So, I know this is about 10 or so months later, but I wanted to share even more news about my DOT physical journey, as it were.
Because I'd tested positive for sleep apnea (I think everyone does?) I ended up going through a program for weight loss surgery and had my surgery in June. From the time I'd gotten my 1 year card, I've since lost 100lbs. My surgeon asked me a series of questions about my current sleep patterns and habits and asked how I'm sleeping now and I'm honestly sleeping 100 times better than I was. He told me that in his professional medical opinion, that with my prior scores on the sleep apnea test, with my weight loss, and my current sleep results, that I likely don't have sleep apnea anymore. I've also been removed from all of my medications.
Upon telling all of this to my DOT examiner, she accepted it all and issued me a 2 year card today!
I thought for sure that my career was going to be ruined by this failed sleep test, but I never lied about it and found a way to work through it. Now, at a minimum, I have two years to continue my progress.
The kicker is that I'm currently going through the hiring process for a local job that pays really well. Initially, last week, they told me that I'd nailed the interview, have the experience that they're looking for, and that my next step would be going for a DOT physical and drug test at Concentra. I responded that I was very interested in the job and would love to work for them, but I'd never go to another Concentra again.
They responded that their protocol was to send drivers to Concentra, that they'd done it for the past 20 years and that if I refused, their job offer was rescinded.
I then responded "Well, I'm sorry to hear that, but I understand and good luck moving forward with other drivers!"
They then responded 7 hours later that they've agreed to change their stance on drivers going through Concentra and would accept my medical card from my own medical examiner.
It's a small victory, but life is good today!
Thank you to everyone that responded and tried to help me in this thread, I really appreciate everyone and the time you took to respond to me!
Question Re: DOT Physical & Sleep Apnea
Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by TexasTrucker83, Jan 4, 2023.
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