I Guess I'm Done Driving?

Sorry to hear about all that, Sounds like its time for some serious diet and exercise for your diabetes and you might be able to get it under control. You might check with your company, I know , we can take a medical leave for to a year. The difference being they will still pay their portion of the health insurance. Might be worth checking on. If you have to get on insulin, then you cant drive anyways.

If your company terminates you, I think you can draw unemployment after 6 weeks but that probably depends on the state.

If you can get the diabetes under control , all the other problems can be resolved even with a equipment abandonment on the DAC

 

You can't be charged with "abandonment"...it was a medical situation that would not allow you to drive...safety made the call and they in turn got their equipment with safety in mind!

(Your argument if they try that BS line...but I doubt they will)

As for your Diabetes...it does sound like insulin is in your immediate future...but many people lead very productive lives using insulin injection to control their "sugar". Get in touch with the company and possibly there is a dispatch or DM position you can fill...with your experience and insight you would be great in that type of position. Also check with local companies for the same situation, you can't throw 15 years of experience out the window!

Call the company insurance people and find out what your options are...don't go on hearsay...get the facts!

If all else fails...we could have a CondoCruiser MOD on the TTR!

 

Check into SSI disability at your local SSA office.

In this case, I'm not sure if your company can say you abandoned the truck. If SOP has been you take the truck home and your inability to get your medical was unforseen, I don't think it is abandonment.

I will encourage you to try to get used to that CPAP. If the mask is uncomfortable, try a different mask. There are several different styles. It has been proven that when OSA is treated effectively, other health issues resolve themselves. It's amazing how it all fits together. I used to work at Lincare. I personally saw cases in which issues you describe improved significantly with the consistent use of CPAP.

Diet and exercise are only pieces in a larger puzzle and I refuse to say some simple and pat thing as get off your arse and put down the fork. There's more to it than that.

Good luck to you. I'll ask the Grandmothers watch over you.

 

Disability will be an issue that you will most likely not meet. Just because you cannot work as a driver, does not prevent gainful employment.

However, with the history of driving, have you considered the waiver program for diabetes?

 

sorry to hear that dude, i hope it all works out for you.

 

you might be able to apply for the "family leave" to protect yourself. "family leave" as you may know can be used for taking care of a sick relative, check with your lawyer if you have one. as for the eye sight, it may improve a bit if you get you sugar under control as high sugar relates to eye problems. as mentioned DIET AND EXERCISE should be of great help to you. i cannot say much about the sleep apnea, maybe losing weight will help here as well.

as also mentioned, you still have avenues to pursue, that being a dispatcher, or other office type worker for a trucking company, where a DOT card should NOT be a requirement no more.

if you get fired, it will be NO FAULT of yours and you should collect for about 26 weeks the "first time, then an extra 26 weeks under the Federal extension, giving you one year for you to get yourself in better shape.
i think i speak for everyone here when i say, best of luck to you, you can do this, and get better.

 

Mr. CC...talk to your RT about going to a BiPAP and the possibility of nocturnal supplemental oxygen via canula...also, consider seeing an EENT about the possibility of surgery to reduce the soft tissues in your throat. I'm getting a more complete picture now.

I really hope they can figure your breathing out. If you are able to get real rest, I'm convinced your other issues will be significantly mitigated.

Don't give up.

 

Question? Did someone take your A1C value. Having two or six 200+ BG levels doesn't tell the whole story. If your A1C value is under 10% you can still be treated with oral meds.

Talk to your doctor about teaming the Metformin with Glipizide or one of the other oral meds. Exercise and diet are just as important as taking the meds. Even moderate exercise can lower your Serum BG level significantly. I am not just toting the party line here. I am a compliant Type II Diabetic and not insulin dependent. My DOT Medical Card was signed Tuesday for two years. I wasn't so compliant a month ago.

The Sleep Apnea is a bit more serious, but I suspect of you get yourself compliant with the CPAP you could always try for the waiver.