Any record of a sudden relapse causing an accident? My daughter-in-laws feel this should keep me from driving my grandchildren. Have RR form since 2000 with weakness in left leg. Had 1 minor exaserbation in 2002. Then got numbness of left hand. Right side is normal. Have fatigue at times. Do not drive if I feel fatigued. Have driven highway trips 2-3 hrs at a time. Feel I am in control and am extremely cautious. Mothers are making me lose my confidence. Do drive 1 granchild at times. Youngest Son's child and he does not share the opinion so overrides wife's decision. Oldest son doesn't want the argument so his 4 children are not permitted to ride with me. Any stats to back up their fears?
I am so sorry, Concerned Grandma, that I did not find statistics to tell the rate of accidents caused by MS, with or without flares. How frustrating it must be for your grandchildren to be denied your help driving them places. Please don't let your confidence suffer.
Ask your doctor about your risk while driving. Your doctor's review might help you here. If there is a possibility of risk, your doctor can tell you. Regardless of the outcome, don't let it affect your confidence.
At any rate, it is a shame there is a family rift about your driving. It could be no more than a lack of understanding about MS and how it affects your driving skills. There is, as you must know by now, always misunderstanding concerning MS.
Good luck.
Concerned Grandma,
Let me add my two cents. With your doctors approval, you can ask him to write a prescription for hand controls. These make driving much easier if you are experiencing weakness in your hands and/or feet. A few years back, I had an acute exacerbation, my doctor gave me a prescription and I had hand controls installed onto the steering wheel of my car. It was SO simple and allowed me to drive despite my weakness. I kept my independence and my self-esteem remained intact (and my insurance company helped foot the bill!) Perhaps you could look into this option for yourself.
Best to you, and keep us posted on how you are doing.
I suggest you stop driving like my wife did 2 years ago. She hit someone in a cross walk. If you start to eat macrobiotically like she did after Easter you will go back into remission. It only took her 7 days to start recovering and now she is able to drive safetly again. Read my posting about macrobiotics and the fact that she was 2nd stage progressive. She said she will talk to anone who would like to know more.
Steve
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1 Tash1217 01/02/11 | Report as spam RE: Is there driving after MS? - multiple sclerosis - includes ... I am 37 and have been living with MS for 15years. About 4 years ago it took a turn and now I am unable to walk without my walker. I've learned to live a happy life regardless. I say that I am not disabled I am differently abled. In regards to driving I did not think that I should continue driving and risk harm to another person as well as myself. I had a leased car that was ready to end so I did. I then contacted the NMSS and completed driving rehab with an OT and took and passed the driving test required to obtain my license using hand controls. it has been 4years since I have had a car. When I bring up the subject to my husband or others they are completly against me driving. I went through the correct procedures and was evaluated by qualified professionals in the field of occupational therapy. Now I have no idea where to go from here. Instead of encouraging me to get some of my life back I am made to feel that I am ridiculous for thinking I can still drive. Has anyone else had this problem? Any advice?