The Pay Off

gpstrucker

One year ago I went for my required D.O.T. physical to be medically re-certified to drive a commercial vehicle. At that time my blood pressure was above the maximum allowed and I was given 90 days to get it down or lose my certification to drive. My blood sugar was also borderline.

I managed to just barely get the blood pressure under the limit and was only certified for one year instead of the normal two. That was my wake up call.

Advance to a year later. Today I went for my D.O.T. physical and it was a totally different experience. They weighed me, measured me, poked and prodded me. They were very impressed, especially when I told them I was not on any medication.

My weight was down over 30 lbs, my blood pressure was not just under the limit but well within the normal range, and my blood sugar was also normal.

I had three different members of the staff ask me what I had done to get myself in such better physical shape. "Diet and exercise" was my honest reply. Even though they are medical people they still seemed skeptical of my answer. Sometimes I think they believe only drugs can achieve results.

They did say, twice, that I should be the poster boy for what a trucker should do to get healthy. I just shrugged that off.

I walked out of there with my two year medical certification and feeling pretty good. I easily jogged up the two flights of stairs to the main floor (something I couldn't have done a year ago), and trotted out the door. I know some of the people were giving me funny looks but I didn't care. I had just received the "big pay off" for all of my efforts of the past year.

Of course the real pay off is being healthier and feeling better, but having such a hugely different experience during a physical after only a year really showed me it is paying off.

Now I'm going to celebrate by eating something really unhealthy.

Just kidding about that last part

whitneyps7

good job!!! glad to hear u are healtier!!!!

AddieOverhaul

That's fantastic! And you've probably added years to your life as well. Congrats!

NCchar130

That's awesome!

Rosplosion

That is fantastic! Work well done.

SO unfortunate that the doctors couldn't believe diet and exercise can change your blood work. Especially since that's the only thing that works without creating other problems.

NancyG55

Way to go on your great success! I know that you are so happy with the great results, especially after that check up. I had a similar experience just a couple of months ago with my physician. She noted that I had lost some weight, and I recommended MFP for her to tell the other patients about. I had also told her of SparkPeople, another good site, but to me, MFP is where I was successful, and a lot of it is the simplicity of the site and great friends I have made. I was wondering if she would have the MFP website on her exam room walls for her patients. LOL Guess I will find out in February when I go back. Can't wait for her to note my extra weight loss! You are doing it right here, so keep up the great work! You rock!

gpstrucker

Thanks, folks.

I did tell them about MFP and how much it has helped. The doctor said she was going to "check it out" and maybe recommend it to other truckers who need to get in better condition.

SailerSiren13

I remember when you first started and am proud of all you have accomplished your not just a poster boy for truckers but for men period!! I'm so happy to be back and see your results!

gpstrucker

I remember when you first started and am proud of all you have accomplished your not just a poster boy for truckers but for men period!! I'm so happy to be back and see your results!

(In my best Elvis voice) Thank you, thank you very much.

jrauch10

I can relate to your story. Although it's not my career, one of my passions is general aviation. The FAA medical exam has stringent requirements and on the last one my blood pressure was borderline too high. Even getting on meds wouldn't be an answer with the FAA - they just ground you until everything's normal for a year or so.

Not about to lose access to one of my life's favorite pastimes, I'm gettin' in shape!

craignev

Great story. Congratulations on your success.

gpstrucker

I can relate to your story. Although it's not my career, one of my passions is general aviation. The FAA medical exam has stringent requirements and on the last one my blood pressure was borderline too high. Even getting on meds wouldn't be an answer with the FAA - they just ground you until everything's normal for a year or so.

Not about to lose access to one of my life's favorite pastimes, I'm gettin' in shape!

Sometimes we need those close calls to wake us up.