Passing The DOT Physical With Hypertension And Sleep Apnea And Hearing Loss

Hey all, I'm starting at Swift's academy on the 29th and will be quitting my current job (just working at Walmart as an overnight maintenance, so no big deal to lose it!) within the week, but I am somewhat worried about passing the Physical because I currently have high blood pressure, which is being treated with medication but still sometimes get high readings, and I have obstructive sleep apnea , which is also being treated by CPAP therapy (though its been quite some time since I've talked to the prescribing doctor!). I also have congenital hearing loss in both ears, though that has never affected my ability to drive any vehicle in the past and I do have a hearing aid that I only occasionally wear.

I'm not that concerned about the hearing loss, I should be able to pass their test on that while wearing my hearing aid, and as long as I continue to take my blood pressure medication, I expect that will not be such a big issue, either. The obstructive sleep apnea is what I'm most concerned about: Will they accept a medical opinion letter from my primary physician or do you think they will require something from a sleep specialist? I do not think omitting the fact that I have been diagnosed with sleep apnea is a good idea, despite the fact that I am receiving treatment for it.

Do not omit anything from your physical. Your sleep apnea should not be a problem, especially if you are already being treated with a CPAP machine. The one thing that might come in to play: your machine should be relatively new and able to give "use data". There is usually some kind of memory card that records how often the machine is used, and for how long each night. This is an FMCSR requirement. If your machine is older and does not have such a feature, you will likely have to replace it with a newer one. Insurance may cover it, especially because it is necessary for work. It will not hurt to get a letter from your physician stating your need for the machine and that, in their opinion, it does not affect your ability to drive a CMV.

My fiance is overweight, also has sleep apnea, and uses CPAP. We have already gone through a private school and are scheduled to start orientation with Swift on the 29th as well. Our recruiter has been very helpful and informed him that sleep apnea is not an issue, as long as it is being treated. Bring your machine with you to school and make sure you let your recruiter know beforehand. When you graduate and go OTR for training, they will put you in a truck equipped with an inverter so that you can continue to use your machine. Inverters are not standard on Swift trucks, so make sure they are aware of your needs. Do not leave in a truck without the ability to plug in your CPAP! Non-use will be considered a safety hazard, a violation of FMCSR, and can affect your CDL.

As for your blood pressure, if you are taking medication you should be good. Cut back on the salt during the next few weeks, if you are a smoker cut back as much as you can, and do not drink coffee or smoke on the morning of your physical. E-cigarettes are a good alternative that do not cause nearly as much of a spike in BP.

The requirement for the hearing test is the ability to hear a forced whisper at a distance of no less than five feet in your better ear. You may wear a hearing aid. I have mild hearing loss from factory work and I had no problem with the test.

Do not omit anything from your physical. Your sleep apnea should not be a problem, especially if you are already being treated with a CPAP machine. The one thing that might come in to play: your machine should be relatively new and able to give "use data". There is usually some kind of memory card that records how often the machine is used, and for how long each night. This is an FMCSR requirement. If your machine is older and does not have such a feature, you will likely have to replace it with a newer one. Insurance may cover it, especially because it is necessary for work. It will not hurt to get a letter from your physician stating your need for the machine and that, in their opinion, it does not affect your ability to drive a CMV.

It is an older machine, but it also has usage data that shows compliance numbers for up to 30 days, but only on a screen on the machine itself, it does not have a removable memory card. Thank you for the response. Do you think I should email or call my recruiter now to let them know my needs about being able to plug in a CPAP machine (I seriously can't even fall asleep without wearing it!), or should I just let them know on the first day at the school?

It is an older machine, but it also has usage data that shows compliance numbers for up to 30 days, but only on a screen on the machine itself, it does not have a removable memory card. Thank you for the response. Do you think I should email or call my recruiter now to let them know my needs about being able to plug in a CPAP machine (I seriously can't even fall asleep without wearing it!), or should I just let them know on the first day at the school?

The machine you have will be fine, if it has the ability to display data for the past 30 days that should be enough. Since you are going through the trucking school at Swift, it should be fine to tell them once you get there. The hotel room you're staying in will have outlets (maybe bring a small extension cord if your CPAP cord isn't very long, in case there are no outlets next to the bed). The school lasts 3 weeks I believe. That will be enough time for them to make arrangements and set you up with a trainer who has an inverter. Good luck, school can be overwhelming at first but you will power through it. Make sure you've completed the High Road Training Program if you haven't already, it will give you a leg up on everyone else in class.