Pacemaker

Your heath is way more important then a driving career. If your doc says you need one, you should get it. You can always learn a new carrer, but if your heart stops while driving w/o a pacemaker, you and anyone you hit will die. Figgure out what "may need" means, but i wouldn't think driving should even factor into the decision if you need one.

 

ok...checked with my safety man and he led me to this...

Coronary artery bypass surgery and pacemaker implantation are remedial procedures and thus not unqualifying. Implantable cardioverter defibrillators are disqualifying due to risk of syncope. Coumadin is a medical treatment which can improve the health and safety of the driver and should not, by its use, medically disqualify the commercial driver. The emphasis should be on the underlying medical condition(s) which require treatment and the general health of the driver. FMCSA should be contacted at (202) 366-1790 for additional recommendations regarding the physical qualification of drivers on coumadin...

He should bring qualifying info and documentation to the DOT physician from his primary care heart physician and he will make the decision based on this information or can require further examination or testing to determine if he qualifies. Bottom line, a simple pace maker for slow heart rhythm should not be a problem....how ever getting all the documentation may cause a stroke I suppose