Profile For Beverly J.

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.

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.

That is true Ian, and welcome to the forum!

In Texas you merely do a written test which shows whether you know what parts to be looking for in an actual pre-trip scenario.

Good luck Ian, but I'm gonna give you the same advice I give everyone in your situation. You really should go ahead and go for the class A license while you're doing it. You just never know what opportunities may be just around the corner for you, but if you're limited by the class B you won't be able to capitalize on them.

Will it still be a written test for Texas starting July 8, 2015, ....aren't there changes coming that will be effective on this date or will Texas still be taken a written test for pre-trip.