C1 School circle city
after being up 14 hours, driving 15 hours, 5 hours of bad sleep with roomate who snored. Up at 5:30am, drug screen, orientation, til 4pm, then off for DOT physical, I thought I passed everything. My BP was 154/110, doc made me sit around for a 1/2 an hour. BP was 98/150, so he passed me for 3 months, told me to see my PCP back home. Got my IN licence, CDL permit, and endorsements Tuesday night. Friday morning we were going over pre-trip and 4 point brake check, we came in and I got a slip to go see girl in the office. She said the carrier had dropped me because of my BP, she said I had to go to my PCP here in MA, said to go see the finance manager. He told me come up with 4k or bye-bye, so I paid for my dorm,drug screen and physical, and said bye-bye. When I was cleaning out my room some of the students told me I should have told them I had high BP they were taking this GNC green yeast stuff?? The nurse at Concentra told me that 85% of all truckers have high BP. Now I sit and wait for Monday morning to call my PCP
follow up: called my PCP yesterday, and have a appointment today for a BP check. I spoke to the carriers medical person yesterday, and she told me I have to produce one week of below 140/90, documented by my PCP, before they can "see" if I can get back into school. She also wants a medical release form faxed to her so they can have access to my records. This seems like something that would be common in this industry. looking for some feedback.
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High b.p. is a way of life, I had to start on lisiniprol at age 42, probably could have used it a lot sooner, smoking, stress, walking, moving and anything causes bp to go up, that is just life. Sorry.
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update:
after week of Lisinopril BP 120/82, waiting for med lady at truckin co to get movin.
had to research one fact that had me puzzled
From the American Heart Association:
Your High Blood Pressure Questions Answered - Right Arm or Left Arm?
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Why are my left and right arm systolic blood pressure readings often different?
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Left-arm and right-arm (interarm) blood pressure differences are common. Blood pressure may be slightly higher in your dominant arm. For example, if you're left-handed, your left arm may have a slightly higher reading than your right arm. Several studies have been done to determine what is a ‘normal’ variation between right and left arm. In general, any difference of 10 mm Hg or less is considered normal and not a cause for concern.
Since some studies showed that the average interarm systolic blood pressure difference was significantly greater in patients with known coronary artery disease, it’s a good idea to discuss differences higher than 10 mm Hg with your doctor.
When you have your blood pressure taken at the doctor’s office, it’s typically taken in the right arm. But if you’re measuring your blood pressure at home, readings are often taken in the left arm. This may cause different readings at home and in the doctor’s office. If your home blood pressure readings are different from those taken in the doctor’s office, be sure to discuss this with your healthcare professional.
Many factors affect blood pressure. To detect a difference in blood pressure between your arms, your doctor may take alternate-arm blood pressure readings or even measure your blood pressure in both arms at the same time with two blood pressure gauges and two observers. The fact that there are differences in right and left arm readings emphasizes the importance of measuring blood pressure in both arms initially to prevent the misdiagnosis of high blood pressure. If one arm has higher blood pressure than the other, then that arm should be used to determine if you have hypertension.
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I am taking Caduet which is a combination blood pressure and cholesterol reducer. It works great. I take one tiny pill a day and it has worked wonders with my blood pressure and my cholesterol is real good too. I am 42 and my blood pressure finally got to where is was always sky high. It was 200/104 when I went to see my doctor. Needless to say he freaked on me. So after a couple of weeks of poking and prodding my blood pressure is squared away. Now I just need to lose weight and quit smoking.
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I'm 43 myself, I quit smoking 10 years ago, thats what helped put the weight on. Even walking 5 miles a day, doesn't seem to make much of a dif, and when I start driving, I imagine doing my 5 miles will be rough to do.
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try getting a pedometer. you can walk the lot, rest area, or anywhere (safe). approximately 2000 steps equal a mile.
but, my advice would be to disregard the 5-mile idea. there are too many possible fluctuations in that system. so, here's what i'd recommend...
- *set a duration. eg, 30-min, 45-min...
once you set it, never do less.
if reach 20-min and want to quit...grab a bumper and drag your remaining time.
*also, i recommend not tracking your time until you get slightly winded. you know the point i'm getting at; first deep breath, feeling of warmth in the muscles, and maybe a few bads on the brow. that should happen in the first 2-10minutes. start your goal time and allow 5-10 minutes for cool down after you've completed your time goal.
this is a simple, effective and progressive method that is good for cv improvement and weight reduction.
lastly, i also recommend using some of your computer time each day to keep a food journal. the one i like best is FitDay.com. it is free, good, & user friendly
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Just being alittle curious, were you driving a freightliner , when the blood presure stsrted to be a problem,
thought I would ask.
Maxx
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Now that's a helpful link, Teter. Looks like something I can use.
Good on ya!
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Have you thought about doing something else other that driving? It is next to impossible to get the right amount of exercise while driving.***Patience is the hardest thing to learn..
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maxx , I was driving a Freightliner when my BP problem developed ? Hey , can I sue ?