DOT Physical question

[bikegoon]

What all do they do in DOT physical?

I had surgery about two months ago on my low back, I have an implant, im strong as all get out and pain free, Im young at 34, I am terrified this will be a DQ for me.

Any thoughts?

[Rev.Vassago]

What all do they do in DOT physical?

I had surgery about two months ago on my low back, I have an implant, im strong as all get out and pain free, Im young at 34, I am terrified this will be a DQ for me.

Any thoughts?

Here is where you can obtain a copy of the actual medical form that the FMCSA requires.

CLICK ME

And here is the actual qualifications that would disqualify a driver:

CLICK ME

[bikegoon]

Thanks!

That is what I was looking for

It looks like I will qualify, I can climb ladders, jump, run all that without pain.

Thanks again!

[Sealord]

Was your back surgery related to a workers comp claim? Some companies shy away from someone with previous workers comp backgrounds. BOL

[bikegoon]

Well I was in a no fault of my own accident as a passenger in a company vehicle in 2000, the other driver was found at fault.
I had the problems with my back due to the wreck.

I did a permanent partial settlement with workers comp in 2002.

Just recently though, My L5 Extruded and needed to come out, however this surgery had nothing to do with workers comp, I could file the claim again seeing that this surgery was a direct result of the wreck in 2000, I have yet to do that and can if I need to.

Its not full blown spinal fusion, rather, I have a ball like implant called a fernstrom ball, here is a link to my Doctors website.
There is a animation on that site, pretty wild....
http://jborden.org/etc/C2056846532/E...512/index.html

It still have full range of motion and no loss of strength.
It was a pretty wild surgery, I feel awesome!
But I cant help but think DOT is gonna hammer me on it!

[dieselgrl]

From the information you've given, I don't foresee you having a problem with a DOT physical on the basis of your back surgery. I honestly don't even see you having a problem with a skills based test like Swift's Workwell exam if you're not experiencing pain at all.

[bikegoon]

Thanks for the reply Thdieselgrl.

I think I will be fine after this, I needed a confidence booster, would hate to get that far to get shot down!

[Useless]

Thanks for the reply Thdieselgrl.

I think I will be fine after this, I needed a confidence booster, would hate to get that far to get shot down!

Are you currently under any lifting or physical activities restrictions??

[bikegoon]

I was, it was 8lbs for a while.

I off though, think I will need a release from my doctor.

[Rev.Vassago]

I was, it was 8lbs for a while.

I off though, think I will need a release from my doctor.

The lifting requirements are usually something that the individual carriers require, rather than the standard DOT physical. I've applied for carriers who required that the driver could lift up to 80 lbs, and a test was done during the physical.

But, as far as I can remember, there is no lifting requirement in a standard DOT physical.

[glasman2]

bikegoon... kinda in the same spot your in. I'm in therapy right how gaining all my strength back. After not working for 2 years due to my injuries, I'm weak as all get out. Some of my therapy includes lifting weights and walking 50 feet 6 times. I started out with 20 lbs just a couple of weeks ago and up to 65 lbs now. I've been told with a back injury to prove it doesn't bother you any more some companies make you lift 100 lbs and walk 50 feet twice.

I'm sure by the time I have to take the DOT physical I will be above that mark or be able to do it at least 10 times.

I work out 2 hours 2 to 3 times a week real hard, sweat my butt off and my muscles are sore as hell when I'm done. Mind you I said muscles not back.

Hope your training a bit, 8 lbs is not going to cut it. I know you said you HAD a restriction of 8 lbs, and maybe you can lift more. So if you have a problem with 50 lbs, better buck up and start training.

Best of luck to you and keep me informed on how you do... OK?

[bikegoon]

Thanks for all the replys guys!

I have been walking upwards of 12-15 miles per week.

I am a bottle and insulator collector so sometimes I will walk for three-four miles of RR track. Or dig a 4x4x8 privy hole out.

I have been doing some upper body training on the weight machine, started out light and working it progressively.
The hardest part for me had been getting all the muscle that was cut up to snuff again. :shock:

Again you guys have been a great help so far! thanks!

I look forward to the DOT exam after this, I feel confident I will pass, but the old saying still applies, hope for the best and expect the worst!

[mack fan]

as far as the workers comp deal here in canada no company can find out about any claims. i know because i have 2 claims do to a unsafe work place and not looking at things before i move them but my claim guy told me that workers comp can not give any info out to any companies may be differnet in the us .