Hi All I am new to the forums and looking for some advice.
I have very recently being diagnosed with a heart condition known as Dilated cardiomyopathy also termed as heart failure.
It came as a massive shock to me as I was not feeling particularly unwell,but after a trip to the doctors and then 4 days in hospital and lots of tests came the diagnoses.My first question as an HGV driver was “can I drive”
I was told that my heart was enlarged and not pumping properly,My ejection fraction the rate at which blood pumps from the heart was 30% a normal heart pumps around 55 to 60% the minimum standard to drive an HGV by the DVLA is 40%
The minute I was put on the medication I felt much better and the past 4 weeks I have done things exercise wise I never thought I could do.My license has not yet been officially revoked but I am pretty sure it will be as soon as the DVLA received all my notes from my specialist.At the moment I am doing everything within my power to turn this around lose weight ,healthy eating,exercise, all the usual stuff.Has anyone else been in a similar position,if so how long did it take you to get your license back.I know everyone is different just looking for some rays of light at this very difficult time,I really loved my job and am really struggling to come to terms with everything thats happened.I know it could of been worse,I might not be sat hear telling this story.Thanks for listening to my ramblings.
Mark
Sorry to hear of your problems mate hope it all gets better. Are you in a position where your company can give you another role whilst you get your health sorted? Depending on the company I would write a letter to HR explaining the situation and your concerns.
Hi and thanks for your response.My company have offered me another role within the business,trouble is is £4,00 an hour less than what im on as a driver.I should be thankful they could of just got rid of me.Its not just the money its the fact that I love my job and it really has hit me like a sledge hammer,its a driver thing !!!