Fibromyalgia Support Group

I noticed that a few people have talked about not driving. I don't drive much at all. My reason is because I don't trust my instincts most of the time. If something was to happen, I don't feel I would respond quick enough. If I have a clear headed day, then I will go out, but only around my area. But on my foggy headed days, I don't want to endanger anyone. And when I was on the methadone for a year, I almost never drove. I was curious to hear your reasons. I thought I was alone in this.

opioid usage is a good reason not to drive - If I'm taking >15-20mg's a day I'm "impaired" according to California law - same as drinking.

but that aside the main reason I stopped driving was that my driving leg spasms and gives out after about 20 minutes - faster if it's stop & go & I'm making repetitive micro movements with my ankle. I stopped entirely for about 3 months last summer when I didn't even get the 20 minutes out of it.

I had back surgery for my L5 disc but it still bothers me. The nerve runs down my right leg through my 2nd toe. That also makes it difficult. I don't know what the law is here reguarding meds and driving. I have learned that even if you don't drive your car it can still break down. I had a problem in the wiring because squirrels chewed on the wires, and now my battery is dead. My car is a 97 that I bought new and I still don't have 35,000 miles on it yet. I was still working when I got it, but my job was only 8 miles away from home.

I won't drive if I've taking pain med. Unfortunately for me everything I take has a strong effect of knocking me out including Advil. Because I have to drive everyday Pain med gets put on hold a lot. A couple months ago I went through a very bad time and had to make the decision to use my medication while working. because I didn't want anything to happen while driving I waited until I got to work to take it and the it was worn off enough by the time I had to drive home. Of course I was a basket case at work fighting to keep my eyes open all day.

I won't drive in the mornings unless I have to. Even then,if I feel foggy or extremely sleepy(CFS)I won't even drive then.For me,I don't want to hurt my kids or anyone on the road if I know I shouldn't be behind the wheel. It has caused problems. One day i was supposed to take my daughter to her first orthodontist appt. She stayed home from school,and when I woke up,I was in full flare mode with the pain,plus I couldn't hardly keep my eyes open. I didn't take her to the appt. and I couldn't even take her to school. she was disappointed,but i told her I love her too much to take the chance of hurting her just to make her happy. Later that day,she told me she understood and was okay with it. I felt disappointed in myself,but I knew I was doing the right thing. I can't imagine how I would feel if I had gone and had an accident that hurt her or some innocent person. I don't think I could live with myself if that happened. As a family we have sat down and discussed this and we are all in agreement as to when I can and can't drive.

Years ago I used to get panic attacks. My hubby always worries now if I'm staying home and not driving because I'm scared to. I've told him no, but I don't think he was convinced. At least not until...all of you helped me show him that my attacks that I had are gone and it really is because of the FM and meds that I don't trust driving.

Panic attacks are the reason I started driving again.

I lost the ability to drive this summer & my daughters were the designated drivers to take me to my MFR sessions. After 2 months of being driven by my them I was so scared of their driving that I decided I'd rather take the pain &/or drive with my left leg rather than keep my eyes closed for the 40 minutes each way.

LOL! That is too funny, Bruce! I have driven ( in my past life ) ALL over the country, but since I take Vicodin and Fentanyl,I get dizzy and am scared to death to even try and drive. I could never forgive myself if I hurt someone...so I just wait till my sweetie can take me wherever I have to go. NOW, talking about keeping your eyes closed...he's an ex-race car driver and we live on extremely curvy roads in VA... ugh...the nausea!!

My husband always complains that everytime we go somewhere I fall asleep in the car. I finally told him I can't stand to see you drive so I close my eyes sleep just comes after that what can I say. lol

For me??

Between anxiety and a CLUTCH...I only drive when I HAVE to!!!