Driving Rules

[Bantam2]

Hi

I am currently on the transplant list for cirrhosis of the liver due to PBC and alcohol - consuming a bottle of red wine every evening over probably 30 years. My consultant has said that they won’t know for definite which had most impact until they do a liver biopsy.

10 months after being diagnosed I ended up in hospital for a week following hepatic encephalopathy incident. Unfortunately no one had mentioned that being constipated could cause this. I was then prescribed lactulose and that along with being aware of signs has meant I have not had an incident since.

Following this the consultant made it very clear I must not drive. From what I have read it looks like I won’t be able to drive again until I either have a transplant or get taken off the list.

This may sound trivial but I miss my independence and hate to ask other family members to run me about. I’m only on about making short journeys during the day.

Anyone else in a similar situation told they could drive. Note I hadn’t had a drink since cirrhosis came out the consultants mouth about 18 months ago.

Apologises for long post for something so trivial in the scheme of things. Thanks

[nutrimar]

It's not a trivial matter, it's a deadly serious one. I too was told not to drive after a bout of HE, which hospitalised me for nearly a week. Since I ran my own taxi company, I ignored the doctors instructions and carried on regardless for a couple of months. It was only when I was having my pre transplant assessment when the seriousness of the situation was made totally clear to me by the transplant team.You have to listen to the doctors, even if it means missing out on a little bit of independence. What if you're in an accident where someone gets injured? As soon as the police understand that you were driving having suffered an HE, and your insurance company finds out that you ignored the advice of medical professionals, you're going to end up in a whole lot of trouble. It's just not worth the risk. I lost my business, but I wouldn't have been able to live with the knowledge that I hurt one of my customers, or another innocent motorist because of my own intransigence.

The solution is to get a confirmation letter from your consultant that you mustn't drive, and then apply for a free bus pass. I did, and still managed to enjoy some freedom.

[Bantam2 in reply to nutrimar]

Hi

Thanks. Of course you are totally right. I could be in an accident and it may not be my fault but that won’t matter to insurance company. Good idea re bus pass so thanks.

I will have to go to plan B and teach my hubby that it really does take longer than 10 mins to go round Next

Thanks

[Roy1955 in reply to Bantam2]

It's your responsibility to advise DVLA of your condition (Dr's don't do it).Ask your consultant if the don't drive advice is still ongoing or if it was temporary.

If it is ongoing then advise DVLA

You can then undergo a medical examination after treatment to prove your fit to drive again.

[Smokey001 in reply to Roy1955]

A friend of mine, we worked together and lived in same area.

He developed a condition known as cavanoma.

Small growth on the brain

To cut a long story short

Mon amigo was requested to surrender his license as it could cause blackouts.

After several years of trying to get his driving license back.

Driving home on the A1M he blacked out, hit central barrier. Junction 9 northbound. Overturned his mercedes 450

Caused a 2 hrs delay on my later journey. Never forgive him 🤣

Hate that section of the A1M

He had made his condition known to the authorities and the insurance Co

So all good.

He was paid out by his Insurance Co without drama, Circa 60k.

[Bantam2 in reply to Smokey001]

Hi

Thanks for replying. At moment wouldn’t dream of driving but I haven’t informed the DVLA and I’m still paying the insurance and tax on my car as it is sometimes used when we travel with the dog if the weather bad (hubby won’t use his jaguar 🙄)

Is it against the law do you know not to inform the DVLA if not driving it

Thanks

[Smokey001 in reply to Bantam2]

Not that it matters but what Jag. I once owned a 2.9 XJ6 with single tank filler . So comfy. Could have lived In it. Purple with cream colored seats.

[Smokey001 in reply to Bantam2]

As long as it is taxed no need to inform DVLA. Otherwise you need to sorn it. But without tax it cannot be on the road , driveway is fine.From what I remember, you need an MOT and Insurance to get vehicle Tax.

So essentially all 3 are intrinsically linked,

As long as you have all 3 elements, you can choose to drive or not drive

[Smokey001 in reply to Bantam2]

Some of this may surprise you

Any medical conditions should be reported to the DVLA. Your GP can advise or ask you to surrender your driving License depending on severity.

I have AFIB and after reading one website, it did not appear necessary to report. But still unsure I called the DVLA who told me it had to be reported, but to discuss with my GP.

Spent 2 years trying to get a response from my GP.

Eventually, my GP gave me a letter of exemption

Simple rule is, if in doubt ask DVLA

They will give you guidance. Failure could result in a hefty fine

Insurance, don't assume anything

The general rules with medical stuff and Insurance policies, irrespective report, normally only necessary if it is a reportable condition to the DVLA. But still get them to put a marker on your policy.

Report everything

I reported my AFib and deafness in one ear. Why chance it, I guarantee should a claim arise it could cause issues, and result in policy cancellation.

Insurance and other lesser known risk factors

Recently installed a roof rack and had My wheels (rims/boots) refurbished.

Both need to be reported, anything which could affect the performance, value or appearance needs to be reported

Believe it or not, as confirmed with the insurance Company, put one of those go faster stripes on, thereby making it more attractive to thieves, you should mention it to your insurance Co.

Again simple rule, if in doubt report.

If you purchase a vehicle with modifications, it is your responsibility to inform the insurance,

the well I did not know, cuts no ice if a claim arises.

Crazy stuff hey !!!

[Readlots in reply to Bantam2]

If I lived nearby I’d take you to Next - if it’s got a Costa we might be there all day! LOL

Seriously though, it’s the thing I most dread about having PBC, not being able to drive further down the line. My Mum also had PBC and we hid her keys towards the end (transplant not an option). It was heartbreaking when she said ‘I don’t suppose I’ll ever drive my car again’.

Have you told your friends and family how you feel about the loss of independence? I know it’s not the same but Im sure they’d be willing to run you around until you’ve had your transplant.

On the bus front, my Uncle had a group of friends who went on bus adventures every Thursday. They picked a different brown to visit each week and travelled all over. You could pick towns with a Next 🫢

[Bantam2 in reply to Readlots]

Hi

Thanks for replying. My family all say they are happy to ferry me around so I think it’s more me that doesn’t like to ask. I suppose I could get a taxi the odd time too.

Thanks Louise

[Livaa]

it’s not trivial at all. I feel like I’ve lost my independence just when I can’t order a “grown up drink” so I can’t imagine not being able to drive. Keep your chin up. Time seems to be marching on pretty rapidly, maybe you’ll regain your ability to drive. More importantly, they hopefully caught the hepatic encephalopathy in time you can shake the brain fog that at least I was tortured with.

[Bantam2 in reply to Livaa]

thanks. I think it’s because I feel ok to drive it’s frustrating I can’t. If I feel the brain fog I take a break from working, have something to eat and get some fresh air. The medication is helping too thanks