Question
Nurse Red,
I have done a search and cannot find an answer to my question. I received a kidney transplant last year. The new kidney functions as it should and all of the lab numbers (creatinine 1.5) look good as well as the BP. My question surrounds the antirejection meds I take. I have looked at FMCSA 349.41 (I think the article numbers are correct) and the transplant does not appear to be a disqualifying factor. I take the normal meds, Prograf, Prednisone, CellCept, Valcyte, Norvasc, Lipitor, and furosemide.
I know I should (and I will) check with the Neph about driving (this would be a new career for me) trucks, but, could you please provide me with your opinion on the medical obstacles I am facing? FYI....I looked into getting a flight medical back and was told even some airline pilots have transplants and I should encounter no troubles at all.
Thanks for your help.
p.s. I did see one O/O inquire about the same thing I did back in 2000 or 2001. Did not see a response on his concerns. Maybe he will see this and respond.
Bill
Answer
your ability to keep those prescriptions filled when out on the road for lengthy periods.
My other concern would be...what if you did encounter a problem with rejection (even with the meds) while you were far from home? It's something for you to consider and I'm sure it will be a question the examining physician would ask on your physical.
Keeping you safe, healthy and on the road.
Visit us at Visit us at
Answer
Thank you for your response Nurse Red. I don't think the meds are an issue. I order a ninety day supply and usually a couple of weeks before they run out. Fortunately, my wife (also my donor) could do the reorder for me as it is always either online or via an 800 number.
The rejection is always an issue. I currently travel quite a bit on my job, although, it is via the airlines. I am now seeing the Neph every couple of months and I expect that to increase as the one year anniversary of the transplant approaches. I do know the signs of rejection and would just have to be on the look out for anything out of the ordinary. I spoke to the transplant surgeon (his father owned a small trucking firm in West Texas) about driving. His response was, "that is why you have the transplant, so you could do the things in life you want to do, including driving a truck, if that is what you want to do."
We all face uncertainties in life and I have to be just a little more on my toes to take precautionary steps to protect my gift of life.
Thanks again for your response.
Bill