job that I have now I can last anywhere for a year, as long as I keep to myself do what I am told and be safe. I am worried about 1 thing. When it comes time for the DOT physical do you have to squat down all the way? I can get down but I need to have my hand on something do steady myself on the way back up. I never got that far in my other 2 DOT physicals. I am not sure why I am writing all this. I guess just to let people know a little about myself and to let you guys know that at least someone out there really does appreciate what all you truckers write on this site. I plan on keeping this updated as I go along. Be Safe, Mike.
I would go get a DOT physical on my own first to make sure, if I was worried I might not pass, before I got into some contract for a CDL school out of my own pocket ?
Most of my DOT exams did not involve squating, perhaps 3 out of the 15 or so i've had me do anything more than turn my head and cough
You probably won't have problem with the physical itself. However most of the mega-carriers do "wellness exams" now too. They are a little more extensive then a physical and they require you to do a series of lifting a squating and a bunch of other little exercises. I think the mainly do this to reduce their workman's comp. If this is a concern to you just check with the Doc and maybe talk to the recruiter about it. You don't want to find out otherwise after already making the trip to orientation and such.
