Doctors and the DVLA FORM

[maharg12]

Problem with doctor completing the DVLA form incorrectly. Ticked the box saying I fall asleep when driving with no evidence.This has caused difficulties as my licence was revoked and so far I have been unable to drive since 21st June. I have minimal symptoms and no tremors but I have to go through a medical next week to see if I can get my license bacK. I am 76 and take Rasagiline 1 mg daily and am fit and just returned from the Clinic in Boaria where over 4 days treatment my readings were 20% better and I now have an exercise programme to maintain, (or improve). So be aware that many GP's do not understand PD and are therefore liable to diagnose on what they learnt during their medical training. Most of us sufferers know more about the disease and the particular issues we face daily. I am lucky to have a wife who is retired and loves driving my Alfa Cloverleaf.

[M_rosew]

As you mention DVLA form I presume you are in UK(?)

Re a GP diagnosing PD: the NICE guidelines advise that if PD is suspected the patient should be referred "quickly and untreated to a specialist with expertise in the differential diagnosis of this condition".

If that didn't happen, you should ask to be referred to a Neurologist specialising in movement disorders. If you have PD you should then see your consultant every 6 - 12 months.

PD does have to be notified to DVLA, but I seem to remember filling the form in myself initially.

[Marge1949]

As soon as my GP said that she thought I had early onset PD she said I could no longer drive, I do have tremors. The Neurologist at hospital confirmed this. What really makes me annoyed is that I have had the tremors and other symptoms for seven years, which my then GP never took much notice of as I had anxiety issues. So when I moved and got new GP she changed one off my medications which cause tremors it helped but never took away. I am lost not being able to drive having never used a bus. No one has actually taken my licence I still have it but I will not drive as I woeey about other people if I had an accident, my insurance would be invalid. Good luck with your test.

[12Maxwell3 in reply to Marge1949]

I am so sorry! The Neurologist just asked me at my last appointment not to drive until I saw him ( 3 mo).. finally Thursday I see him. Not sure what he will do..

[Marge1949 in reply to 12Maxwell3]

I will keep fingers crossed for you. I have noticed that a lot of people in USA keep driving. Maybe it's because our roads are a lot narrower and busy. Anyway good luck😄😄😄

[12Maxwell3 in reply to Marge1949]

This disease sure takes its toll on everyone and caregivers. I have already made up my mind that I won't live how it's eventually going to get. The independence is so hard to lose, isn't it? The speech when I can't get outwhat I want to say. I have found the public is so terrific! They may not know what's wrong but their empathy not sympathy is so much appreciated. Our Country seems to be falling apart, but most people still have compassion.. does everyone agree ?

[Niludi in reply to 12Maxwell3]

Strange that.my Neuro always asked me if I drove to see him and therefore he always encouraged me to keep on going as DVLA are aware of this.speak to your Neuro hopefully he will change his mind good luck

Niludi

[Niludi in reply to Marge1949]

Hi again as I mentioned 12maxwell and maharg12 that it's worth letting DVLA know and i think your GP and neuro are a little bit unfair.they should 'be encouraging you .also mention that when you drive over an hour you have somebody next to you and have breaks often on a long journey.

Hope this works ..niludi

[12Maxwell3]

I know it's so frustrating ! I do drive a couple blocks to the pool and a mile to the stables. But have no idea what he will say. My husband is so wonderful and understanding.. I think it's harder on the caregiver

[Marge1949]

I live on my own, so no one to moan. I worry about other people, they say most accidents are local to your home. Good luck do you still ride? I have seriously thought of a pony and trap. Parking would be a problem I think if I went to town, I wonder what would happen if I put it on double yellow lines with my blue badge,lol that is a joke. I would not do that to a pony.

[Niludi]

Oh so sorry to hear that.i am 58yrs I was diagnosed in 2014 and what scared me the most was my licencè taken away from me.and yes I feel sleepy while I am driving then I found out the cause.it was the med Ropinarole causing it.but DVLA are quite good I told them honestly about this, and so I take mg meds early àround 9am and also I don't drive more then an hour only shopping ,doctors and work.maybe you can speak to DVLA they are very good and you should get your license reinstated, just explain to them you don't drive soon after you taken your meds and that you aware of the that so you are taking precautions. Then also get in touch with your doctor and explain to them too because DVLA will check with doctor also.all the best .niludi

[Marge1949]

I have never contacted the DVLA I don't think my doctors have as no one has actually asked me for me license I just did not Drive more because I thought I should not Drive for the sake of other people because it would invalidate my insurance. I was in my 50's when diagnosed and that was after years of tremors and my then GPS taking no notice. Thank you everyone I think I gave in too easily.