Hi everyone, has anyone else had to give up driving due to their fibro. I had stopped driving long distances a while ago, as I get very drowsy, this might be due to the meds (amitryptiline) but I have found more symptoms in last few months like lack of concentration, slow reactions, difficulty judging distances and general confusion of where Im going!
I decided to stop driving completely and I was told by a friend that I could apply for a local bus pass. I applied for this and had to send in evidence of my condition in the form of a letter from a medical proffessional and a copy of my PIP award. I had a CBT course recently, on my GP suggestion so I got a letter from the mental health service. Looked quite convincing. A few weeks went by then on Saturday the bus pass arrived. It allows me to travel on any local bus at any time. I live on the Isle Of Wight so I can see a few visits coming up when the weather improves.
This is quite a big step for me but it is for the best. My wife wasnt feeling safe with my driving. She suggested I do this. She is now my chaufer when she is off work. I dont work, also due to the fibro, so I have to get around. I wonder what will be next!
Take care everybody and dont let this illness beat us.
David
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Golfer15
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Hi Golfer15 David, Glad to see you out on the forum today, hope your doing okay.I know that was a big step to give up your driving but it takes a responsible person to admit to this.I wish you the best and hope this will help you get out a bit .Take care.Peck 🐤
Golfer15 Good for you David, not good you have to give up driving but good you have adapted to a great alternative. I love the isle of white, my grandparents lived in Freshwater Bay & i used to spend many holidays on the island. I'm sure you will enjoy all those lovely views.
I had to give up manual & switch to auto which has helped a lot but I can only do short distances because of back pain, so don't know how much longer I will be able to do it. We keep on keeping on don't we my friend.
I am so truly sorry that you have found the need to give up driving but I see that you have some good plans for your bus pass. I have to admit that I gave up driving many, many years ago due to blackouts form my migraines. I also have to admit that I have never missed it once. I have found life less stressful when somebody else has done the driving.
I want to sincerely wish you all the best of luck and please take care of yourself my friend.
Welcome friend. Lol. My teenagers do most of my driving. No, it isn't fun, but it is safer. I started blacking out while driving 12 years ago. I'd be driving and couldn't figure out how I got where I was or where I was before. Almost rearrended
Hi sorry to. Other youzenriley. Please can you describe your blackouts because I think I may be having the same thing☹️
Well done David for considering others as well s yourself.I. too got a local bus pass last year,we cant use before 09.30 so hospital or gp appt. Stillneed car..i dont do. motorways or. the 50mph roads due to other inconsiderate users! My daughter is onmy insurance if i want togo distance
Absolutely a big step David! I’ve been thinking about this, I only drive when I feel well and able, short known routes. I see you posted 10 mths back. Have you adjusted to life without the car? Thanks for posting on this topic. Andy
Hi Andy, sorry to hear you have had to give up driving too. I have got used to using buses now. I have got a free bus pass. I still find it difficult to accept.
Yeah bet. Thanks for reply David and your honesty. I would hate to think I put others at risk. I think I’m ok going to familiar places. I used to have a van and felt safe high up on the road but I don’t have a car or van now but borrow my mums sometimes, don’t like driving that as it’s too low to the ground. It’s my memory problems really, starting to wonder if my reaction would be quick enough? I will always opt for trying not to get in a car but I also like the freedom of being able to nip here and there if I need to, would miss that a great deal. Would make it hard to get my daughter to clubs and things too. Sigh. Suppose I need to get tested somehow so I know one way or the other, if this is possible?
I do like the idea of not having a car, doing my bit for the environment and accessing everything we need on the door step, currently looking into trying to move into a town for these reasons.
Walking is good for fibro too isn’t it, unless it’s cold and wet!
You’re clearly a man with a good integrity sir! Sometimes its the case for us that we are where we are hey, it just is. BW, Andy
Hi. I too have had to give up driving due to fibro. I have leg spasms and was worried I would have them when driving and maybe accelerate instead of break. So my last bit of independence has now gone. I have to rely on my mobility scooter. I cannot get a bus pass for another year.
Who needs a car! Bloody polluting money pits. Let’s breath in the fresh air and get our circulation pumping. Hope you’re ok as much as you can be in this s h 1 t situation! Andy
Lol. Well we live in quite a rural area and as usual relying on Public Transport is hard. When our children went to senior school they had to get a bus into town, then a train, having to change trains 2 stations further on to get another train to school.
I don't mean to moan but I cant walk far so have to use a scooter (grrrr) and we have to have a car. I do at least get some fresh air on my scooter.
Urgh I can sympathise. I wanted to drive for years. Finally at the age of 33 I passed my test. Bought myself a car and was good to go. 6 months later I collapsed and was diagnosed with fibro. Was bedbiund for six months. New car (number plate came out day I picked it up) sat in the drive. Now I can only drive on good days but even just ten mins to town pick up glasses and ten mins back means that I’m asleep on the couch within an hour. Gutting.
Hi Aelin, sorry to hear you were bed bound. Don't over do things now. I know what you mean about driving makes you tired. I had the same problem with fatigue, I got tired when I was behind the wheel, one reason I gave up altogether. I couldn't take the risk falling asleep whilst driving.
Hi David...i got a bus pass in the summer months this year and its given me some freedom back....because I just go out even for half hour just to stop the depression and boredom....my new lease of life.so glad you got one.Lorraine
I gave up driving 3 years ago... I was becoming very bad with concentration and also slow reactions. I miss it loads . I haven't been given pip and not on esa as they say I am fit for work . But I wish I had a bus pass ...
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