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Sleep Apnea nd BMI. CDL Physicals still stupid about sleep tests?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Six9GS, Jun 10, 2019.

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  1. Jun 10, 2019 #1
    Six9GS

    Six9GS Road Train Member

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    I hung out in this forum around 2012, 2013 when I was first interested in becoming a truck driver. Numerous reasons (family & existing career) didn't allow me at that time, but I did learn quite a bit. Times have changed and I now actually have the chance, if I decide I want to at this point. Anyway, back then, it seemed many CDL doctors were eager to give just about anyone they could come up with an excuse about to require a sleep test for apnea. Has it changed? Are docs, in general, still hung up on making folks get sleep tests? I'm 59, BMI of 34, neck circumference of 17.5". So, I'm kinda wondering if I can 'expect' to get flagged for a test or if Docs have tended to become more reasonable and therefore I may not be required. Anyway, anyone have opinions or thoughts or recent experience.
     
    Six9GS, Jun 10, 2019
    Six9GS, Jun 10, 2019
    #1
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  3. Jun 10, 2019 #2
    x1Heavy

    x1Heavy Road Train Member

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    BMI of 34 tells me you are obese. And so

    Defining Adult Overweight and Obesity | Overweight & Obesity | CDC

    Remember, I am speaking plain against the chart itself. NOT insulting etc. (Weight situation is not something I care about anyway in people, it has no meaning until the doctors see and understand what they are dealing with)
     
    x1Heavy, Jun 10, 2019
    x1Heavy, Jun 10, 2019
    #2
  4. Jun 10, 2019 #3
    tucker

    tucker Road Train Member

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    There’s no official rule about sleep apnea but threads still pop up saying doctors are making drivers get tested.
     
    tucker, Jun 10, 2019
    tucker, Jun 10, 2019
    #3
    Six9GS and x1Heavy Thank this.
  5. Jun 10, 2019 #4
    Six9GS

    Six9GS Road Train Member

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    Yuma, AZ
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    Yea, I kinda know that according to my BMI, I am obese. LOL. Also, I am not necessarily trying to get around a sleep test and all the hullabaloo. Besides my BMI I do not suffer sleep apnea symptoms and I do understand the personal responsibility one should take regarding things, such as sleep apnea, that could make a driver less safe to drive. The purpose of my post was that back when I was on this forum before there were many who were of the opinion that many Docs found whatever excuse they could to make a driver get a sleep test (general theory being it was promoted for profit purposes). I was just inquiring if that situation has changed any.
     
    Six9GS, Jun 10, 2019
    Six9GS, Jun 10, 2019
    #4
    x1Heavy Thanks this.
  7. Jun 10, 2019 #5
    kemosabi49

    kemosabi49 Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    It all depends on the examiner. Stay away from places like Concentra. The FMCSA has not established a formal rule on apnea, but still issued guidance on it that some docs are pushing
     
    kemosabi49, Jun 10, 2019
    kemosabi49, Jun 10, 2019
    #5
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  8. Jun 10, 2019 #6
    Moose1958

    Moose1958 Road Train Member

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    The FMCSA tried to issue rules. Congress slapped their hands and they took them down. What we are left with at it's heart is a lot of never-never land with each examiner interpreting the (rules?) as they see fit. If you have a choice ask around and see if you can find a more honest examiner.
     
    Moose1958, Jun 10, 2019
    Moose1958, Jun 10, 2019
    #6
  9. Jun 11, 2019 #7
    Tombstone69

    Tombstone69 Road Train Member

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    Sleep apnea in the driver's seat is dangerous and deadly, if you have it you shouldn't be driving,.. That's all I have to say about that.
     
    Tombstone69, Jun 11, 2019
    Tombstone69, Jun 11, 2019
    #7
    Appalachained and DTP Thank this.
  10. Jun 11, 2019 #8
    lovesthedrive

    lovesthedrive R.I.P.

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    Sleep apnea isnt stupid. It is a problem and best to be discovered. Tho for me it was a matter of not sleeping on my back. Sleep on my sides and no more apnea.
     
    lovesthedrive, Jun 11, 2019
    lovesthedrive, Jun 11, 2019
    #8
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  11. Jun 11, 2019 #9
    buddyd157

    buddyd157 Road Train Member

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    then by that thought, all drivers that are on diabetic meds, and blood pressure meds and anti rejection meds for a recent transplant, and need to wear glasses and corrective footwear...should not be drivers..????

    what about drivers who wear suspenders rather than a proper belt...?? are they allowed to be drivers?

    and what about cross-dressing drivers, should they be denied a drivers job..???
    (ok, i'll give you THAT one)
     
    buddyd157, Jun 11, 2019
    buddyd157, Jun 11, 2019
    #9
    Lonesome, dunchues, TROOPER to TRUCKER and 2 others Thank this.
  12. Jun 11, 2019 #10
    HotH2o

    HotH2o Road Train Member

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    Sleep apnea is a racket. I’m not saying it doesn’t exist but you never heard about it 10-20 years ago. I go see a chiropractor for my med card. He doesn’t mention anything about sleep apnea.
     
    HotH2o, Jun 11, 2019
    HotH2o, Jun 11, 2019
    #10
    Lonesome and booley Thank this.
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