Medical Card - Lesson Learned

So I posted on a thread that Big Scott had concerning losing his medical card (how’s your progress Big Scott). I went for my DOT Physical on August 1 and was thrown into a “suspended” status for a couple reasons.

1. High blood sugar. I had eaten myself into Type 2 diabetes. My A1C was at 6.5...that is THE line for prediabetes vs. diabetes. As a result I had to present the DOT PA doing my physical with a “plan of treatment” which was not a big hassle.

2. High blood Pressure. I registered a BP if 160/80 both times. So she said maybe I was nervous and to have my personal physician take it in his office and report the results.

I should note that the DOT PA was a sweetheart who really gave me a break by suspending, rather than pulling my med card altogether.

So I went to my personal physician and promptly registered 168/80. They adjusted my medicines and told me to come back in a week.

So from August 5 until 8/14 I was unavailable to my company to drive and support their customer. I was also not making any money.

Lesson learned?

I can’t treat my health care like a faucet that I can turn on/off when I need it. It needs to be a 24/7/365 thing.

I’m so fortunate that my company stood by me as I attempted to get the numbers in line.

I started this “journey” on July 11th with my personal physician and have lost , as of yesterday 16 lbs, my BP is under control and I’m making better choices on foods. I feel better physically and mentally.

Hoping that this story encourages drivers that might be doing the same thing as I did to be proactive and not risk their employment by neglecting their health....like I did.

That’s it for me. Still wanting to hear BIg Scott’s progress.

Wow - 6.5 A1C is on the borderline for needing the NEEDLE. That is NO BUENO - both for driving and overall health. Likewise the BP.

"Suspending" is the same as pulling your med card. ANY TIME you go in for a DOT Exam and fail - your previous card is ruled INVALID, and if they don't issue a NEW CARD - you are Medically Disqualified From Driving. They could have issued you a 90 day card (one time only) - so you could keep working while you resolved your issues, unless they deemed them so hazardous to public safety that they wouldn't certify you.

I had an instance a number of years ago - where my BP was just over the limit. They gave me a 90 day card - I got back on my BP meds, and that was that.

TAKE CARE OF THE OBESITY (the most common cause for high A1C's). Last time I was that high (a decade ago), my Doc told me in 6 months my pancreas would be shot ,and I'd be on the needle for the rest of my life. SCARED STRAIGHT.

Rick

Tim congrats and getting it under control. This is proof positive none of us are guaranteed tomorrow. I too am waiting to hear back on Big Scott’s situation.

Tim, kudos to you for coming to grips with your health issues. I'm in the same boat and have lost 18 lbs. since I lost my card. BP is now 120/80, mainly because of dietary changes and more exercise. No starches (ok, I cheat once in a while), no sweets, no soda. Meat, fruit and veggies are ok. No fruit juice, but veggie juice is ok. Cut out coffee, but that was my own choice.

I think we'll know Big Scott is making progress when he changes his handle to "Medium Scott".

BP is now 120/80,

Great job Bruce.

So do you still plan to be driving again this winter?

Bruce, you'd do better drinking coffee over vegetable juice.

Bruce, you'd do better drinking coffee over vegetable juice.

Coffee over vegetable juice? Sounds like a TERRIBLE combination! (LOL)

Actually I've never liked coffee that much. I have to put too much cream and sugar in so it really adds calories to my diet.

To Rob D's question, I'd like to drive this winter but I've still got the sleep apnea issue to solve and what to do with Moocho Poocho. Time will tell. Thanks for asking!

Try natural sweeteners from the stevia plant. I use Truvia sweetener for coffee. Tastes just like sugar and all-natural, zero calories.

Try natural sweeteners from the stevia plant. I use Truvia sweetener for coffee. Tastes just like sugar and all-natural, zero calories.

Truvia is only a tiny part stevia, the largest ingredient is sugar from alcohol.

My hubby puts honey in his coffee.... (think he got that from me, because I drink tea, but now use only lemon....) is that bad for sugar etc.. as well? He got his 2 year card in October of last year, but he's not getting any younger. He does a high protein diet, as well....just won't eat guac. LoL.