Just passed the DOT physical but....

That happens to me every year. No big deal, but you can get it re-checked. Odds are if you calmed down, and quit thinking about that nurse in the tight uniform, it would be OK. If you takes meds to lower the BP, some Doc's will only give you a one year certificate. Again, no big thing.

 

keep getting it check with your doctor, then after the one year you might be good. I wouldnt sweat it in the first year but get a check every few months and keep tabs on it. Or go get a machine and test yourself everyday keep track of it, and if it stays high you might need meds.

 

I've been told to take an aspirin before you go take ur physical. I would keep an eye on it tho to see if you need to have a better diet/exercise? Mine is always close to the 140 mark.

 

Empty your bowels just before your physical. Don't eat or drink that morning, just sips of water. And cut out salt and sugar as much as you can the week prior.

 

Just going to the doctor for that physical that means the difference between you being able to work or not, is enough to raise the BP of a lot of drivers. Some docs will take that into consideration. I have known some that would take your BP twice during your visit, and then put the lower reading down, assuming that there is a difference.

What will often happen is that you are nervous when you first go in, but after you have been there for a bit, you calm down enough to actually get a lower BP measurement.

In any case, high blood pressure is something that needs to be dealt with. There is a reason it has been called "The Silent Killer."

 

So having high blood pressure and on medication requires you to have a yearly DOT physical?

 

usually the doctor will re-take your BP in a matter of minutes after a reading like that. we all get nervous going to the doctor.

never drink ANY caffeinated beverage before a physical.

do not smoke before a physical.

you can always go to another doctor and get another physical, anytime you want. hell, you can go and get a DOT physical daily if you have the money...!!!

but if the reading remains higher as per DOT regulations, you can "self monitor" by going to any CVS, Walgreens, and some supermarkets that have a pharmacy, and the BP machine and get tested for free.

if you buy a BP monitor, DO NOT BUY the wrist type....!!!
in the end, your doctor may put you on BP meds, then from there, you will only get a 1 year DOT card. So what...???? getting a physical yearly is something we should do anyway's...