FMCSA and Medical Industry caused me all sorts of issues this week.

[Mike]

So last year after getting those dreaded shots in the arm, I developed a couple medical issues, most notably high blood pressure.

Had to go to my doctor, get prescribed medication, then back to clinic for my 1 year physical.

Took the medication for about a month, doctor told me I could quit taking it and no need to return.

Fast forward a year later, I go in to take my physical on Saturday, and they refused to give me a card because I needed a note from my doctor that my blood pressure was under control.

Blood pressure is 105/69, but I need a not from my doctor.

Monday, go to doctor. Can’t get a note until doctor gives me an exam. Can’t get in that day, so scheduled for Tuesday.

Tuesday morning, nurse checks blood pressure, then sends in doctor. Doctor is kind of embarrassed after asking what he can do for me, and me saying I just need his permission to work.

Realizing this was all stupid, he provides a note and doesn’t charge me for a visit.

So, instead of leaving home Sunday with a really good load as well as a load right back home, I’m headed out to Wisconsin today after fighting brokers all afternoon yesterday.

Too many people control us, lol.

 

[Uncle Birchy]

So last year after getting those dreaded shots in the arm, I developed a couple medical issues, most notably high blood pressure.

Had to go to my doctor, get prescribed medication, then back to clinic for my 1 year physical.

Took the medication for about a month, doctor told me I could quit taking it and no need to return.

Fast forward a year later, I go in to take my physical on Saturday, and they refused to give me a card because I needed a note from my doctor that my blood pressure was under control.

Blood pressure is 105/69, but I need a not from my doctor.

Monday, go to doctor. Can’t get a note until doctor gives me an exam. Can’t get in that day, so scheduled for Tuesday.

Tuesday morning, nurse checks blood pressure, then sends in doctor. Doctor is kind of embarrassed after asking what he can do for me, and me saying I just need his permission to work.

Realizing this was all stupid, he provides a note and doesn’t charge me for a visit.

So, instead of leaving home Sunday with a really good load as well as a load right back home, I’m headed out to Wisconsin today after fighting brokers all afternoon yesterday.

Too many people control us, lol.

In the end everything worked out it seems.

Ya it was a pain in the @$$ but we got way too many regulations regarding this industry .

I would've loved see the look on that doctors face about so ya can work

 

[389 Hood]

I monitor my BP daily. Well within DOT specs. I go for the annual and I'm off the charts. I make a spreadsheet of my pressure checks with day, date and times and hand it to him along with the cuff to check if it's accurate. He says the cuff is good and writes in my average, which again, falls into specs. He can also see the memory the machine stores.

I keep telling him, 'just one more year, doc'. He says not in this economy, that's why I still work at almost 70. He stamps the card and off I go until next August.

 

[mndriver]

And people wonder why I’m counting down 33 months.

 

[Uncle Birchy]

And people wonder why I’m counting down 33 months.

Your "Retirement" Party..

I tried "Retiring" once but not enough money...

Plus after awhile at home I get the Trucking "Itch" again...

So I became a "Professional Orientation Class Attendee" and what I do is "Job Hopping" 3 months here 5/6 months there then I go home for 2/3 months catch up on my Drinking and do my Hiking then when I get "Bored" with that I go find another Trucking Company catch out again..

What get out of it is a nice Work/Free-Time balance you cannot get anywhere else and enough income to live off & even save afew dollars in the bank.

 

[mndriver]

Because all of the medical requirements and procedures changing and the foolish hoops we have to jump through.

The stupid physician certification has been the worst. Lot of good doctors who KNEW your situation suddenly can’t say anything about it. Some jackwad who decides to sit through a training session and learn the answers can pass the test. Doesn’t necessarily make them qualified to certify or deny you.

 

[389 Hood]

I think that it sucks that they want everyone to conform to the same standards. Those standards don't fit everyone. We're all individuals, not pre-programmed robots. Save that stuff for Musk.