Dot Physical Disqualifications/3 Concerns

I'm posting this for a friend who is having computer issues right now....

I've been a vehicle driver non cdl/delivering food from 1central kitchen unit to various mini kitchen units located on one campus ground. I'm thinking about going into trucking. I have three issues/concerns that I'm facing that I need advise on to see if I'm going about this the right way or if I'm wasting my time and any schools time.

1 I was born with scoliosis so my spine has a slight s curve to it. Unless I take my shirt off and point it out to someone you would never know. As a kid I wore a back brace, I never played contact sports but other than that it's never really been an issue. It's only been later in life (I'm in my mid 40's) that I've had any real concerns. I had a back surgery 2 years ago, 360 fusion surgery, to try to relieve some of the pressure I was having in my lower back/hip area. I was off for 6 weeks, had to go through the entire process of fit for duty to return to work and was able to do that successfully with no problem. Fortunately still had time on the books: sick, vacation, comp/holiday, so I didn't miss but half of a pay check. I was able to return to work to my same position full duty doing all the things I had always done, drive the truck, load and unload the trailer, lifting milk and juice crates, pushing and pulling heavy metal food boxes, stacking crates of fruit, crates of snacks, doing call back orders , going up and down stairs, getting in and out of the truck, cleaning out the truck, inspection log/ etc, etc. I have been medication free for almost a year and a half, and only had an issue of feeling some irritation with numbness so about 6 months ago I had a cortisone shot, which seemed to work...except for the occasional Aleve or Tylenol, I haven't had any kind of pain medication since my surgery 2 years ago. I go back to the doctor tomorrow for a follow up from the 6 month cortisone injection. I got on the web and printed out the paper work needed to try to cover myself for the dot physical. I will give my surgeon a copy of the cdl job description and the medical release opinion to complete and have him state that I don't have any restrictions or limitations, I'll also show him a copy of the Medical Examination Report Fitness Determination (long form) in case he has any questions about it ...and take it with me in case I need it for anything.

2. Since I got the Cortisone injection 6 months ago and it's a steroid how long will that stay in my system and will I test positive for drugs? I will ask my doctor about this as well...and if any of you know ...any answers will be appreciated.

3.I don't have a current hernia but 4 yrs ago had double hernia surgery... should I get a medical release from my primary care physician regarding this stating that I'm ok to drive a commercial vehicle?... or should I not even mention it. will they be looking for scars down there or just have you cough why they feel? I don't have a current hernia and that's what they are checking for right?

I'm not having any back pain but I guess I should check "yes" on chronic back pain because it's asking on the Medical Examination Report for Commercial Drivers Fitness Determination "in the last 5 years".

This is all new to me but I'm doing as much research as I can. I have contacted some schools and narrowed it down to 2, will call recruiters back this week after I hear from you guys and visit with the doctor but honestly from listening to some of the answers I've gotten from the recruiters (not regarding my 3 concerns) but just on getting into school it's more like I'm a number and not a person, not trying to be offensive but that was just the impression I was left with. I know it's there job to get as many people in the best way they can and move on but this is a major life decision and I want to make sure I take my time and make the best decision that I can, it affects more than me. I know if I do get accepted and make it pass the dot physical and into a school I'm in for long hard ride, gotta have thick skin, game plan for finances for a rough 1st 6 months or more, etc, etc, etc.

I have had an abdominal hernia for about 7 years now as a result of some surgery. It does not bother me in the least. I have picked up 100-150 pound objects all day long at work and never have an issue.

I have had an abdominal hernia for about 7 years now as a result of some surgery. It does not bother me in the least. I have picked up 100-150 pound objects all day long at work and never have an issue.

Thanks Pat, I appreciate the response.

The back shouldn't be a problem as long as you can lift, I think, 70 or so pounds.

The cortisone will not be a problem (...6 months ago...). The DOT drug test is just urinary. Some companies do hair follicle but they typically only go back 90 days. It never hurts to have medical paperwork on hand just in case though.

You may need to get a release for the double hernia surgery to be on the safe side. They will ask on the paperwork about surgeries. If you try to hide it and they see the scars, they can reject you.

Above all, be honest and have the paperwork ready and in hand before the physical and you should be just fine.

Sorry, I mean they will be just fine.

The one thing that I see might be an issue, is the long periods of sitting in one position. That might give you some problems you are not expecting.

I had 2 really bad falls back when I was in my teens & early 20's that bothered me for years afterwards. The only way to be sure that won't be an issue is maybe take a long weekend drive somewhere & sit without a break for about 4 or 5 hours. If you can do that in a car/SUV without issues, I would think you will be fine in a big truck that has air ride seats.

Just something I know was a concern for me when I started this adventure called trucking.

Ernie

I would consider spending $100 or so for a DOT physical from an approved DOT physician and let the physician know absolutely every detail you can give. Discuss the extended periods of sitting, your ability to lift 75-100 pounds from the ground to your shoulders (which is part of some company physicals but not an official DOT requirements), prescriptions that are approved for commercial driving in case you need some in the future, and things of that nature.

This physical will not be an "official" physical that the companies will use. They will more than likely send you to their own doctors. But this will give you the heads up about any potential problems you may encounter down the road.

Also, anytime you go to take a physical make sure you bring every piece of paperwork you can think of related to your history - prescriptions, surgeries, doctor's visits - anything and everything you can come up with. The more information you can give them, the better.