[Iselle]

Acckkkk. Our poor men. How did he manage to keep the Asthma at bay when he played football? Is that something people can develop later in life?

[zoey]

He's always had it. Of course now it's worse because he's so heavy. Don't really know how he handled it then. Of course he was the "big man" so he probably wouldn't have let it show unless he was dying!!! I'm not even sure his coaches knew he had the problem.

[Iselle]

Ha ha, yeah, that "Big Man" attitude. Allllll too familiar with it.

[missimpala]

Originally Posted by zoey

John can't take the Phentermine because as a truck driver he's subject to drug testing. Being a truck driver is hell on him. No time to eat regular meals so it's usually one big meal after starving all day so it's HUGE!!! He lost his college scholarship when he got tackled and twisted both knees. It was gross Both legs turned outwards and all the way backwards. You described his player type exactly. People used to tell him he looks just like Refrigerator Perry. Actually he does look alot like him. Of course most people now don't remember the Refrigerator so the best comparison now is Rueben Studdard.(American Idol) He actually was asked for his autograph a few times. I tell people he only looks a little like him, but John sings better! John believed himself to weigh about 360 and one day when he picked up a load they scaled the truck when he wasn't in it. Then when he got in and it was still on the scale there was a 435 pound difference. That was a true eye-opener for him. I'm trying to come up with ideas that he can do that won't put too much pressure on his knees at least to start off with. He said that when he's home, he will walk with me, but he won't be able to do the whole walk because he can't get uphill. To make matters worse he has asthma too.

Just wanted to pass some information along to you for your husband: according to the FMCSA website, as long as he is "prescribed" the meds by a dr, he can take phentermine. Here is the exact wording and website:

Is there a list of prohibited drugs for being medically qualified to drive a commercial motor vehicle (CMV)?

Section 391.41(b)(12) states: A person is physically qualified to drive a CMV if that person does not use a controlled substance identified in 21 CFR 1308.11, Schedule I, an amphetamine, a narcotic, or any other habit-forming drug. Exception: A driver may use such a substance or drug, if the substance or drug is prescribed by a licensed medical practitioner who is familiar with the driver’s medical history and assigned duties; and has advised the driver that the prescribed substance or drug will not adversely affect the driver’s ability to safely operate a CMV. This exception does not apply to methadone.

Medical Examiners are required to give careful consideration to the effects of medications on a driver’s ability to operate a CMV safely before rendering the driver qualified.

U.S. Department of Transportation / Office of the Secretary of Transportation