Time for insulin

[adrian840]

Hi all, I was diagnosed 2 years ago with mody at the age of 40 (a little late I know, but I did the manly thing & ignored the symptoms for years). I was told I had to go on insulin straight away but as a HGV driver this was not an option. Anyway 2 years on after trying gliclazide, metformin & pioglitazone in various quantities the time has come for insulin. Only ever having had 2 jobs in my life, HM Forces & HGV Driver, I find myself unemployed for the first time. I have an appointment with the CAB to see what, if any benefits are available, but I'm not holding my breath. I would appreciate it very much if anybody has any info on what my best course of action should be.

Many thanks

Adrian

 

[Dennis]

Hi Adrian,

Although you will be disqualified from driving HGVs (LGVs), you can hold a C1 or C1E or C1+E licence to drive commercials of over 3.5 tonnes, provided you meet certain criteria. Details are in the link below
http://www.dvla.gov.uk/media/pdf/medical/aagv1.pdf

I believe that you can in any case drive anything up to 3.5 tonnes without restriction. (I'm sure someone will correct me if I've got this wrong). So a job as a driver is not out of the question - just not the same type of vehicle you have been driving.

 

[adrian840]

Thanks for the info, the main problem being a 50%+ drop in pay ! In the current climate there are around 250 applications per HGV vacancy, proberbly more for vans/light commercials. I'm aware that diabetes is covered by Disabilities Discrimination Act but as a former employer myself I know that employers offer jobs to people who are not always the best qualified for the job. I believe there is a campaign to lift the blanket ban on commercial drivers, but this could take years.

 

[tobyone]

Hi adrian there is allways hope I was a lorry driver myself they took mine and gave me a three year one just for cars but my eyes were bad as well and I have four injections per day plus now two more of byetta but they do revue it so if I can meet all the conditions I could get it back so keep you chin up cheers colin

 

[adrian840]

Thanks for your support Colin, I always knew the time would come when I had to go onto insulin. Driving has been such a big part of my life, I even had my own trucks for 7 years. There are plenty of people worse off than myself, but knowing that still does'nt make it any easier. Maybe I should pop over to Calais & smuggle myself into the UK on the back of a truck. At least I'd get some help from the government !

Cheers

Adrian

 

[tobyone]

Hi adrian I had a couple of truks some time ago with a partner who just wanted to play golf chase women and left me two do all the work so I sold out and went to work for some one else I know it's not alot of help but I think talking does help a little so if you just want to talk I and all the others on here will be glad to talk chin up 8) cheers colin