Any drivers with a pacemaker, or defibrillator implant ?

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by Wisc-Badger, Aug 26, 2013.

  1. Wisc-Badger

    Wisc-Badger Light Load Member

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    Jul 21, 2011
    Winston Salem, NC
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    Driving west of Chattanooga, I had chest & shoulder pain, vertigo, zero energy, it felt like my heart was racing & I couldn't catch my breath. Stopped at a rest stop, called 911, an ambulance took me to Erlanger hospital in Chattanooga. A cardiologist said I had an arrhythmia. They wanted to do more tests but I chose to return to Winston-Salem in N.C. to have those tests done; this was okay with those doctors. A friend gave me a ride home.

    A cardiologist with Wake Forest Baptist Hospital told me I might require a defibrillator implant. He'll do some tests in mid-September to determine that.

    He also said that if I do get this implant, my driving career is over.

    Are there any drivers out there who've got a pacemaker or a defibrillator implant?
     
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  3. Casual Trucker

    Casual Trucker Medium Load Member

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    Sep 7, 2012
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    I am not a doctor but just from watching many of my friends leave to that big Truck Stop in the sky I have started a daily regiment with or without food and that is omega xl and emergency supplements,& boost protein drinks which are available @ walmart set my phone alarm to blow the horn daily around noon time. If you are not gona eat right U just as well let the gogo juice do it 4 U
    Be well
    shocks I forgot one a day bayer aspirin
     
  4. CondoCruiser

    CondoCruiser The Legend

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    Apr 18, 2010
    Tennessee
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    A defibrillator implant is immediate disqualification. A pacemaker it depends on the underlying condition.

    It might be simple as some medication and lifestyle changes and they let you return. You probably won't know the extent of it until the test are done in September and you have some solid answers. Meanwhile take her easy and don't stress out.
     
  5. driver7702003

    driver7702003 Medium Load Member

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    Nov 12, 2011
    FLORIDA
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    391.41(b)(4)
    A person is physically qualified to drive a commercial motor vehicle if that person:
    Has no current clinical diagnosis of myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, coronary insufficiency, thrombosis.
    or
    Any other cardiovascular disease of a variety known to be accompanied by syncope, dyspnea, collapse, or congestive cardiac failure.
    The term "has no current clinical diagnosis of" is specifically designed to encompass, (1) a current cardiovascular condition; or (2) a cardiovascular condition which has not fully stabilized regardless of the time limit. The term "known to be accompanied by" is designed to include a clinical diagnosis of a cardiovascular disease (1) which is accompanied by symptoms of syncope, dyspnea, collapse, or congestive cardiac failure; and or (2) which is likely to cause syncope, dyspnea, collapse, or congestive cardiac failure.
    It is the intent of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations to render unqualified, a driver who has a current cardiovascular disease which is accompanied by and/or likely to cause symptoms of syncope, dyspnea, collapse, or congestive cardiac failure. However, the subjective decision of whether the nature and severity of an individual's condition will likely cause symptoms of cardiovascular insufficiency is on an individual basis and qualification rests with the medical examiner and the motor carrier. In those cases where there is an occurrence of cardiovascular insufficiency (myocardial infarction, thrombosis, etc.), it is suggested that, before a driver is certified, he/she have a normal resting and stress ECG, no residual complications, no physical limitations, and is taking no medication likely to interfere with safe driving.
    Coronary artery bypass surgery and pacemaker implantation are remedial procedures and thus not unqualifying. Implantable cardioverter defibrillators are disqualifying due to risk of syncope. Coumadin is a medical treatment which can improve the health and safety of the driver and should not, by its use, medically disqualify the commercial driver. The emphasis should be on the underlying medical condition(s) which require treatment and the general health of the driver. FMCSA should be contacted at (202) 366-1790 for additional recommendations regarding the physical qualification of drivers on coumadin.
    (See Cardiovascular Advisory Panel Guidelines for the Medical Examination of Commercial Motor Vehicle Drivers at: http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/rulesregs/medreports.htm)
     
  6. SMOTrucker1

    SMOTrucker1 Bobtail Member

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    Sep 27, 2017
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    I recently had a pacemaker implant put in a couple of weeks ago, and was told by my cardiologist that I couldn't drive for at least 3-weeks. Then I checked with the facility that handles our DOT physicals, I can't return to driving a truck for 3-months. Plus I have to be able to drive without any restrictions. Drivers, if you're healthy and had no complications in the past, make sure when you sign on with a new company, make sure you take the short-term/long-term disability insurance, because you'll get only one chance to sign up for it.
     
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