Driving

[GlutenLadYorkshire]

How do you feel driving?

I been told by a neurologist that I can drive and go back to work, I tried driving but I’m worried about how I drive, never used to be as I was a professional driver.

[pinjem]

It is positive to be worried! Shows you are aware you may have a problem. How about finding somewhere to have a go? Quiet with lots of space? With a friend to step in if you lose confidence? I think there are courses which cost £'s if you can afford it. I wish I had the freedom that driving brought, I think you'll soon be back to how you were, like riding a bike, it is almost automatic. (Don't wish to hi jack your post but the high spot last year was being handed my son's jeep keys, on a dried up river bed in the desert and being told to 'do donuts' I looked at the pedals and had to ask, which pedal? Once driving it all came back to me without even thinking about it, it may well be the same for you?)

[GlutenLadYorkshire in reply to pinjem]

I think I worry too much about what if ...I got in the car and could drive it but my road position was too close to the kerb

[Veteran250 in reply to GlutenLadYorkshire]

I learnt to drive while in the Royal Air Force back in the sixties, and had driven ever since, both for pleasure and professional as a cab driver..... but when I was diagnosed with Diabetes the the Diabetic nurse said I must look after my feet ???.

Anyway, eventually the Diabetes caused me to lose the feelings in my feet and I could no longer feel the pedals in the car, and I now have arthritis in both knees and no feelings in lower legs...... i do miss the independance that driving gives you. 🤨

[GlutenLadYorkshire in reply to Veteran250]

I haven’t driven in a year it’s been a pain in the arse the doctor said I could drive yesterday but I think I’ve lost my confidence

[benning]

I personally don't feel SAFE driving,I DIDN'T NEED THE STRESS EITHER.

[GlutenLadYorkshire in reply to benning]

It has crossed my mind but again if the doctor thinks I’m not safe he wouldn’t of mentioned it but if I didn’t feel safe I wouldn’t do it

[BrettDarby in reply to GlutenLadYorkshire]

Same. The thought that I might hurt someone made me stop, and the worry of how I’d cope after an accident.

[hsilverman1]

Dear Gluten,

It’s part of the Ataxia. We had to retire from teaching and I drive very little.

I do not feel comfortable as reaction time has diminished. My wife usually drives. I am afraid 😟 of getting into an accident.

Just do what is comfortable and right.

It’s a long road that we ataxians are on.

Take care.

Howard from Vegas.

[GlutenLadYorkshire in reply to hsilverman1]

I definitely get what your saying but I have suffered from mental health problems also

[peterallison]

It was mentioned in a letter, so I advised the DVLA, and they gave me a 3 year driving license. My partner drives, I have not driven since Sept, due to not having a car. If I get PIP, and can get a car, I will see how I feel then as to driving

[GlutenLadYorkshire in reply to peterallison]

I hope you get what you want it’s a pain in the butt not having that independence

[planetzed]

I would check whether you need to inform the dvla. There is a long list of illnesses/afflictions on their website detailing the various restrictions they can apply. I was never told by my neuro. that I had to contact the dvla until I actually asked him. If you drive with a condition that will result in a revoked license, your insurance could be compromised or be invalid and you could be prosecuted.

I had my license revoked for 1 year after consecutive seizures, though I drove around for a couple of months before informing them. They then set a deadline for license revoke a month after informing them!

During this period I certainly didn't feel as capable as a driver and now, 5 years later, I still haven't applied for a new license and feel no need/want to drive.

Everyone is different, but you should certainly clarify your position.

Hope this helps.

[GlutenLadYorkshire]

You are right I did have a hgv licence which got revoked as I was on insulin but was able to keep me car licence, I asked the neurologist if I was safe to drive he told me yes and that dvla can contact him if they need to and that’s that I suppose I went out today in the car and I felt safe if I didn’t feel safe I would almost certainly not drive

[Victoriousvee]

This may sound foolish but try going to an empty parking lot and just practice driving in that area, it will build up your confidence. Plus driving on less busy streets will help too. When my neurologist told me a few years ago that I couldn't drive for 5 months, I wanted to scream! But it sure is good to be able to drive again, take your time you will do it.

[GlutenLadYorkshire]

Thank you

[KiwiBob]

I have no problems driving. My Ataxia mainly affects me when I am standing and walking for now. If I stay seated and do nothing I can drive, read a book and watch tv.

[GlutenLadYorkshire in reply to KiwiBob]

That is good that you can do certain tasks ataxia is a very strange disorder. I haven’t been diagnosed with ataxia but have seen the main man in Sheffield he suspects gluten psychosis