Commercial driving

Ive been a vdl driver my whole life. At 43 i had my first attack. At 44, my second. The dr. pushed the icd and i wasnt getting any cooperation from multiple cardiologists because i refused the icd. I was told i needed a triple bypass, however, after 4 seperate second opinions i couodnt find a surgeon who would do it. I finally got the icd.....knowing it would disqualify me from earning a living so i applied to ssdi. In the mean time i also found that id need at least a 40% ejection fraction to pass the physical. I finally found a surgeon to do the bypass. My ejection fraction has increased from 15% to 35-40%. The law says that i must wait 3 months after any open heart proceedure to try again but now i have the icd. I anticipate hitting the 40% target but still cant drive due to the icd. The question i cant seem to get anwered anywhere is this.....if i have the icd turned off, is tgat as good as removal or do i actually have to get it taken out to qualify. Im desperate to get this question answered so i can make a plan. Even the examiners ive talked to at three different clinics all seem to have different answers. One said it MUST come out. Another said turning it off is fine as far as he's concerned, but the one i need to go to claims they arent sure. This is the worste pandoras box ive ever deblt with. Please, please, please somebody must have an answer. Thanx.

8 Comments

Foot. Note

by Skippy123 - 2016-04-27 11:04:00

I meant to say CDL, not vdl

actually

by Cabg Patch - 2016-04-28 03:04:39

you automatically lose a CDL, and cannot renew no matter where you reside in the US. It's a standard driver license that varies by locale.

Unlikely they will approve a CDL as long as the ICD is present. and, you can shut off the defibrillator function but not the pacemaker. No matter what the pacing function is always active.

Attack?

by Artist - 2016-04-28 04:04:12

When you say you had your first "attack" at 43 and another one at 44, what do you mean? Were they heart attacks/cardiac arrest or passing out and losing consciousness. If your ICD was implanted because you were losing consciousness, removal of that device or turning it off could mean that you lose consciousness while driving and would possibly kill yourself and/or someone else. Also if your heart has actually stopped and an ICD was implanted to restart your heart, turning it off could have fatal consequences. More information is really needed concerning exactly what your two attacks were.

CDL

by doublehorn48 - 2016-04-28 10:04:35

When I got a dual chamber pm 29 years ago the head of the DOT in the state that I was living said I couldn't get a CDL.

I called the head of the DOT in D.C. and told him my problem. He told me I was qualified. I got my CDL because of him.

If I where you I would contact the DOT in D.C. and see if they could help you. Those guys are God when it comes to the CDL. Good luck.

Still no help, but appreciated

by Skippy123 - 2016-04-28 11:04:43

Two heart attacks. Ive had a triple bypass. I dont need the icd or pacemaker but the docs were pushing it. I live in florida. U dont automaticly lose ur cdl with an icd. U can turn to whole thing off. Im not being paced anyways. My heart rate is 65 +/- ...mt icd is set at 40. My current situation isnt life threaten8 g since my bypass. Im definately on the mend. Only question i had is does the law require removal or can it be turned off. Turns out its gotta come out. I know it as fact now.....im just worried thar insurance mite not pay to remove something they probly just paid 100,000$ to put in.....ill know more in june when i get my final echo and find out my ef. Thanx for all the comment and help guys

CDL and ICDs

by Nicole33 - 2016-04-28 12:04:47

Hi. I think it depends on the state you live in as to what is required or restricted. My Dad had a massive heart attack in December 2004. Up until then he drove a roll off type truck- delivering the large dumpsters like you see at construction sites. Well, he had an ICD implanted after his heart attack and the state of Georgia said he was no longer qualified for his CDL. He lost his job pretty much in the blink of an eye.

That said, if you happen to reside in Georgia, my guess would be that you would have to have the ICD removed.

I have found in my situation, also have an ICD myself, that the manufacturer of my ICD has been a tremendous help with countless questions. It seems like if they don't know then they could point you in the right direction. Another place you could check is the Department of Motor Vehicles.

It's ridiculous that you are having to go through this run around. I hope the little bit of information I had to offer will help.

Nicole

cdl/ ICD

by rocko - 2016-05-01 07:05:01

The FMCSA now have a waiver program for drivers with a ICD/ pacemaker. Depending in what state you live in, you can turn in your Interstate CDL and get a Intrastate CDL until your waiver is approved from the FMCSA. I received a ICD in 2014 and have a Intrastate CDL in WI. Not all states are the same, so you have to check out the state in which you live.

Look up the number For FMCSA Medical and call them and see what they have to say.

I had a vision waiver for 5 yrs. before I had a heart attack and implanted with the ICD. If it weren't for my vision I would definitely go after the waiver for the ICD but can't because the FMCSA won't let you have two waivers at the same time.

The only place your going to get the right answers is from the FMCSA, not from somebody who might think they know the answers. CALL THEM

Good Luck,
Rocko

Thanx

by Skippy123 - 2016-05-09 04:05:18

U guys have been a wealth of info. I appreciate the help. Cross your fingers and wish me luck. Thnx again

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