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How Many Drive?
Thu, 09/06/2007 - 12:38I'm just curious how many people drive? I'm at the point where I am on medication, its been 4 months, and my doctor is okay with my driving again. I am just waiting for DMV's approval.
My history is I have had (2) gran mal seizures in the past 3 1/2 years. One 3.5 years ago and one 4 months ago. I am now on Tegretol. I did not have any history of seizures prior to this (at least not known to us but the doctors suspects I might have unknowingly) and I found out it does run in the family. I am 40 years old.
I am a super-busy mom. This has been so hard to deal with. I am very lucky because I have a wonderful support system to shuttle us about, but I know everyone must be getting weary although they NEVER complain to me. Public transportation in our city is not only a joke-- it is unsafe.
Part of me can't wait to get my license back. The other part of me is scared to death. I have already told my support system even if DMV does give me my license back there will still be days I won't want to drive. There are days the meds really get to me. I can handle the nausea, but there are days I feel "weak". I don't want to risk driving if I don't feel 100%. I would never risk my family-- or anyone else's.
How does everyone cope with this? How do you cope with the physical as well as the emotional part?
Thanks for any input.
~ Believe
Comments
Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: How Many Drive?
Submitted by txrhb1 on Tue, 2007-10-02 - 03:22
I haven't driven in over 4 years now, and it has been a difficult adjustment. For the last 2 1/2 years, I have been home on disability. Like you, I have a great support system and never lack for transportation, but it's difficult to continually rely on others. My seizures are quite frequent however, so I don't know that I'll ever drive again. If I ever were to get my license back, I'm not sure that I would feel comfortable driving again. Like you, I'm certain that there would be days when I just couldn't handle it. I think you are doing the smart thing, and keeping safety first and foremost in your mind. As time goes on, you'll know best how to handle it better and things will get easier. I know how difficult an adjustment it is, especially with kids. I still have a 13 year old at home, so I understand where you're coming from. Good luck, and keep us poste.
((( hugs ))),
Barbie
- "We are each of us angels with only one wing, and we can fly only by embracing each other." -lucian de crescenzo
Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: How Many Drive?
Submitted by momofaj on Thu, 2007-10-04 - 14:55
I haven't driven since March when we decided to change my medication. It is very difficult for me and at times depressing. Thankfully I have a supportive husband, in laws and kids (13 & 14).
I miss being independent, but at the same time I'm not itching to get back to it. Just scared, I guess.
My license is currently suspended. I call the DMV this week to set up an interview to decide what their next step will be. It's been 3 months since my last T.C.
Anita
I don't. I had considered
Submitted by suebear on Tue, 2007-10-02 - 01:39
I don't. I had considered obtaining a driver's license at one point because I was well beyond the seizure free limits in my state, I only needed to be seizure free for less than a year and I was seizure free for six years I just hadn't had the time to get my driver's license because of life in general. Now that break through seizures have returned, things are on hold. Since this VNS will be done there may be opportunity again for me in obtaining a driver's license depending upon how well it works since I have currently had a long seizure free span prior. I have my husband to take me where I need to go. We have discussed issues regarding transportation and he said it would be solved when I started working again. :) It may sound like I'm not worried but I am, I just don't let it bother me until absolutely needed. Life is too short to sweat the small stuff. LOL!