Good morning. Have a question I'm hoping to find an answer to...

I'm a long haul liquid chemical tank truck driver who is very new to this affliction as well as to this site (1st post was yesterday). Was wondering if there are any other road warriors out there who have experience keeping this Beast at bay while still keeping it legal for the DOT? Seems like many of the treatment options I've read so far have some side effects that could pose serious problems -- not to mention a mountain of paperwork. Any ideas?

Looking forward to your responses. Thanks.

One long haul trucker here has no problem carrying O2 in the cab of his rig.

Thanks, Racer. Perhaps he'll stop by soon to help enlighten me. Being as new as I am to this, I could certainly use all the experience I can pull from as it has rapidly become painfully(!!!) obvious that ignorance it not an option here.

O2 and energy drinks with Taurene and Caffeine for abortives.  Be sure you secure your O2 tanks correctly for safety, but that is probably your best bet. 

Look in to START PRINTPAGEMultimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or END PRINTPAGE; Drug tests don't pick it up.

Look in the Meds and Treatments section for the "123 Days PF and I know why" thread.  Quite a few people have gotten relief from it, and it is all over the counter with no bad side effects at all, let alone anything that will affect your driving.

A reformed driver,
Jerry

Thanks Jerry. Reformed, huh? Why I can't for the life of me think of a single reason why anyone would ever want to come off the road. ;)

The O2 abort is almost certainly out. Kind of a shame, seem to recall from my USAF days that a few huffs could kill a King Kong hangover in almost no time flat. In researching it, I found this gem on the FMCSR FAQ's list: "In most cases, the use of oxygen therapy while driving is disqualifying. Concerns include oxygen equipment malfunction, risk of explosion, and the presence of significant underlying disease that is disqualifying." It goes on to elaborate that with preliminary pulmonary testing and monitoring the driver MAY be eligible for a waiver. (Yeah, right). And while they do allow waivers for oxygen concentrators for those with sleep apnea, that's a DOT Red Flag List I'd prefer not to ever be on even if I did have it.

So as that apparently narrows my options, I guess I'll just hope that a bit of headbanging and a rodeo with the Red Bull will continue to do the trick. Thank goodness truck walls already come pre-padded (Note: insert your favorite "How Appropriate" joke here). Come to think of it... can't be any worse than driving Atlanta, can it?

As far as preventatives go, with lithium and anything even remotely in the same alphabet as an anti-psychotic definitely out -- and with the possible side effects of Verapamil being drowsiness and dizziness --  it certainly appears I may need to start looking seriously down the vitamin therapy path as you suggested. Quite legal and seemingly fairly inexpensive at a cursory glance, but am definitely going to consult with my medical braintrust before takin' 'er out for a spin. 

Thanks again. Hope you've found happiness in the REAL WORLD.

IF you have a doc's statement in your records saying that Verpapmil and Olanzapine do not cause you side effects--would that give you protection from DOT ?

Not entirely sure on that, Bob, but definitely something to look into if I can't get results otherwise. Would definitely create a stack of paperwork for them to go through, that's for sure. Hmmm... boy, would THAT be payback. :)

Thanks.

O2 therapy for CH is different than for something like COPD.  You don't have a canula in your nose as you are driving, nor would you be able to use it while driving.  You would get off the road (as you have to do with a bad hit anyway) suck on some O2, kill the hit, put away the O2, and go on down the road.  FMSCR regs applying to O2 use while driving don't apply.

Unless the regs have changed in the 5 yrs I've been off the road Verap, Olanzipene, or Lithium are not a problem unless they impair your driving.  As with any medication you have to be sure you are not impaired, but that goes of over the counter stuff like cough syrup as well.  It is something you will have to discuss with your Dr and try when you can ascertain that it won't be an issue to you.  I was on Verp and Lithium both at pretty high levels for quite some time before I had to get off of them because of side effects, but neither interfered with my driving.  As with all things, YMMV.

I still miss the road, and when I talk with another driver it really comes back.  My Dad has been retired and off the road now for over 20 yrs.  He bought an RV and traveled the country showing Mom different places he has been, but he has been unable to do that for 10 yrs now.  I had dinner with him yesterday, and we were talking about different parts of the country we've seen.  He still misses it too.  I had an opportunity to stay home while my youngest daughter is still at home.  I missed to much when I was on the road.  In a couple of years when she is out of the house I may well get another truck and take the wife along and hit the road again.  Once it is in your blood it can't even be surgically removed. ;D

Jerry

Jerry, that is some very useful info and I'm taking good notes. Just the kind of feedback I was hoping for.

Got a question: Did you take your meds year round or just when a cycle was anticipated? Not that I have any experience on how to predict them yet -- my head just started playing this tune on the 13th. Seems like an eternity since then though, but perhaps that still leaves me hopeful (or is it naive?) enough to think they'll JUST GO AWAY.

As for the road, yes, it's an "in your blood" thing. Can't even imagine trading it for anything despite the hardships of the lifestyle we sometime face. And it sure beats workin' for a livin', doesn't it? ;)

Thanks and hope to see 'ya out there again someday.   

I'm chronic, so I took them year round.  Definitely look into the Vitamin D regimen.  It will do you good even if it doesn't kill the CH.

keep the dirty side down.

Jerry

Tanker Yanker wrote on Mar 26^th, 2012 at 2:54pm:

I guess I'll just hope that a bit of headbanging and a rodeo with the Red Bull will continue to do the trick.

I've survived at work and killed off many an oncoming with a double shot of expresso, pretty quick acting with lasting effects.  In places like CVS and the sort, Starbucks markets a can called Double Shot, which I'd believe is a double of expresso with flavoring.  A can or two could do sometimes, but allow for about a six hour buzz before sleeping, melatonin will help with that.

Have been considering the espresso/coffee route as well, Kevin, but as I seem to have been caught in the 11pm mode trying to get some sleep afterwards has been a whole ordeal in itself. And my intake of caffeine is definitely up lately, on the road I'm usually a one cup a day guy followed up by a large Vitamin Water or Gatorade later (never did care for the energy drink or even soda route) and plenty of water. Need to get back to that level too; quit drinking many years ago but have been recently reminded all too well of some of the worst hangovers I ever had -- and these are sometimes lasting the entire day. Does melatonin soften the caffeine blow? If so, how much and when?

Finally did manage to get decent some sleep last night as the train didn't come through for the first time in 10 days. Coupled with a diminished attack the previous night (Red Bull + 20 min, low K7) perhaps they're beginning to run their course a bit, yet being so new to this I honestly don't know what or when to expect next. I can say for sure, however, the Fear Factor certainly isn't helping one bit. Yet I reckon at my age I've faced down plenty of 'em so this must just be the latest wannabe tough guy on the block. Will give me something to focus my meditations on at the very least. Honestly don't know why more folks don't practice that...   

Back on the road again mid-morning tomorrow for a South Carolina to Wisconsin run. Have been home since last Wednesday while some repairs were made and I honestly can't wait to get rolling. Something rather liberating about being alone with 40 tons, 450hp and my thoughts. Road Therapy, I call it.

Thanks.

hey tanker yanker check your inbox

-johnny- wrote on Mar 27^th, 2012 at 4:47pm:

hey tanker yanker check your inbox

:) 8-)

...welcome aboard yanker...I know dozens of truckers...good people....and several of the classiest right here...you're in good hands!

Best,

Jon

I messaged Johnny on FB and asked him to contact you.  He left you a note in your PM's.  I hope you will give him a call.

What part of WI?  If you get anywhere close to Aurora IL give me a yell and we'll meet up for a cup of coffee or whatever.  I'd love a chance to meet you.

Jerry

Tanker Yanker wrote on Mar 27^th, 2012 at 2:37pm:

I seem to have been caught in the 11pm mode trying to get some sleep afterwards has been a whole ordeal in itself. Does melatonin soften the caffeine blow? If so, how much and when?

I run a long overnight shift.  Walking in, I usually down a double of espresso, it helps me working to know that I'll be hit-free and not to worry at all.  Or if one begins to creep up to a knowing hit, having one takes care of it during work.  On my feet the duration which physical things to do, I burn it through the system.  I also take a low amount of verapamil, which also helps the fight. 

I thought if at the beginning of your ride you downed a double shot, it might keep you hit-free quite a few hours, wearing off by the end of the drive.  Melatonin can be used afterwards for help with sleep, and a few get a bit of prevention with melatonin while sleeping.

Of course this is just a makeshift way of getting through but...


Quote:

Yet I reckon at my age I've faced down plenty of 'em so this must just be the latest wannabe tough guy on the block.

that can be a tough road, makes you want to try a different route.


Yeah, Johnny's a good guy, too.

Hi Tanker Yanker, I am new to this affliction also. I have been on the road all my life, am now 57. Luckily I was home when my fist one hit. My family is so afraid that I will get a bad one while driving that I have put my truck and trl up for sale. I just can not imagine trying to get my truck off the road and to a safe place where I can suffer though the agony of a bad hit. I figured that if I told my company they would side line me anyway. I feel for you, getting a bad one on the road must be horrible.

Sorry to hear that, Wisconsin trucker. This being your first post and all, could you share a bit about yourself, how and when you were diagnosed, and what you're taking to help? In the meantime, God bless. lance

Wisconsin Trucker,

Before you get to far into selling your truck see what you can do to get a handle on these things.  I had them for over 20 years before I started driving over the road, and had gone chronic as well, but I had learned the warning signs and how to deal with them well enough I felt safe on the road.  You do learn though to always have an out in mind.  What I hated was long construction zones!  not much option there.

Jerry

Thank you Lance and Jerry for your comments, I realized early on that the only way someone could relate to what a person with CH is going through was to have experience it, or see someone go through it. I was so thankful to find this group with all the suggestions and support. It is just nice to know someone knows what I am going through.

Mine are so crushingly terrible that I do not feel I could get to a safe place if I was on the road. I feel if any driver told their employer or company what they were going through that company  would not allow them to be on the road.  I sold my truck and trl and want to get into remission before doing anything. I do not want to risk hurting someone. My prayers go out to anyone suffering the pain of cluster headaches.

I'm just a supporter (my hubs is the sufferer) and we're in Wisconsin.  If you're in the SE WI area we'd be glad to meet with you and talk about all the medical (and non) options you have. We're 20+ year veterans of the CH beast.  PM me if you're interested (and if you're worried we're ax murderers or something, plenty of people here know us personally and can vouch for us).

I've never driven a semi, but over the last 24 years of being chronic I have  to put 1000's and 1000's of miles on my 4 tires.  On each and every highway, byway or freeway, I've never found it difficult to pull off, suck some 02 til the hit passed and get back on the road.  The trick may just be to start pulling over at the first twinge.

Oh, I can personally vouch for Pat Mitchell (mosaicwench) above.  Her and her husbajnd bill are very good friends of mine.  In fact Bill just spent the week-end at our house while on a business trip.  They're good people and if you're in their area, you won't be sorry for spending a little time talking to either one of them.   :)

Thanks Linda!  If you run through Madisonville KY, gotta look up Linda - she's tiny, but she's a giant champion in the fight we all face.

I have no idea about your trucking regulations but as has already been pointed out it would be extremely unlikely that there would be any regulations that would prevent you carrying a cylinder of oxygen, pulling over, using the O2 then getting back on your way. (After all there must be plenty of trucks out there carrying a 'truck load' of gas cylinders).

Oxygen stands out as by far the best option since it has no side effects and therefore can't possibly affect your ability to drive after using it. Of course there are some people who seem not to get benefit from it, but some of those may not be using optimally. Provided it works for you then it is a very good choice. If you haven't already done so thoroughly read the info in the yellow tab over to the left that says "oxygen info"