Medical Question

Yes,blood pressure will be a major issue. Make sure to get that taken care of before you even go through schooling. Many newbies get sent home for this. As for the bout with Cancer, I don't see any reason why you wouldn't be able to drive. Your DR is the person to talk to though about this. The rest of us are just peein in the wind when it comes to questions like this.

Welcome to the forum man!

 

If and when you apply for a job do NOT even put it on the application and never mention it again. Carrier's will disqualify individuals who they figure they may drive their benefit costs up.

 

Lie ???????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????

 

Huge difference between telling a lie and volunteering unsolicited information which many do.

 

So,

that question about any illness/injury in the last 5 years ?????

 

None of their flippin' business unless it was a work related injury...imho.

 

At least from my experience... for a DOT or company physical I've never had a doc examine my body for scars, signs of surgery, etc. Usually you put on a gown and do some simple agility tests... then off you go.

The questionnaire you fill out before the physical does ask about past surgeries, however.

It's worth a shot to just lie. I think you'd have a very good chance of pulling it off. It's none of their d*** business as long as you can meet their company and DOT physical ability requirements.

 

You're only concern is the blood pressure. The cutoff is 140/90. If you just got on some meds, it will take about a month before you get the full effect of the medication. I've had my raised 4 times. The doc likes to wait a month or two before changing the dosage or BP medicine.

Always be honest on the medical form. You don't volunteer info, but if it asks, you answer it correctly. If someone runs into you head on, the lawyers will dig every piece of info they can find. You don't want to be caught lying in court.

As far as the surgery goes, you do have to disclose it. It shouldn't hurt you.
If you can use your legs normally to operate the pedals you are okay. Just as long as you are not prescribed narcotic pain killers or any habit forming drug, you are okay. The DOT just wants to make sure you have wits, won't pass out at the wheel and can handle the job. Cancer is slow and is really not their concern unless there are other problems because of it.

The health insurance shouldn't be a problem either. Most have that 1 year pre-existing condition clause. I'm not sure if Obama changed that yet or not? But that DOT physical is protected by ERISA. The company can't release the info to any third party without your written permission. The insurance company might ask their own questions when you enroll. If I remember correctly, they don't want any cancer or heart disease in the previous 2 years. So I'm pretty sure you are okay there other than waiting 12-15 months for coverage if the cancer returned.

Get that blood pressure down. When you are borderline, they might give you a 6 month or 1 year card until it's controlled. Other than all that, you should be good to go.

Trucking requires alot of sitting in the drivers seat and one has to get creative to find ways to eat healthy on the road. Everything in a truckstop will kill you. So if you are wanting to lose weight and excercise, it is a challenge on the road. More than being at home.

Congrats beating the cancer and good luck getting into trucking!