I Got A 3 Month Medical Card....

I'm looking into going to Pinnacle Truck Driver Training in Cadillac, Mi. I was gonna go to Prime, the Cr England, but I feel like those are too much of a risk to quit my current job. My last post asked about getting on somewhere with a criminal record and it seems that's not a huge deal with it being 10 years old this coming July. My new concern is this, I am type 2 diabetic and got a 3 month medical card at my physical today. Will anyone take me on knowing that I have to come back in 90 days to get an extension?

I should also mention that I have a phone interview with Schneider next week. They're aware of my criminal record, so I'll ask about the med card then.

I should also mention that I have a phone interview with Schneider next week. They're aware of my criminal record, so I'll ask about the med card then.

You should be ok... I think once you get your blood pressure in check within that 90 days then they will issue you a year med card

I'm looking into going to Pinnacle Truck Driver Training in Cadillac, Mi. I was gonna go to Prime, the Cr England, but I feel like those are too much of a risk to quit my current job. My last post asked about getting on somewhere with a criminal record and it seems that's not a huge deal with it being 10 years old this coming July. My new concern is this, I am type 2 diabetic and got a 3 month medical card at my physical today. Will anyone take me on knowing that I have to come back in 90 days to get an extension?

(forgive me if this has been answered on another thread) - this is NON-INSULIN DEPENDENT TYPE-II, right?

You should have gotten a 1 year card - if there were no other "precluding conditions". Did you bring your medical records and a letter from your doctor stating that you condition was stable and managed?

Rick

I think all you said was that your'e a T2 Diabetic and that you got a 90 day medical card, was it for high BG, did'nt see mention of BP,,, if it's a Diabetic problem, go on line and look up Dr Richard Bernstein "Diabetic Solution", Type II Diabetis is a Disease of choice for 90% of the people that have it.

I think all you said was that your'e a T2 Diabetic and that you got a 90 day medical card, was it for high BG, did'nt see mention of BP,,, if it's a Diabetic problem, go on line and look up Dr Richard Bernstein "Diabetic Solution", Type II Diabetis is a Disease of choice for 90% of the people that have it.

Agreed. My A1C's were up to 6.5 when my weight was way up. Got down under 200 (5'5") and my A1C's are 5.4.

Type II runs on both sides of my family. My grandmother was thin as a rail, got Type II in her 70's - turned "brittle" and insulin dependent.

My dad (OTOH), is a self-abuser - and went from pills to the needle rather fast in his late 60's.

So there is some "genetic component", as well as healthy weight and eating as factors.

Rick

I'm looking into going to Pinnacle Truck Driver Training in Cadillac, Mi. I was gonna go to Prime, the Cr England, but I feel like those are too much of a risk to quit my current job. My last post asked about getting on somewhere with a criminal record and it seems that's not a huge deal with it being 10 years old this coming July. My new concern is this, I am type 2 diabetic and got a 3 month medical card at my physical today. Will anyone take me on knowing that I have to come back in 90 days to get an extension?

(forgive me if this has been answered on another thread) - this is NON-INSULIN DEPENDENT TYPE-II, right?

You should have gotten a 1 year card - if there were no other "precluding conditions". Did you bring your medical records and a letter from your doctor stating that you condition was stable and managed?

Rick

Sorry. Not insulin dependant. They looked up my last a1c and it was high because I wasn't on my meds due to my previous meds giving me stomach issues that made it almost impossible to work. My sugars are lower now so I'm not worried about it not getting extended, I'm worried about getting hired with a 3 month card.

Ryan, I really think this is a non-issue, at least it's nothing to be concerned with at this point.

First off, I've been to four different orientations at prospective truck driving jobs and never once was I ever asked anything about the length of time on my medical card. Here's what will happen after you've gone through your truck driving school and get your first job. In order to be compliant with the FMCSA rules, some of the first things that new employer will do with you is a drug test and a new physical. That's right - you are going to get a new medical card before you ever drive one of their trucks. In fact, I would be willing to bet that you are going to have to get another physical done during your first few days at the trucking school.

So the real issue for you is that you need to be doing whatever it takes in the meantime to keep those numbers down as best you can. You want them to be able to issue you the best time frame on that card that the physician feels is correct.

So if you are genuinely concerned about this then do what ever it is that will get those numbers down - then you should be fine.

A "3 month card" - is supposed to be a ONE SHOT DEAL, to enable you to get whatever condition you have, under control.

I was fighting with the last M.E. I got my renewal from, because I had a difficult time getting my BP under 140/90. The 140 part was fine - I got that down to 130. But hard a difficult time getting the bottom number lower than 95. Under FMCSA rules - this SHOULD have gotten me a 1 year card - but she threatened to give me a 3 month card.

Non-Insulin controlled Type II Diabetics are entitled to a 1 year card. Unless your urine test showed sugar or ketones - there's no reason (according to the rules) to not give you a 1 year card.

You WILL be tested again - pretty much at every employers orientation you attend (at least for new drivers in the industry). Companies that hire people with years of experience, typically only want to see a CURRENT CARD - and you're good to go.

My A1C was up .1 on my most recent blood work (5.5) - but I started back on my diet (medi-fast) and all my numbers will be back to normal in a few months when I drop this extra 60 that "mysteriously materialized" around my gut. That will also put my BMI way below any threshold used to scrutinize for Sleep Apnea.

PLUS - It's just HEALTHIER to not carry all that extra weight around.

Rick

Ryan, I see that you live in Michigan. my buddy just graduated trucking driving school and has orientation at KC in Carelton. you might want to check them out. just a thought.