Driving

[Lizzie57]

Hi all I'm starting to find that I cannot drive for very long without my left leg hurting , changing the gears not great either, but still managing for now I'm very stubborn and determined to continue (as long as I'm doing things safely) has anyone had to stop driving because of their fibromyalgia ?

[goldwing]

You need to change your car for an automatic, this may help.

[TheAuthor]

Hi Granniescrochet

I sincerely hope that you are feeling as well as you possibly can be today? I am so sorry to read of your problems driving and I genuinely hope that you can find the answers that you so desperately desire and deserve.

I stopped driving many years ago but not because of my Fibro, I suffer from blackouts due to chronic migraines. I must admit that I have never missed not driving as I never really enjoyed it anyway! As I am a nosy so and so, and enjoy looking around everywhere when I am travelling!

I was wondering if you thought a small automatic car would help you in any way? It may be cheaper on road tax and fuel costs also? I want to wish you all the best of luck with finding some resolution and relief to this issue.

All my hopes and dreams for you

Ken x

[Lruk]

I have periods where the pain in my left side, especially my hand and foot, stop me from driving as I don't feel safe. Changing gears is the hardest thing at times. I have been looking a bit at getting an automatic car but need to start looking seriously now as I am able to drive less and less. I would suggest that you try an automatic before giving up altogether, if you can afford it. Linda

[Lucyhobbit]

I use an automatic, in fact I only have an automatic licence, because I knew changing gears might be a problem with my grip (which isn't that strong and is sometimes very painful) so I learnt in automatic cars. It's definitely worth popping to a garage and take a test drive in an auto and see how it feels to you.

[teddybear7]

No but I've gone from a manual to an automatic because of the left leg hurting. It's the best thing I've done. No trouble at all now. X

[panda60]

Two years ago I changed my beloved car that I had for 12 yrs for an automatic because of osteoarthritis in my left knee. I got a small one that has higher seats so easier to get in and out of. I cannot believe I didn't change to automatic years ago as it is a dream to drive; my local librarian got the same model and she says it is the best car she has ever had.

I know I'm probably not allowed to name the car model, but pm if you would like to know.

[Betty67]

i have gone for long periods not feeling up to driving and got round the guilt by insuring every one else in the family to be able to drive my car.

It does come and go and mine is more to do with a foggy head.

As other people said how about an automatic? My sister who had had a stroke acknowledges that she gets tired driving and just does short trips and often drives and go by train and then taxi.

[Lizzie57]

Thanks everyone, I can't afford to change my car so will just have to stick with driving when I can, and when I can afford to change I will get an automatic sounds like the best advice. Thanks x

[Hidden]

Thank you for asking that question, my hubby has been saying to me that my next car should be an automatic as I would find it easier to drive as my left foot and leg give me the most trouble when I am driving. Unfortunately I have to drive to get to and from work but some days it is a trial

[mikeymoo]

Hi there, I drove a manual car but when I developed fibro I found I was having difficulty with the clutch. I was stalling the car regularly due to weakness and pain in my left leg. It was worse when stuck in traffic due to being up and down with the clutch. I changed to an automatic when I was able to get a motability vehicle. Even now I don't like being stuck in traffic as I have to keep my foot on the brake and this hurts. The automatic has given me much more freedom. If you get one with cruise control it's even better as you can totally rest your legs when on the motorway Hugs x

[kauto]

Had to keep my journey`s local can`t do longish journeys has to painful and no good in heavy traffic x

[Hidden]

Hi there

I had this problem too and my legs were aching so much. I sold my car and bought my little automatic which has been a godsend, its easy to drive and higher up for getting out of... all round its been my lifesaver living alone. Gentle hugs

[mitziblue]

I stopped driving a five speed along time ago, but still drive an automatic. Sometimes though when I'm really weak...like fasting for blood work I have a friend drive me. Hang in there sweetheart!!! xxx Mitzi

[rosewine]

If I have to up my medication I won;t drive and if they change my medication I stop driving until I know how it will affect me and then just drive a short distance on a familiar route until I know I am fine. My friend who has bad osteo was about to give up driving when her husband decided to change their car and happened to buy an automatic and she says it is an absolute Godsend as it is so much easier to drive and without all the gear changing she can really concentrate on the other aspects of driving. If I drive for any distance I take alot of breaks and get out and do some stretching exercises and have a coffee which I finds helps immensely. I hope you find a solution to your problemx

[clare_hart]

I also hated to give up my beloved Nissan 5 speed truck. But both my knees hurt, especially the left one. I did get an automatic, put down what I could on the purchase and now pay monthly - though I am just barely able to meet that payment. Even now I have to stretch my left leg when I am driving as it aches.

I am also starting to get slight panic attacks when I dirve on the larger highways (we call them freeways here in California). My right eye is almost useless, so my peripheral vision is not great and I have almost had several accidents. I don't want to become one of those drivers who is so careful that I should just get off the road! I still want to go where I need to go without having to take a bus or trolley. But that my happen, and like I said in gins mantra post, I try to practice acceptance.

I'm sorry Grannie that you can't resolve this right away, but I hope you do well with it; combine as many trips so you drive less, and pray for the help you need.

[JoJo32]

Hi I was having the same problem and last November I got an automatic.it was the best move ever I will not be going back to a manual even if I could manage the clutch!!!

[Mdaisy]

Hello All,

I wanted to add some information should you stop driving as I did for the first 2 years of Fibro, so cancelled my insurance policy.

When it came to asking for another quote I was frustrated to hear that your No Claims Bonus even if protected full no claims are lost after 2 years without insurance. Of course, insurance companies do not tell you this ! So I was right back where I started with high insurance quotes for the smallest engine size !!

If you cancel your insurance and feel you may go back please ask the company how long the No Claims Bonus can be used before it is wiped from your records? It may be worth it in some cases to go on a family members insurance before this time ends to ensure you keep the No Claims Bonus maybe?

I think it my case I would have liked this option rather than losing the lot!!

Hope this helps others

Best Wishes

Emma

FibroAction Administrator

[Peder]

Fibro is not a notifiable condition to the DVLA, here is a list of notifiable conditions, gov.uk/health-conditions-an.... I am a serving officer and was in traffic for 17 years. I hope this helps.

Peder