Dieselgeek

Thanks Tom. I was losing my ability to drive, work, play with my kids, concentrate, etc. So it was time. It will be slow days/months ahead with a very uncertain career future ahead! But health takes priority to reduce long term damage. I've met a few others in the hospital currently (California and Utah), and I've had it easy thus far!

Thanks! Going to be a slow recovery ahead!

4 days post op for craniocervical fusion. Think I have a few days of healing ahead! Neck brace for 12+ weeks, unknown future. Flying from LaQuardia to Minneapolis on Thursday.

I'm throwing on the neck brace and pushing for first class when I fly home from my recent craniocervical fusion Thursday, just get me home smoothly, I don't need to decline!

Work 70hrs a week, take no pain pills, might drink a case of beer a year, and have been fighting chronic health issues since the age of 10. I'm just grateful to live in a country where I can travel to see specialists (MN to NY) for this surgery. This is my 4th major surgery in 4 years. I have never totaled the cost of surgery and time off work, and don't want too! Thanks for the well wishes!

I had brain surgery in 2018 for $2700. I'm having a craniocervical fusion in 2 weeks, company was bought out, my insurance cost for upcoming surgery is $18k, and that doesn't include 3-6 months off work! So in one year, my insurance costs increased 15k! I fully understand how people file medical bankruptcy!

I see very interesting and stupid behavior hauling gas for a living, but I haven't seen that one!

False. Only .04 when operating a commercial vehicle. From Fmcsa website: The FMCSA has established 0.04% as the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level at or above which a CDL commercial motor vehicle operator who is required to have a CDL, and is operating a commercial motor vehicle, is deemed to be driving under the influence of alcohol and subject to the disqualification sanctions in the Federal regulations. Most States have established a BAC level of .08% as the level at or above which a person operating a non-commercial motor vehicle is deemed to be driving under the influence of alcohol. Sanctions for alcohol-related driving violations may affect the driver's qualification and eligibility for both commercial and non-commercial licenses.

Can pick up a 5 year old Audi for 1/2-2/3 of new. I've been looking at a few lately, always been a VW guy, so Audi has always interested me.

I have Central sleep apnea due to my brain stem being compressed by something called craniocervical instability. I use an asv machine that essentially breathes for me when my brain decides to not breathe! I sleep better and feel better using the machine. Even taking a nap without it now is strange for me! The benefits far outweigh the negatives for me.

I read 4,200.

Healthcare costs never cease to amaze! I'm at 1 million in the last 3 years for various surgeries. More in the future.

Any brain MRI's? $500 for MRI's is nothing. What is the medicine? I have a messed up brain and neck, don't mess around getting treatment if you need it! Have any headaches? Or just vertigo?

Cars- stick Big Rigs- Auto, too many surgeries to row 13+ speeds anymore, plus I'm in the city all day hauling fuel.

Buy a used commercial ztr or walk behind and be done. I'm a Deere guy, but I prefer the older 300 and 4x5 series tractors.

I will always wonder where Mario Lemieux would have ranked all time had it not been for injury and illness.

I'm going to go out on a limb here... You've never driven a truck. Come ride with me day after day, and I'll ride in the middle lane day after day. It's the safest spot for me, my cargo (gasoline) and allows me to arrive home safely to my family every day. The road is how I earn a living, respect what I do, and I'll respect others back who can respect that.

I haul fuel for a convenience store chain, and it can be a risky career. For me the driving risks are worse than what I haul, but they both can cause a large disaster. It is honestly a very low paying career and I don't recommend it to anyone who asks me about doing it! I've known a few who have passed due to accidents.

MN won't be far behind.

Our company couldn't get rid of Freightliner fast enough. Now we run Volvo and Kenworth.

-56 in Cotton, MN this morning. 4 degrees shy of state record.

I fully agree. I work 4am-4pm, so rarely encounter closed stations. I am looking to get out. My health isn't good, and need something better!

It's the "customers" in the stations that makes it suck. No respect for the guy pulling a 65' long rig into a store made for a box truck. We are always the asshole!

Walmart is one of very few companies who actually pay their drivers while they sleep under load. All companies should!