Driving while on treatment: Cancer does not... - CLL Support

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Driving while on treatment

Adlucy profile image
5 Replies

Cancer does not have to be reported to DVLA as I understand it but the possible side effects of CLL treatments to me suggest that driving is not advisable.

Since starting treatment, I have found I really do not want to drive. Do others feel the same?

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Adlucy profile image
Adlucy
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5 Replies
cajunjeff profile image
cajunjeff

Hello Adlucy, there are so many variables related to your inquiry, its hard to answer. I am on acalabrutinib now and drive back and forth to Houston for visits, a four hour drive each way, and sometimes do it all in a day.

When I had hemolytic anemia and going to Houston, it was not safe for me to drive. I have been able to drive, no problem, after some infusion therapies I have had. On other days where I have been in the infusion room all day, I have not driven.

I think people generally know if the are well enough to drive. There are many other variables like age, eyesight and mental status that can come into play.

One day my wife drove me home from Houston after a bone marrow biopsy I had done under sedation. I wish I had been sedated for her driving us home through Houston rush hour traffic😱😲🥴. While I greatly appreciate her stepping up to drive me, I now stay over if I cant drive myself and leave in the morning when I can drive. I have decided her driving me in big city traffic is more hazardous to my health than my cll.

She doesn't read the forum to fuss at me for writing this, but if she did, I doubt she would argue the point. Seriously, as we approach exits and I tell her to move to the right, she freaks out and wants to know if its my right or her right. I kid you not.

She is not comfortable driving in the big city. Lots of people are not and I agree with you that you shouldn't drive if you are not comfortable doing so.

happyclappy profile image
happyclappy

I'm a trucker, kind of have to drive, unfortunately. However, I'm starting Privigen Ivig infusions again tomorrow so I've taken the day off.

Had infusions for about 8 years before covid but every now and then they made me feel a little woozy. Mainly when I was walking though, not driving .

I'm pretty sure you'd be warned by your medic if the treatment affected your driving.

Pete

happyclappy profile image
happyclappy in reply tohappyclappy

Forgot to mention, been on acalabrutinib for 2 and a half years 👍

Oleboyredw-uk profile image
Oleboyredw-uk

It may depend on country. I'm not sure which country you are from. In the UK I was advised that the UK DVLA does not need it reported. However, you have to take into consideration what you are doing regarding treatment and procedures. As an example, when I had bone marrow biopsies I was told that if I had local I could drive afterwards. However, if I had gas then not allowed to drive for at least six hours.

Best to all, robin

Skyshark profile image
Skyshark

I've had no problems driving while on VenO. It's an easy run, mainly on dual carriageway to/from hospital about 9 miles away.

But everyone is different. I'm not getting many pre meds now, just two paracetamol and a little yellow tablet chlorphenamine. Early on there were more but the infusion times were longer. Even on the 3 and a quarter hour 100>200>300>400mg/hr infusion I was there around 5 hours, so plenty of time for them to wear off when given half hour before infusion and with 10-15 minute saline flush after.

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