Profile For STEVE B.

Brett, good thing DOT doesn't include a Spelling Bee with medical. We would both fail. (Discrimination) I try not to live looking through rose colored glasses, but the only way I would know there were changes was until I took my physical. There was no mention of BMI two years ago at last physical. I work for a family owned manufacturing company and my main focus is being a safe, courteous operator and a loyal employee. This is the first time I've ever gone online to a truckers site seeking answers. Our shipping mgr. was not notified of any changes. I'm 59, I have a physical annually with my personal doctor. Blood work, blood pressure, cholesterol and prostate check! I'm healthy and strong. This simply is the way God made me! I don't feel it's necessary for me to change my physical appearance or makeup for my livelihood. I challenge you to go to any truckstop and ask who is aware of BMI check. And estimate how many drivers would not pass. "Sorry drivers. No biscuits and gravy this morning. DOT says you're FAT!" Thanks for your advice. I will use the CPAP and will stay up to date with regulations. But, this is DISCRIMINATION.

Steve, losing your occupation all of a sudden like that really sucks! But sleep apnea has been all the rage for several years now and this couldn't have hit you completely out of the blue. I know Prime Inc has been requiring sleep apnea tests for anyone with a BMI over 39 (I think it's 39) for several years now and several other companies have been doing the same.

Sleep Apnea is the new drug testing. Clinics and medical device makers are looking to cash in....no question. In fact we even have an article called The Sleep Apnea Witch Hunt.

But at the same time this is a very real, life-or-death thing we're dealing with here and people who have been diagnosed and treated have found it to be a major life-changing experience - literally.

Luckily for you there's one really simple solution to this whole thing and you know exactly what it is. The question is simple.....do you want to jump through hoops for the rest of your trucking career and hope to God you don't have to hang it up permanently or do you want to lose a few pounds and get out of that sleep apnea test range? Your choice. You can call it descrimation. You can call it unfair. You can write your Congressman. Or you can lose a few pounds, feel like a million bucks, and get back to work.

I know it's upsetting to have to deal with this all of a sudden but you're really lucky in a way because you have a problem that's easy to solve. Soooo many people would give anything to be able to say that.

Took my physical in CA. Same old ridiculous elementary test a Rhesus monkey would pass.EXCEPT, the examiner apologized and state they now have a BMI standard and we also need to measure your neck circumference. Little did I know it would be for the fitting of the noose that was soon to follow! He said the max BMI is 35. I came in at a whopping 37! I was impressed. What did I win? A 30 day medical card he said. Huh? Yes. You hve 30 days to get a referral from your PCP to take a sleep study and if you have apnea you have to get CPAP, use itfor at least a week then take CPAP back to sleep center to download SMI card to prove you've been using it! Then bring the results back and we'll give you med clearance for a year. I knew this process would take more than given time. My test results showed mild apnea. I requested an extension from DOT: Denied. DMV: Denied. My sterling CDL of 25 years turned into a lowly class c midnight 8/15/14. I am not working today. I have been the same height and weight for 20 years. My wife says I don't snore and have no interruptions in my breathing. Oh, and my noose, er, neck has been the same size since I was fitted for my wedding tux. Discrimination? I'd say yes. Our 'leader' enacted this bill in one week! I have contacted my State rep and the Atty Gen offices. Is there an entity in the trucking industry that is researching this irresponsible action? God Bless and good luck. Especially to all my Paisans!