Question
Am trying to research any info regarding other truckers with circulatory problems in legs. My husband has driven for 51 years, had complete blockage in L leg. Does not have any of the established causes of PVD, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and has only smoked sporadically for 10 years. There is a lot of research re upper circulatory problems due to vibration, but our premise is that the years of sitting and vibration could play a role in the disease. Trying to get WCB to acknowledge. Any input from anyone would be appreciated. Darla
darla
Answer
Your hubby most likely suffers from what is more commonly called Dependent Edema.
As you age, you arteries just normally change in size and elasticity, much like our skin.
This can result in what is referred to as Dependent Edema. This comes from extended periods of sitting with very little motion of the dependent areas forcing increased blood flow. So the blood just pools in the lower legs.
There are a couple of things he can do to help this problem.
Try getting him some of the "anti-embolism' stockings. They can be purchased at most medical supply places. These function like super dooper support hose.
Proper sizing is VERY important here. Make sure you don't buy them too large or too small. It is also very important as to how and when you put them on.
They should be applied while still in bed, BEFORE the legs are in the dependent position. They should be free of wrinkles and I always suggest the Thigh High length so you don't get a circulation blockage behind the knee.
Another thing to try is passive Range of Motion exercises. While he is driving, he should flex each leg, tightening and loosening the muscles of each leg 10-15 times each hour. Whenever possible short breaks to stand and walk briskly are a great way to get the circulation kicking again too. At night when he sleeps, prop the legs up slightly being careful not to impede blood flow at the back of the knee.
Watch for sore, reddened areas that are warm to the touch in the calf area. This is an indicator of blood clots and need IMMEDIATE medical attention.
His seat should also be adjusted to a height that does not press against the back of the leg near the knee area.
As for any research directly related to trucking and this condition, I am not aware of any.
Keeping you safe, healthy and on the road.
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Answer
On the advice of a physician from California (he suggested we go to Union for assistance), I wrote Mr Hoffa. To my astonisment got a reply from Washington. My contact there has been super, we talk several times a week. She is going to present the info I have gathered about sitting and vibration to their Medical Board general meeting. She has done a lot of leg work (no pun) for me, accessing the right people, and an occupational physician locally. We are mainly interested in finding out if statistically circulation problems are higher amongst truckers than the general population.
Agree with you Nurse Red. I think education is important, as a preventative measure!
darla
Answer
This is something that I know a little about.In 1989 I developed a blood clot in the large vein that returns the blood back up out of the leg.Not realizing what it was I kept going and finally after 5 days put myself in the hospital.I spent 9 days there then went home and was in and out of the hospital for the next year and a half,about 1 week every month in the hospital.In the spring of 91 I was finally able to return to work and managed to keep working till january of 2002 when the pain and related swelling made it impossible to continue,Also the chronic cellulitis has returned and puts me back in the hospital whenever it feels like it.Now am disabled with chronic cellulitis lymphedema and veinous insuffency in my right leg.The moral of my story is,Stop at least every 2 hour and walk around to get your circulation going properly. just my opion from my own experience.One more thing I was 21 when this happened and am now permanantly disabled at the age of 36 with 2 kids ,take care of your selves that load isnt that important
Answer
Thanks for your comments, burned out! It's too bad that drivers weren't aware of the fact that they should stop, and exercise regularly during long runs. Also, pretty hard to do if you are on a highway at night in freezing, snow conditions. I think there should be more education on this subject! Also an awareness on the part of companies to factor in regular breaks for drivers, instead of having to keep the foot on the gas for hours, to make the schedule. Thanks again. We are now in the hands of the Teamsters Advocates who are assisting us in our appeal to WCB. May go nowhere, but at least perhaps create an awareness of the risks that drivers face.
darla