OldTroubador's blog post - 8 April 2015

Well, to sort of explain my brief bit of vulgarity in status this afternoon and to keep you all apprised about what is going on.
The USDOT has mandated that anyone operating a commercial motor vehicle must undergo periodic medical testing by a USDOT certified doctor. There are certain criteria that must be met in many categories. One of these categories is blood pressure. The standard that has to be maintained is 140/90 or less. Anything higher than that is a disqualifying symptom.
For years, I received annual physicals from the company I worked for before becoming a driver. Those criteria were vastly different - as I worked for a hazardous waste disposal company, the medicos were mainly checking to see if any organic or metallic elements were accumulating in my blood or urine, which would indicate accumulation in various organs. They were also concerned with lung capacity which was important when using various breathing apparati. If my blood pressure at that time was elevated, it was never noticed by me; I was watching the contaminant numbers.
In February 2008, I had my first DOT physical and exceeded the threshold for blood pressure. I quickly got a prescription and after three days of testing, was then qualified, medically, to drive a truck.
Since that time, I have fought with my BP ever since. I have had my meds adjusted to stronger dosages over the years and they would always do the trick. This year, I had my first physical in January. I busted the blood pressure at that time, but only by a few points. I went to my physician on my next break and, instead of asking for an increase, received the same meds that I had been taking for two years. I had three months to bring my BP under control and that day was today.
I am always nervous going to the doctor because I know that he/she holds my livelihood in his/her hands. I had been taking my medications like I was supposed to, I had changed my coffee habits - I was mixing my coffee as 50% regular/50% decaf. Now, granted, I had started my log book at midnight, driven five hours to get unloaded, picked up another load off a drop yard and driven 45 miles north to deliver that - through Dallas morning rush hour. When I got to the delivery, the load was refused as not scheduled and the account manager for this customer seemed in no hurry to rectify the situation. This put my next load in jeopardy, which was going to be a mileage load going to Indiana.
When I got to the doctor's office, everything went fine, at first. I passed the vision, the hearing, the urine test for diabetes, everything. But as soon as the cuff went on my arm, it all went to hell. The initial reading was 164/115. Two subsequent readings never went below 155/110. I was refused a medical clearance and therefore am unable to drive.
So, what do I do? My manager put me in for a week's vacation, so I don't lose much pay. I am hopping on a Greyhound bus in the morning to take me down to Houston where my wife will pick me up. She has graciously allowed me back in the house for the duration and is setting up doctors appointments for me for Friday. After a weekend of my new meds, I will probably go back for a check-up. Then I have to arrange for another physical which I should pass. I hope. Then I have to make arrangements with the state of Texas to see what needs to be done to regain my license. I will probably have to take a written test to obtain a permit, then be bussed back to Denton, TX to get back in my truck and take the driving portion of my test.
I am not sure how long this will take. I do know that I will be out of touch with everyone, starting tomorrow morning, at least through the end of next week. (Although she is letting me back in the house, I really don't see her letting me get on NN while I am there).
The only thing I love more than this job is my daughter. To continue as a road warrior, I am going to have to make some lifestyle changes and changes to the way I eat. I already have received some great ideas about dietary supplements that might help. I'm not really qualified to do much else and besides, can you see this old grouch working as a door greeter at Wally World? LOL. Anyway, I want to thank everyone for their concern and well wishes. They mean so much, you cannot begin to imagine.
So, after tonight, I will be unplugged for a while. I will continue to think about each of you, wonder how you are doing, and will carry you with me wherever the winds of fortune take me.
My love to one and all.
Bill