Driving - Can you get it back??

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

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

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 

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

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

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