Health issues and CDL physical exams

Discussion in 'Driver Health' started by Gecko, Mar 28, 2010.

  1. Gecko

    Gecko Bobtail Member

    I have worked in the commercial glass industry in Colorado for over 25 years, but a little over a month ago I was diagnosed with BAC lung cancer. I do not smoke and it is not caused by anything but bad luck. They had to remove my right lung completely and I am now going through 4 doses of chemo to make sure hopefully it never returns.
    I have been forced to move from Colorado Springs (6000' - 7000' altitude) to where I grew up in southern Wisconsin (600' altitude) in order to breathe at all.
    My question is the DOT CDL physical exams required to get a licsense to drive truck. Does anyone know if as long as I am healthy in every other aspect, if I would be turned down because I had a lung removed?
    I have been told it will take roughly 6 months for my other lung to adapt and carry the job of both lungs so I think by fall I will be able to do most of the things I used to do. I will never be able to do what I have done in the glass industry and to be honest, I don't want to anymore anyway. I think I could find a job in the trucking industry that does not require loading/unloading and I can live the rest of my life (I'm 53) being an active member of society.

    Any thoughts?
     
    JustSonny Thanks this.
  2. Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.

  3. red_house

    red_house Light Load Member

    73
    13
    Mar 7, 2008
    0
    Sorry, can't help with your questions. Just wanted to wish you luck....
     
  4. Roadmedic

    Roadmedic Road Train Member

    18,951
    8,981
    Apr 4, 2007
    0
    Here is the link to the medical form

    http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/documents/safetyprograms/medical-report.pdf

    You can also google and find more info on the FMCSA web site.

    Review of page 1 shows that the lung disease would be noted in the center part.

    Page 3 shows further discussion and findings on the lung.

    As far as keeping one from a job, I think it depends on the health of the individual.
     
    JustSonny and Baack Thank this.
  5. Swaps

    Swaps Heavy Load Member

    757
    361
    Jan 10, 2010
    Minnesota
    0
    you should contact a doctor who is familiar with the FMCSA physical regulations. I'm sure most would be happy to answer your question over the phone.
     
  • Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.