Driving - Can you get it back??

Diseases & Conditions Epilepsy
1
Hello, I had my first seizure last week at age 36. I have 2 kids and a part time job. Now I have lost my license for at least 6 months. I would like to know if anyone had this happen to them in which they got their license back after being seizure free for 6 months, or if it is something you always become paranoid about and fearful of driving. As much of a loss as it is, and the depression that I feel about it, I am also so petrified of having another seizure so dont really want to drive at this point.
2
Reading my post, I also want to say that I am really bummed about losing my license and hope I get it back. In my mind, I think "It could have been a lot worse" but in my heart I think "This stinks so bad, why did it have to happen at all."
3
I totally understand how you feel. It is intial shock that takes a while to get over. I was scared to do anything, even sleep. YOu will feel a little better. It just takes time. I didn't drive for 6 months either. I couldn't work during that time. It was really hard to adjust. But the forums are great. Everyone shares your pain. Take care,Tracy

 

4
Shakinmom,
 
Here is my experience with losing my lisence, I hope this can shed a little light on your situation:
 
I'm from Ontario, Canada, Our transpotation laws may differ from yours.
 
I've had EP since 1979 controlled by medication so reported at that time to the "Ministry of Transportation" that I was controlled by medication, no questions asked and I didn't lose my licence.
I must have slipped through the system because in ALL cases you must go seizure free for 2 years even if controlled by meds.
 
I drove without a problem until Dec/02 during an incident in a parking lot(I just came off the highway).
 
Now my blood levels are being checked each week but the Ministry of Transport has tightened up the rules in this area in an attempt to reduce traffic accidents so that is making it more difficult to get it back. But if I do get it back (which I don't think) I still won't drive and risk the lives of others. I think that is the more resposible way to handle it and set an example for others.
 
It's just like driving drunk-you're taking a major risk.
At first I felt that some of my freedom was taken away but I've gone more than 2 years without it and I'm starting to accept it a little easier.
 
 
Randy

Diagnosed with epilepsy and ulcerative colitis in 1979,
Been on meds ever since.
 
275mg-dilantin/day
120mg-pheonobarb/day
3,000mg-Mesasol/day

5
Thanks that helps. I certainly don't want to put any one in danger, not to mention my 2 small children. It is just so scary if this is something that will keep occuring or a one time thing. Can't anyone read that crystal ball for me?
6
Hi there...
 
I am from Ontario, Canada as well and have never heard of the 2 year seizure free thing,... i am 25 and have had 6 seizures since i was 18. After the first seizure they took my license away and told me that i had to be 6 months seizure free before i could get it back.. However i waited till close to a year because i had had a few more seizures.. went to my neurologist. paid 50 bucks for a note and took it to the ministry who in turn gave me my license back...I have been seizure free for over 3 years now (knock on wood). Every case is different because the last seizure i had was when i was 2 months pregnant for my son,, i went to the hospital and everything was fine and i still got to keep my license because the neurologist to this day still doesnt think i had a seizure,, (but i wont go into that) anyways. they double my meds (cuz i was on a very low dosage) just incase because i was pregnant and if it was a seizure the hormonal change is what caused it. To make a long story short i have been seizure free ever since. I do understand how you feel though about your kids ShakinMommy as i have 2 young kids myself.. took me a long time to be feel comfortable in driving again... anyhoo thats just my input. hope it helps some
7

boolie,

Hi, This is RanMan(Randy)from Ontario. Re: that driver's licence issue, yes, I've heard that for a lot of people  the suspention is only 6 months, some people it's a year but for me it had to be 2 years seizure free which I find kind of weird because I haven't had a seizure since 1979  (26 yrs) however, my yearly EEG shows epileptic activity in my lower left tempral lobe. I guess it depends on the type of seizure you have and the severity.

I've had my licence ever since until Dec. 2002 when I had an incident in a Wal Mart parking lot. I bumped another car and the ambulance took me to the ER and that's when my licence was suspended. At that time my neurologist told me I would now have to wait 2 years (seizure free) before i could apply to get it back.

I told him I thought that was a pretty long time but he said that it's not up to him, it's up to the Ministry of Transport.They are really tightening up in this area to prevent traffic accidents.

Randy

 

Diagnosed with epilepsy and ulcerative colitis in 1979,
Been on meds ever since.
 
275mg-dilantin/day
120mg-pheonobarb/day
3,000mg-Mesasol/day

8
smurf   Hi There,
 
Although I have not driven I do  no that you can get your Licences back I no of neighor of mine and yes she did lose her licence  but and I know of a few other if You ar 6 months free of seizer Yes you can get you drivers licence back
I hope this helps Good Luck
Cammiejo 
9
Are licenses only being taking away at the scene of an accident? I mean if you have one at home, they can't take it away??

I really don't drive, 90% of the time, my husband drives.

((((((((Hugs)))))))
10

Chassie0315,

To answer your question (based on past experiences only)

Re: Taking your drivers licence away;

I don't know where you're from but I'm from Ontario and it is a legal obligation for a neurologist to report a seizure condition to the Ministry of Transport, (not just at the accident scene)then the M.O.T. will make the final decision on weather you should have your licence suspended.

If the neurologist (or any Doctor for that matter)fails to report this information, he/she could lose thier medical licence.

Randy

Diagnosed with epilepsy and ulcerative colitis in 1979,
Been on meds ever since.
 
275mg-dilantin/day
120mg-pheonobarb/day
3,000mg-Mesasol/day

11
Hi.
I can only speak from personal experience concerning driving.
I too am from Ontario, where the laws state this, however where you live can be very different.
I lost my licence @ 21, when I had my first siezure and never got it back unit I was in my early 40s.  That was the time when I was fully controlled and not a threat to others due to the toxitity of my medications.
Losing my licence was a pain, but it did not end my mobility, or my freedom.  I learnt to find other ways of getting around at that time. 
Never give up, change your meds as often as your Neuro wishes if they are not working .. eventually you will find the right combination of meds.
don 
12

Donimo,

Good post (especially the link) I fall under No. 3 as my muscle coordination is now all f---ed up b/c of all my long term use of meds. but if I go off the meds ~ I risk the chance of another seizure. It's a huge trade-off.

Who May Not Drive in Ontario
    • any person with uncontrolled seizures
    • any person who has had seizures in the past 12 months
    • any person who is presently taking anticonvulsant medications that cause drowsiness or poor muscle control
    • any person who requires medication to prevent seizures but persistently drinks alcohol to excess, or does not comply with their physician's recommendations about prescribed antiepileptic drugs.

    Randy


Diagnosed with epilepsy and ulcerative colitis in 1979,
Been on meds ever since.
 
275mg-dilantin/day
120mg-pheonobarb/day
3,000mg-Mesasol/day
20mg-Celexa/day

13

Hi,

  I was very surprised last year when I was having seizures really bad they didn't pull my license. Of course, I didn't drive though. I was told not too and I was a zombie anyway, I couldn't have if I wanted too. I would never want to harm anyone else in anyway!!

  I'm still be very causious now, even though this neuro I just saw said I could drive. I have only driven once since then and my dad is taking me to the doctor tomorrow because it is a 45 minute drive from here.

  I probably won't drive anymore till I have the all clear. I didn't want anyone to think I was taking this lightly!! Take care all.

                                                                 Babs

Diagnosis: Lupus and Restless leg syndrome 1990, RA, Asthma and  Fibro 1994, Sjogren's and Raynaud's 1995, Diverticulitis 1998, Minor stroke 2004, Atherosclerosis 2004, Seizures march 2005
 

JOB 5:18 For he wounds, but he also binds up; he injures, but his hands also heal.
 
Please help Healingwell succeed in helping others. Any donations will be greatly appreciated.
 

14
HI,
 
My husband and I have just gone through this.  If you are in the US, check with your states DMV, as every state has different regs.  In Connecticut, there is no standard protocal.  The decision to suspend a liscence is DMVs - though there is no manditory reporting of sz activity by MDs or hospitals.  Everything is on the honor system.
 
My husband had his first sz in March. He was not medicated at that point as all of his tests came back clean.  His internist and primary neuro said 6 months no driving.  We saw a specialist at Yale, who said 3 months.  Nine weeks to the day (and hour), Jeff had a second sz.  He's now taking 2000mg of Depekote and has had no sz activity.  He was granted driving privlages this week - which was 4 months after the first event.  Go figure.
 
I asked Jeff how it was to be driving again and after this time period, he said he would have been more excited if it had happened in the 1st month or so , but by this point we had a fairly effective system of getting everyone to work and school and more importantly he was able to resolve his initial feelings of being "overly" dependant on others for his transportation.
 
 Hope this was helpful - at least to know you're not alone
 
Ms K
15

Ms Katherine,

I know I'll probably take some heat for this comment but:

IN MY OWN OPINION I think it is irresposible for a physician not to report to the DMV about a patient who has a known seizure condition. This is important information that the auto insurance companies need to calculate thier pay outs and policies. Unreported auto accidents that are a result of a seizure is one of the factors that drives up insurance costs and it gets the Doctor off the hook should there happen to be a law suit.

 

Randy

 

Diagnosed with epilepsy and ulcerative colitis in 1979,
Been on meds ever since.
 
275mg-dilantin/day
120mg-pheonobarb/day
3,000mg-Mesasol/day
20mg-Celexa/day