Cocentration

[Jazymay]

Hi,

I would like to know if there are serious issues relating to concentration from fnd.

I have found myself questioning my driving ability, and it is since diagnosis in October.

I had someone reverse into me, out of a space in a car park, but my reaction to press the horn was really slow. I didn't manage it before he hit. But I watched him reverse into me while I was slowly moving.

I had someone pull out of a side road across my path, but I didn't see them until they were in front of me. It was sheer luck I didn't hit them at high speed.

I have just scraped a parked car whilst parking on the street.

This seems to be a lot of things in just 4 months. But I have had many minor incidents. A common one is seeing the lights turn to Amber and not slowing down until it is too late so I have to go through the lights. At round abouts I get confused as to what the car to my right intends to do. Sometimes I have to slam the break on because I misjudged their intention. I forget where I am, don't recognise my surroundings for a few seconds.

Please tell me if i am just being oversensitive due to a run of bad luck. Or am I unsafe on the road.

At home I have lots of things like not knowing if I took my medication. Doing the washing and not putting it out, several times one load. Finding words. Remembering conversations. Buying things I already have but forgetting things I really need. Trouble finding what I need. Remembering what I am doing. Etc, etc.

Any input would be appreciated. Thanks.

[sykgirl]

I definitely have concentration issues with my FND. I am not safe to cross a road alone, let alone drive. My short term memory is awful, and I can't seem to learn new skills. We are all unique, and only you can know what is safe for you. If your asking for an opinion, a car is essentially a large hunk of powered metal, and when driver error occurs the impact can be devastating, not only for the driver, but for others. I have a friend who hit and killed a motorcyclist when driving tired over 20 years ago, and he has never recovered from the trauma of that, as I'm sure the victims family haven't. If you choose to stop voluntarily, you are free to go back to it if you improve. As I say, that is entirely a subjective opinion - I don't know you or your unique situation. Only you know what is right for you. Best wishes.

[Jazymay in reply to sykgirl]

Thank you skygirl. A sobering thought as my son was hit by a car on his motorbike. He has recovered well, but will have ongoing, minor issues with his leg.

[sykgirl in reply to Jazymay]

Sorry to hear that Jazymay. I hope he continues to improve.

Losing independence is hard (I was 34 with 2 young children and a full-time job when I got ill), but you just find an alternate way of living. Eight years on, I'm still as unwell as ever, but have created a contented little world, where I can peacefully exist. It takes time and perseverance, but it's absolutely possible. Good luck and best wishes.

[Jazymay in reply to sykgirl]

Yes. That is an option in my mind. Creating a positive environment for myself.

Thank you so much for this reply.

[sykgirl in reply to Jazymay]

You clearly have a positive attitude, so I have no doubt you will get there! If you ever need a sounding post, feel free to shout. Always happy to chat to a fellow optimist 😊

[Jazymay in reply to sykgirl]

Awesome support. Thank you!

[3girlsmama]

Hi Jazymay, I stopped driving a few months ago. I’m just in the process of being diagnosed with FND but think I’ve had it 3 years along with a respiratory issue which was so severe it masked most of my symptoms. I was only driving short distances locally and when I felt up to it but I turned a corner onto the wrong side of the road and couldn’t understand why a car was coming towards me. It was a quiet, slow road and my family think it was just a mistake but it didn’t feel like that. I’ve also noticed my reactions and decision making is slower too and my short term memory so I decided to stop while I wait to see an FND specialist. It’s hard to give up your independence and has had quite an impact on me so might be worth thinking through other ways of doing things. Hope this helps and wishing you the best.

[Jazymay in reply to 3girlsmama]

Yes thank you. I want to hear from people like you. I feel like I know I am not ok. The impact will be terrible, as I won't be able to work. So it will have massive financial implications. But I just don't feel ok.

[pickleweed]

My concentration has definitely been affected by FND. I don't drive anymore. I recommend that you minimize your driving as much as possible. Driving/cars/trucks are dangerous. A car accident could give someone bad FND, chronic pain, or quadriplegia.

[CRPSplus]

The answer is yes, and frequently does, but before you come to any final conclusion I would recommend you review any medication you might be taking. I had to be taken off of Amitriptyline due to severe and disturbing spacial awareness issues. FND may be affecting you, but medications could be compounding the issue.

[Jazymay in reply to CRPSplus]

That is a very good point you mention. Even more reason to check with the Dr! Thanks for that thought.

[MariaBanelli]

I don't know about anyone here but I was told that if I get a diagnosis of FND I have to report it to the DVLA.