DRIVING and SVT

[dogsneedwalking]

New to the group - just wondering if anyone has had their licence 'revoked' by the DVLA. I suffer from SVT and have recurring 'surges/flutterings'/ bp that can go up and down most days [resting rate] and light headedness when I get the surges, etc. They have said it'll be for a year unless my condition improves. My Doc says to write to Cardiologist and ask him to give me supporting letter so that I can drive again. Thanks.

[Hidden]

Basically, if you have any condition that could result in loss of control of a vehicle and it’s not under control, the DVLA will err on the side of caution. I have SVT, and during my first major episode, although I needed hospital treatment, I felt fine other than being aware of intense and very rapid palpitations. With my second major episode, I felt horrendously unwell; dizzy, sweaty, shaky, nauseous, chest pain etc.: had I been driving at that time, I would have had to temporarily stop for at least a month. If your condition is not controlled, in that you’re having sudden, unpredictable bouts of dizziness or lightheadedness and that’s lasted for more than 4 weeks, that will be the reason that the DVLA will have suspended your licence on medical grounds. You can challenge the decision by writing to them, but you will need to provide evidence not already seen by them in making the decision; they should have sought medical advice from whomever you informed them was looking after you, it’s not meant to be an arbitrary decision. The letter they sent you should have explicitly explained the grounds on which they’ve made the decision they have.

I’m not saying it’s not worth challenging, but ultimately, if you’re regularly getting sudden bouts of lightheadedness, there is potentially an increased chance that you could lose control of the car.

DVLA guidance on notifying about tachycardia

[Alison_L]

After my heart attack I was hospitalised again with VT, which resulted in another bagful of drugs and an ICD. DVLA revoked my licence for 6 months while the drugs settled in, and to make sure my ICD didn't fire. My consultant then had to sign a form saying that I had not suffered any further heart incidents (ie more VT) in that 6 months.

[dogsneedwalking in reply to Alison_L]

Thanks for your reply Alison. I have recurring bouts of 'surges/flutterings' and I initially called my Surgery for advice as my car insurance was due for renewal. The Doctor I spoke to said that because of the recurring symptoms she would have to inform the DVLA and I should do the same. I did and when I went for a face to face appointment last month I mentioned the conversation we had - she denied all knowledge and said she hadn't made that comment. I had by that time written to DVLA myself thinking that I'd better do the right thing and the year revoking was put in place on 27th July. I am now on different medication but still get the 'surges and flutterings' but they are not like the really strong ones that really made me very dizzy but I still feel unwell when they occur. I live in a rural area and now have to look to booking taxis to and from work which really makes it hardly worthwhile working at all due to the cost.

[Alison_L in reply to dogsneedwalking]

Hm, it sounds as though, instead of denying making the comment, your GP should be trying to find out why you are still having the "surges". Clearly it would be unsafe to drive at the moment, so she should be doing something about it. Maybe a 24 hour heart monitor to see what's going on?

[dogsneedwalking]

Sadly they are not interested and I am weary of it all. I have had SVT for well over 2 years now but didn't know what it was. I called Surgery and usual telephone diagnosis and was told it was a 'virus' and to take paracetamol. Numerous visits later I kept mentioning the 'flutterings' when I went for other health issues and it was ignored but decided in January I'd bypass them and call 111 if it happened again and it did and subsequently admitted for treatment. I was assured by High Dependency Ward I'd get regular blood tests as it's my Thyroid function that's causing it they think. That was in April when I required Cardioversion after 8+ hours in SVT - I've had one since then. I have been for heart scan and echocardiograph and they say my heart is normal/healthy. Currently prescribed Sotalol and visiting Cardiologist in November again. Nursing staff keep asking me if I'd had holter monitor but keep having to tell them no.

[september1990 in reply to dogsneedwalking]

hi, any updates on your symptoms/ how you’re feeling nowadays?

[dogsneedwalking in reply to september1990]

Hello there - Had my second Cardiology appointment last month after being changed over to Sotalol 40mg twice daily - Been diagnosed with AF and still get odd 'surge' but so far the new medication seems to be keeping everything under control and I am more aware of how to pace myself at work but still taking it easy with other forms of exercise and if I get too tired that's when I start getting the 'surges.' I spoke to Cardiologist about getting my license back but he says he cannot do anything until the DVLA get in touch with him so fingers crossed I'll hear in the New Year sometime. Sadly I've had to move house as I live in a rural area and no public transport here to get to work so relying on my neighbours so far. Back to Aberdeen soon .....................