Lost driving licence

[Landrover57]

Hi, my husband has just been diagnosed with Essential Thrombocythemia, he is 62 and a HGV driver, at the moment they have taken his driving licence away because of the risk of Strokes and Heart attacks, his platlete count was 1006, he has started on Hydorxycarbamide, is their any other HGV drivers out their and has lost there driving licence?

[catkinspolymer]

if he gets the platlelets down abit I think he should appeal that descision. Ihave had ET for 30 years and still drive age 74 albeit just a car and caravan. No doctor has ever suggested I stop.

all the best town crier

[Landrover57 in reply to catkinspolymer]

Thank you for your reply, i just hope he can get his car licence back.

[Wyebird]

Oh no! maybe as soon as his platelets are down maybe he’ll get his licence back. Meanwhile I suggest he tries to get sickness benefit.

[hunter5582]

That is NUTS!! In the absence of a hx of thrombosis or previous stroke/heart attack - that is a big overreaction. Ignorance abounds when it comes to dealing with MPNs. Treatment with aspirin and cytoreduction as needed will be plenty to ensure safe driving. Suggest checking with a competent MPN expert for a second opinion and appeal right away. here is a list of some patient-recommended docs. mpnforum.com/list-hem/ . FYI - a consult with an expert doc is definitely worth the time and effort as many treating docs, even hematologists, do not really have to KSAs that you need to treat a rare disorder.

[Landrover57]

Thank for reply, I am hoping when his platelets are down, he will get his car back.

[Townie]

Never heard of this before, I’ve had ET since 1991, since the age of 47 to 74 and have never had my licence taken away. I can only think it’s because he has an HGV licence. Hopefully his doctor will be able to explain this.