Getting a job with a mashed up thumb?

NEW AND WANNABE DRIVERS (INTERACTIVE)
1

Hi guys, i was wondering if i could get a few opinions from this forum.

I passed my Cat C back in Feb and whilst i was getting my CPC and tacho sorted out i crushed my thumb at work. I had an operation to get this put straight, however the outcome wasn’t great and i’ve been left with the knuckle between the top bit and middle bit of my thumb more or less solid and unable to move, and there is also lots of tendon damage. I’ve been told that the situation might improve over time, but then again i might be stuck like this for life :frowning:

So now i’m bricking it. I’ve been told by my by my current job i’m not allowed to go back unless it makes a full recovery and i’ll need to get signed off by a doctor to show that that is the case, so i’m not going back there any time soon. So what do you think? Any chance of me getting a HGV job now? I’m not too concerned about the driving side of it, and i’ve been going around in the car with no problems, but it’s things like opening a ratchet strap, opening the bonnet, turning keys and any other fiddley bits involving using that very end bit of the thumb that are gonna give me real jip. Also, is this something that might be a problem with regards to insurance? Will employers not want to know incase i’m not fully covered on there policy?

Anyone got any thoughts? Any other drivers out there with a duff finger or thumb?

2

I went for my medical (over 45) last year and when I went the do tor noticed my little finger on my right hand and the finger next to it with a ■■■■■■ on, I had cut the tendon in the little finger and knicked it on the other finger, my little finger is twisted and pretty uselessthe other is now fine, he noted it but dvla didn’t seem bothered, he said as it was a recent general anesthetic he had to note it. I think you will be fine.

3

Cheers for that mate, your feedback is appreciated.

4

if a bloke can drive with 1 arm and a stump I see no problem .

I suppose a thumbs up would be in order here :wink: :wink:

5

we have all seen some proper apes and monkeys driving and they have thumbs the wrong way round and drag their knuckles on the ground whilst walking.

6

hotel magnum:
we have all seen some proper apes and monkeys driving and they have thumbs the wrong way round and drag their knuckles on the ground whilst walking.

we must have worked at the same place at some point :wink: :wink:

7

:laughing:

Brilliant, cheers fellas. I’d give ya thumbs up back Nick, but you’d think i were offering you a Richmond sausage.

8

human cannonball:
:lol:

Brilliant, cheers fellas. I’d give ya thumbs up back Nick, but you’d think i were offering you a Richmond sausage.

A thick one I hope :wink: better with onions, mustard etc though :laughing:

9

I damaged my index finger & thumb ( 2 different accidents ) have had problems with both over the years had physio in both have some use of them still drive

I also have a fractured back & other complications but still work there is another woman driver on here who has MS she manages ok

It depends what type of job you are doing in driving I prefer fridge work as it does suit me best

10

Unless you go for something with a LOT of roping and sheeting I think you’ll be fine. My uncle used to sail his 50ft yacht singlehanded and I mean single handed - he only had one hand and on the other he had a stump with a sort of thumb and a sort of opposing finger. His ropework was always superbly neat.

You’ll be fine, just keep a positive mental attitude :smiley: