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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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


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.

hey tanker yanker check your inbox

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

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.

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

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).

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.