Struggling with driving : Well I’m... - Fibromyalgia Acti...

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Struggling with driving

jilly77 profile image
21 Replies

Well I’m starting to struggle with driving now. It’s changing the gears it’s so painful in my whole leg and hip. So I’m now looking to change my car to an automatic. I love my wee car only had it for 9 months. Anyone else struggle with driving.

Hope everyone has been enjoying the lovely sunshine ☀️ today x

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jilly77 profile image
jilly77
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21 Replies
Howe2 profile image
Howe2

Hi I have a automatic find it easier hope you get one sorted soon 🤞

hamble99b profile image
hamble99b

I have an automatic Honda jazz on motability. I also had the steering lightened to make driving easier.

Mandypandy1969 profile image
Mandypandy1969

I can't drive much at all now due to extreme fatigue. I am like a zombie dragging my body to do stuff. my mum drives me if I am like this which is most of the time. wish bloody g.p. could give me something to help. I have had no vitamin checks which I have been told on this site by various people to get vitamin d checked. g.p. said it's an expensive blood test but sent me for something to do with calcium??

jilly77 profile image
jilly77 in reply to Mandypandy1969

I’ve just had my blood took today to check my vitamin D. It was the pain clinic that asked for it to be checked.

whitesnapper profile image
whitesnapper in reply to Mandypandy1969

Are you drinking half your weight in ounces of water? Many on here sound dehydrated.

Mandypandy1969 profile image
Mandypandy1969 in reply to whitesnapper

I don't know. I am 13 stone due to weight gain of 3 stone. Wouldn't know how much to drink. I have a really dry mouth and no amount of fluid quenches my thirst,moon get dry mouth again.

Mandypandy1969 profile image
Mandypandy1969

I haven't been to a pain clinic. I feel I have just been ignored by my doctor. he said something was raised in respect of the blood test he sent me for. I need more blood tests as this severe fatigue is unbearable. can hardly function.

jilly77 profile image
jilly77 in reply to Mandypandy1969

I hate it x I’ve now been signed off work for 2 months I start back next Tuesday x

rosewine profile image
rosewine

Several people I know with disabilities have switched to automatics and nine have regretted the decision. Such a shame if you live the car you have.x

MADMUMOFSIX profile image
MADMUMOFSIX in reply to rosewine

I'm curious as to why they would regret switching to an automatic all I can see are pros not cons

rosewine profile image
rosewine in reply to MADMUMOFSIX

MADMUMOFSIX it should have read None have regretted that decision, prescriptive text has alot to answer for. My best friend who is now 70 and had driven since she was 18 was considering giving up driving all together until they had an automatic. They all say the big advantage is when driving in towns.x

Matrix profile image
Matrix

Hi I have problems on my left side I can’t reach the clutchnpeddle all that well and it hurts hip knee and ankle , it’s very painful I must say . X

whitesnapper profile image
whitesnapper in reply to Matrix

It’s because you aren’t using your glutes and your hip flexirsband Psoas need to be stretched.

whitesnapper profile image
whitesnapper

You need to stretch your hip flexors and Psoas and stop sitting so much.

Matrix profile image
Matrix in reply to whitesnapper

Yes I realise that but when you have a lot of illnesses and all come with CFS it’s not easy put on top of that no sleep it’s not easy to be anything other than extremely tired , it’s not an excuse and I’m up every 40 mins or so pottering about .

Hi I have had my automatic car for a few years now it makes life easier but I don't do a lot of mileage nowadays x I love my automatic

milo4 profile image
milo4

Morning

I changed to an automatic for the very same reason. Although I don't drive much I know I can when able which is good to know.x

Lima6MCT profile image
Lima6MCT

I changed to an automatic a few years ago when I first received HRM DLA and have never regretted it. I am now on my third auto car and after 2 Citroens, I have a Suzuki Vitara now as I wanted a car my son could drive (when he passes his test) as he is still a teenager. Apart from problems with gear changing I also have arthritis in my neck causing restricted movement, this car also has a reversing camera so I don't have the pain trying to turn my head around to look out of back window. When you add in cruise control for longer journeys it makes a huge difference.

I had a bit of a tootle along the coast yesterday with the sun roof open - had to take son to a course he was doing and had a couple of hours to kill. If I still had the manual I wouldn't have been able to do it because the type of roads I was on I would have needed too many gear changes..

YASMINTINA profile image
YASMINTINAFMA UK Volunteer

I do tend too do short journeys now as seem to get uncomfortable and tired but I’m sure an automatic will help , so handy even if we can get to shops or appointments so do hope this works out for you xxx

MADMUMOFSIX profile image
MADMUMOFSIX

I too had to change to an automatic car last year as I suffered terrible pain in legs left arm and across the tops of my feet basically every muscle that is used to drive the car hurt like hell my automatic car has made life much easier obviously I'm still in pain but it is greatly reduced compared to driving a manual good luck and all the best to you and to everyone

rebelist45 profile image
rebelist45

Hi jilly

I too have had to change my car to an automatic as my shoulder was painful changing gear.

After a few teething problems with the car it is the best thing I have done. Word of warning. If you look st a 14 to 16 plate Ford Focus petrol give it s good test drive as mine started slipping gear from 1st to 2nd when warm . Luckily the garage I bought it from got it sorted by a ford dealer

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