Is anyone else unable to drive due to the pain meds?

[emeralds333]

I've been unable to drive for about two months now due to the pain meds I'm on. I go to a pain management dr and although a few months ago I had a couple of good months, I've slid downhill this last month and a half and am now on avinza, methadone, neurontin, hydrocodone, etc...............(atarax, elmiron, etc......).

I'm too dizzy to drive and worry about the contract I had to sign at the pain management office about not driving if you're dizzy, etc.............

But it definitely makes me feel quite dependent and such a burdun on the family. We have five kids, so all the running is on my husband and carpools.

Anybody else dealing with this and the feelings from it?

[amethyst79]

Hi hun - you're not alone. I refuse to drive, but my own choice. More than the pain meds (Vistaril and Lortab) I am on other meds that cause drowsiness and dizziness. Most of the time I FEEL fine, but then I do something stupid like dump a cup of milk on myself - I think I'm losing my depth perception!

On top of that, I am constantly afraid of having one of my severe cramping moments while driving. I keep saying that'd be the moment I veer into a tree.

I have 2 kids, and I have been making hubby do the driving. I definately feel dependent, and it stinks, but he does enjoy helping in that sense because he says he feels he's really doing something to help me get better.

Some days I miss just hopping in the car and driving at night for a leisure, but most days I try and remember that I'm probably doing the right thing and avoiding unsafe driving. I do TRY to take my bike out for a short while at least once a week if the pain allows. Much safe for the public, and gives me some exercise.

Chelle

[Hangin' Tough]

I still drive, but I don't take my medication until after I get to work, which sometimes is not the right thing to do, and my second dose doesn't take effect until I am almost home, so at this point, my commute has not been greatly affected.
I am going to have a hydrodistension done in a few weeks and the Pain dr. said that if I don't get some relief from that, that he will put me on Methodone and Neurontin sp?. I am sure that I will not be able to drive with that and I suppose that disability is going to be my only choice then.

Steve

[kelly McC]

Hi,
I do drive but only to work or local places . I wait to take any of medicines till after work. Its probably not the best for me to wait but its not the best for me to do peoples hair on my medicines either. If I have a problem like this last saturday my husband brought me my medicines to work and got the truck and picked me up later.
Everywhere else he usually drives .
Kelly

[ICNDonna]

I never drive when I'm taking pain medications. There have been times when it's been terribly inconvenient, but I would never forgive myself if I killed or seriously injured someone driving when I'm not totally alert.

Donna

[ICNJess]

I hardly drive anymore. I get so drowsy when I am behind the wheel, that sometimes I pull over and let my husband or dad take over, whoever the passenger is. It's not so much from the pain meds (though I never drive when I am on them, which is every stinkin day now!) it's just from fatigue from FM and from IC. Driving used to be one of my favorite things to do, now I can't even drive for less than 15 mins!

[gypsyjoy]

In most state is NOT legal to drive on most pain meds.
For myself it just isn't worth the risk. There are just too many things that could go wrong .....it is pretty scarey to me.
JOY

[emeralds333]

Thanks so much everyone. I really felt so alone in not being able to drive and I'm glad I'm not the only one (not glad that we all are in this position though).

[skershner3]

People in our area have been getting tickets for driving under the influence from narcotic pain pills. This is mostly with the people who are abusing the meds and taking them for recreational purposes not pain. Regardless, it is illegal (I would assume in all states but not sure) to drive while taking narcotic pain meds. This is one of the things that I used when applying for disability. If I do drive, I try not to take pain meds but there have been many times when I have found that I have had to take them so I take 1/2 of a Percocet and an 800mg. of Motrin until I get back home and take the full dose. No you are not alone. I also have a motorcycle and on those rare occasions that I feel good enought to ride it I wont take narcotic pain meds at all. I load up on 800 mg. Motrin or other meds. Boy when I get home though I need them... Susan

[MelanieJean]

Hey guys!

I've never really thought about whether or not I should drive on meds. I guess it's kinda a duh-factor for me. I never take my vicodin if I know I'm gonna be driving. The strongest that I'll take is 2 Ultracet. The only reason I do that is because I know exactly how they affect me. And if at all possible, I have my boyfriend drive. But living out an hour from town and being alone most of the time, I kind have to either suffer through it without pain meds, or dull it with my low grade ones... But I've been getting a lot better now and haven't needed my vics as much. Although with me twisting my knee and being in tons of pain from that, doesn't really help... hehe Most of the time, I'll delay taking meds until I get into work and once I get it under control, I can take the bare minimum to regulate. ~mel~

[Teri]

I can take only one of my meds and drive......I have to wait until I get home to take the rest because they bother my vision so bad. One of my meds (think it's the dilaudid) makes my ears ring so bad that I think I will ge mad sometimes. My neuro has me on ativert for that and it's a life saver~

[Julie Smith]

Emerald,

Just last week i had to stop driving. Almost got in accident on way to pain dr. appt. and so pulled over and call friend who luckily whose able to come and pick me up and bring to appt. When I told dr. he wanted to see my friend, like he didn't believe me. I thought I was on a lot a meds, but your'e really on many more. Do you think the avinza helps? I know the nuerton helps, but knocks me out, only on 300 4x., then 4mg. valium 3x. thats all for pain. It's not working now cuz of severe pain in pelvis and where ovaries were, had hysterectomy.

So now I have more appt. than ever, not married or working due to ic and have had to line up friends to take me to all these dr. appt. Talk about pain and bothering my friends who are wonderful.

Take care,
julie:angel: :pray: :thumbsup:

[Stacydfld]

Ok what about people like myself who are on 12 hour meds like oxy or any other 12 hour meds like this that have to work for a living and live alone and have to drive. I feel fine to drive, but... I would like to hear from other people on the 12 hour meds like I am on.....


Stacy

[Derby]

I have been wondering the same thing myself. I take 20 mg of oxycontin every 12 hours with oxycodone for break through pain. I still work - I teach. I have to drive myself to and from work. I honestly feel ok to drive. I won't if I didn't but that may be disceiving. I don't really have a choice - I need the meds to continue to work and just survive and I need my job to keep a roof over my head and eat. My husband and I are currently looking at selling our house and moving closer to my work. My commute is currently very long. That may help...

Jeni

[Stacydfld]

Thanks for you HONEST reply. I am in the same boat, but I am single and live alone so it can get very, very hard at times. Now don't get me wrong times when I have to take extra meds and that makes me extra doppy then I will not drive. But meds that I have to take eveyday to survive to get out of bed and go to work. YES......

Thanks for you input Jeni....

Take Care,

Stacy

[BLOORE74]

Me too, I am on demerol for pain & lortab for breakthrough pain. I have been working in the yard, once the pills kick in & I feel no pain. I sit on a towel and weed or whatnot. You should see my yard its soooo clean. Last year my friend moved & we took all her plants so I planted hostas everywhere, tigerlilies, day lillies, a rose bush. Cuz i have no $, & they come up every year!! Everything came back this year, and doubled it's size!! That's about all I can do, or I watch movies. I also taught my cat how 2 catch food in his mouth!!!! My mom gave my a huge nice photo book for xmas, so i'm getting them 2 gether 2 put in the new book. It sucks not being able 2 go anywhere.

[Tunia]

Oh gosh, yes - driving is absolutely dangerous for me when on my meds fully. So, if I have to be somewhere and don't have a ride available, I have to balance or eliminate my drug intake to be stable enough to drive, and then of course I'm driving in extreme pain. Aside from the dizziness and drowsiness, one of my meds (can't figure out which one) gives me a spatial inbalance - first noticed it when driving - it seems as though oncoming cars are heading directly for me, and I end up swerving to the right. Has a similar effect even when in a store and people are walking towards me - I have to stop and let them pass by. Not fun!

[Pain_dude]

Emeralds333:

I too take a lot of narcotics for my pain as well as Valium for my pelvic floor spasms. So driving is an issue for me because, two days a week, I have to pick up my daughter from preschool. Next year she starts kindergarten, two hours a day/five days a week.

The best strategy I've come up with is this:

The euphoria/dizziness/"intoxicated" feeling that some patients feel when the meds first pass the blood-brain barrier usually doesn't last more than an hour or two.

Therefore, I make sure to take my Oxycontin/Dilaudid/Valium five to six hours before I have to pick her up. Yes, towards the end the pain is worse, but I have zero trouble driving when I do this.

Just a suggestion.

PD

[Andrew_J]

Thanks for the suggestion, pain dude.

I was simply gritting my teeth and bearing it until I got to work. Since I work twelve hour shifts, I could take the Oxycontin before I left and it would kick in after I got to work. But it looks like they're going to change the shifts (going from two to three shifts) where I work, which'll complicate things. I'm hoping they'll let me keep my schedule for medical reasons, but we'll see!

[Pisces228]

Boy, 12-hour shifts?! I know a "healthly" woman who works 12-hour shifts at an architectural firm and SHE can barely handle it. How do you DO it?

I see that you're "new" to the board, as am I. I look forward to hearing more from you.

:)

[MakinIT]

Yes...My family and doc have just pulled driving priveledges from me. sucks. But, I have been in a couple small accidents and am sleepy. It's just such a pain in the butt I'm running out of people to harass to drive for me.

Trace

[David White]

Hello,
I am David White and I am a criminal attorney in Bolivar, Tennessee. I have been on strong narcotics a while and am, as of friday of Duargesic patches with Oxycontin for breakthrough. I will tell you, if you sign the contract saying that you will not drive if you are dizzy, etc. and you HAVE TO DRIVE, this being for people like me who are now single, while on pain meds. this will actually help you from getting arrested or cited. BUT KEEP A COPY IN YOUR GLOVE BOX and explain that this suddenly hit you, as it often does, I am in NO WAY saying drive under the influence, but for people like us who use pain meds. as a way of living a productive life and not for the purpose of keeping ourselves in a Euphoric stupor, this is an option that will keep you out of trouble. If your Urologist does not offer such a contract, ask for one, most have them.
However, I am on day two of Duragesic and I have not been able to get off the couch all day, this plus the exhaustion of a whole week of a severe flare-up. For those of you who are on Methadone and Oxycontin combinations, be careful. The combination of the two almost made me mentally ill. I became psychotically depressed and even Hallucinated so be careful and if you are feeling like it is not safe for you to drive DO NOT DRIVE, but alot of times after you are on a narcotic for a while, this may take longer for some than others, you get to the point to where you will be able to fully function again. Good Luck and God Bless

[MakinIT]

Hmmm...I'm no lawyer but I believe in my state driving under the influence of narcotics is JUST like driving drunk and treated as such. 'specially if doc say "NO MORE DRIVING". We have a good system here. For 16 dollars a month a van will pick me up (public transportation) and take me across the river to Portland (or whereever I want to go in Vancouver Washington) They coordinate with the disabled transport in Portland and they pick me up at a major pick up point and drive me whereever my heart desires. Problem is, I haven't gotten the paperwork yet (they are mailing it to me) and I see the doc on THursday, so I have to go over there somehow...most of my friends are school teachers and can't drive me. I have to find someone to beg :bow: or try to lower my dosages somehow. Oh well....life with IC.

Tracey

[David White]

IT IS LATE AND I AM TIERD AND PAINFUL AND STILL UP TRYING TO SAVE THE WORLD.
WHAT I SHOULD HAVE SAID IS DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE IS AGAINST THE LAW. BUT GET A MED. CONTRACT AND IF YOU ARE EVER CHARGED WITH THIS. THIS COULD BE A VERY HELPFUL TOOL IN GETTING YOUR CHARGES DROPPED. I have gotten these charges dropped for three people in the state of tennessee due to this. SO PLEASE DONOT GO TAKE YOUR MEDS. AND DRIVE AND TELL ANYONE THAT I SAID IT WAS LEGAL. THAT IS NOT WHAT I MEANT. If you want more info. on the topic. I would be glad to help anyone with this awful disease...email me at DuztyWhyte@aol.com

[Andrew_J]

Yes...My family and doc have just pulled driving priveledges from me. sucks. But, I have been in a couple small accidents and am sleepy. It's just such a pain in the butt I'm running out of people to harass to drive for me.

Trace


Makin,

It could be your meds are too strong. If you haven't already tried that, I would definitely suggested it. It could also be a combination of meds.

I can take Xanax by itself with no problems. When I take it with Oxycontin, it causes me to become like a belligerent drunk, totally incompetent and aggressively obnoxious.

Excepting seizures, I don't know how a doctor could "take away" your DL. I suppose by blackmailing you, telling you he won't write you any more scripts.

But you're very lucky if you've been in accidents and not gotten arrested.

If you require such a high level of painkillers, then not driving may be the price you pay.

This disease takes things from all of us. Driving may be one of the things it claims from you.

It sucks, but its better than hurting yourself or someone else or ending up in jail. My brother-in-law's there right now because of a clerical error and he can't get out. It's like a nightmare straight out of Kafka.

Be careful.

Take care.

Andrew

[Andrew_J]

IT IS LATE AND I AM TIERD AND PAINFUL AND STILL UP TRYING TO SAVE THE WORLD.
WHAT I SHOULD HAVE SAID IS DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE IS AGAINST THE LAW. BUT GET A MED. CONTRACT AND IF YOU ARE EVER CHARGED WITH THIS. THIS COULD BE A VERY HELPFUL TOOL IN GETTING YOUR CHARGES DROPPED. I have gotten these charges dropped for three people in the state of tennessee due to this. SO PLEASE DONOT GO TAKE YOUR MEDS. AND DRIVE AND TELL ANYONE THAT I SAID IT WAS LEGAL. THAT IS NOT WHAT I MEANT. If you want more info. on the topic. I would be glad to help anyone with this awful disease...email me at DuztyWhyte@aol.com


I don't think anyone thought you were suggesting that David. No responsible lawyer would.

Plus the labels are ambiguous. They never say "DO NOT DRIVE." They always say wait until you know how the meds affect you.

I've had three Pain Docs and three narcotic contracts. All have language stating that "the patient understand these medications can interfere with complicated tasks like driving an automobile or using machinery. You need to see how these medications affect you before performing these tasks."

But you definitely have to be careful.

Twice a week my daughter goes to preschool, those morning, I only take my Oxycontin and leave my breakthru meds and valium until I get her home.

The Oxy causes me no euphoria or sleepiness, but I've been taking it for years.

If you're just starting with narcotics, be especially careful. Most people's body's accomodate themselves to it, I've been told by MDs and Pharmacists, but some people will always experience a "high" and not function well.

You have to be honest with yourself. It's not just your life your taking into your hands if you shouldn't be driving.

A

[MakinIT]

IT IS LATE AND I AM TIERD AND PAINFUL AND STILL UP TRYING TO SAVE THE WORLD.
WHAT I SHOULD HAVE SAID IS DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE IS AGAINST THE LAW. BUT GET A MED. CONTRACT AND IF YOU ARE EVER CHARGED WITH THIS. THIS COULD BE A VERY HELPFUL TOOL IN GETTING YOUR CHARGES DROPPED. I have gotten these charges dropped for three people in the state of tennessee due to this. SO PLEASE DONOT GO TAKE YOUR MEDS. AND DRIVE AND TELL ANYONE THAT I SAID IT WAS LEGAL. THAT IS NOT WHAT I MEANT. If you want more info. on the topic. I would be glad to help anyone with this awful disease...email me at DuztyWhyte@aol.com

Hey Dave

I didn't think you were implying we should drive. Just I thought the legality of how you were looking at it was interesting. I won't drive anyway cause it scares the wee wee out me (Hey, one method to relax my urethra...
:ignore: ) Anyway...stop saving the world...go to bed!!!

[MakinIT]

Andrew: all the docs on my "team" work together and try to figure out what's best for me, kinda cool because they know my meds so they don't over do it, but they also are very aware of my "cognitive state" so they've all seen me looking unlike myself, very slow and uncoordinated.

Anyway...talk to you soon. Goood luck.

[moelissat]

I hardly ever drive.I take Neurontin,Oxy,Zoloft,Klonipin,and Surmontil.I am always drowsy,bump into cabinets,drop things,etc.I could not put myself or anyone else in jeopardy by getting behind the wheel.If I HAVE to go somewhere and can't get a ride,I just tough it out,and take meds when I get home,by that time it takes the meds twice as long to ease the pain!Honestly,there is a dead spot of grass where I park my car!It's ridiculous.I used that in my disability case,as well,but it made no difference,at least at the first level.

[Babs RN]

I am part of the suck it up until I get home and the take the meds group. I have a daughter Andrew J's age and I do the exact same thing. The worst part for me is that driving makes my IC worse. Right after I was diagnosed I worked in an ER about 75 miles one way from my house, worked a 12 hour shift and drove the 75 miles back. I live out in the middle of nowhere(middle of the Mojave desert) so there is alot of open desert landscape too and the thought of being obtunded on meds is even more scary. My husband is deploying to Iraq soon which should make things interesting. By the way David, where are you in TN--we are currently selling a house in Clarksville.


Hugs,
Barb

[Andrew_J]

Hi,

I am on SS disability. It took me about a year. The first time they rejected me. I learned that one MUST check one's medical records. I found the reason I was rejected was because my doctor wasn't paying attention, my urologist. He thought that what I was saying about Elmiron (that it was helping with flow and those kind of issues but NOT pain) was what I was saying about my whole disease.

They used that to reject me.

So, I got a second uro to write a great letter. Got a letter from the pain doc and got accepted on the "Second REview" part of the process where another reviewer at the state level takes a look. With the new letters and my explanation of the old, the state approved adn SS confirmed.

But it took a long time. I know some people get rejected four, five, six times. I guess I was lucky.

But you got to get a book(s) on to file a successful one.

You've got to get letters from all your doctors.

And, most important of all, you need a concrete diagnosis--which I have from a hydrodistention.

You also need to know (which I learned from this site) that IC has been added to one of their secondary lists. It's not on the main list, but can be considered as similar to one of the main list conditions.

I'm sure that ICDonna or one of the other moderati can point you to the approriate information.

Or you can go to the SS website and search for it. We found the official ruling, or whatever, that way.

If your really disabled, keep up the fight. You can persuade them. But you have to have what doctors call "signs" (which are things that others can observe, a comound fracture is a good idea of a "sign." So are the "cascading blood vessels" in my bladder.

Signs are opposed to "symptoms." Symptoms are those reported by the patient but not readily observable or not observable at all.

Hope this helps.

[Andrew_J]

God bless you and your husband for the sacrifices you make to defend our country. I admire and respect your service.

75 miles? It kills me to drive about 12 to my doc's office.

Amazing.

[Babs RN]

Andrew,
Our closest city is Barstow and is 37 miles from post. Victorville is 75 miles. I am have Vegas withdrawl that's for sure. Good news though, my husband may not be leaving for Iraq until January! Still will be there a year, but at least he'll be here for Christmas.

Barb

[MakinIT]

Yeah, I'm in the middle of SS hell right now. Got rejected once. Hired a lawyer who used to work for the jerks. Said they just, as a rule, reject 90% in their pile that day. So I'm for round two but better prepared. He called me the other day, very excited because all of my doctors AGREED that I would miss more that 4 days/month ( the highest they have on the paper) It's been nearly a year myself. But, I got's my duckies in a row, I think.

Don't know how you folks handle the drives that you do. Gee whiz. I'm suffering after about 5 miles.

Tracey

[Lindsay82]

Babs-
I feel your pain. My Husband is over in Iraq right now serving. He is in the Army and has been over there in Iraq for almost a year, they are talking about extending the time though, so that might mean another six months to a year. It is very hard to stay at home and not know if they are okay from day to day...If your husband does deploy feel free to talk to me about it or email me at lindsay_michelle_82@yahoo.com or if you even want to chat about "military wife" things, After all it is the hardest job around! We had only been married for about three months before he left, so we have missed out on our first anniversary and birthdays and Valentines day, and soon Christmas and New Years!! I havent been with him for his birthday the past two years.. maybe by the time he retires I will get to celebrate one with him. Be safe and take care!! And also write me anytime you want to talk. Love, Lindsay

[Lindsay82]

Oh... I forgot to mention that We use to live in Tn also.. Cookeville is my hometown and I MISS it so much! It is about an hour away from Nashville.. Hopefully you know where it is. Its a VERY VERY small town. Hope to talk to you soon. Love lindsay

[Andrew_J]

Babs-
I feel your pain. My Husband is over in Iraq right now serving. He is in the Army and has been over there in Iraq for almost a year, they are talking about extending the time though, so that might mean another six months to a year. It is very hard to stay at home and not know if they are okay from day to day...If your husband does deploy feel free to talk to me about it or email me at lindsay_michelle_82@yahoo.com or if you even want to chat about "military wife" things, After all it is the hardest job around! We had only been married for about three months before he left, so we have missed out on our first anniversary and birthdays and Valentines day, and soon Christmas and New Years!! I havent been with him for his birthday the past two years.. maybe by the time he retires I will get to celebrate one with him. Be safe and take care!! And also write me anytime you want to talk. Love, Lindsay


Great post Lindsay. When I was in Air Force Basic, it seemed like at least a third of the guys had gotten married and, the next day, gone to Basic. I didn't quiet get that. What about the honeymoon?

But I salute you for our service to our country. Because you and your husband are both serving in your own ways.

My family has a long and honored military tradition. My last five, distant, English cousins were all fighter pilots, all killed in the Battle of Britain. Only Vietnam and The Second and Third Gulf Wars have we had none fighting. My aunt did retire as Light Col in Jan, but she was an intell officer, not a pilot. My great-great grandfather and seven of his brothers fought in the War Between the States.

My Dad's dad was career Navy when WWII started. For two years, 1942 and 1943, he was home for three weeks. (Not coincidentally this was when my father was conceived. Grandma held down the home throughout that war and Korea.). Never a word of complaint.

And the Navy transfered my grandfather to San Diego. Without that, and a hangover (long story), I would not have been born and "we should never have met."

Military wives sacrifice as much as their husbands and to ignore and diminish your role is simply unfair and wrong. Thank you.

I salute the sacrifices you make. Without you and people like you, we'd have nothing and our rights would be a dream.

In you and your husband is to found the best of America. He does what I cannot. He does what some will not. What nobler sacrifice is there than the soldier, airman, sailor and Marine who puts his country above him or herself or or his family? Nobility in spirit, hear and mind.

God bless and protect you and him and your family.

A

[Lindsay82]

I really and truly appreciate that more than you could know. My husband and I do sacrifice alot of things for his service to this country and we dont expect to get a thank you from anyone, so when one is given it makes it all the more special to us. It really makes a diffrence in a soldiers life if you just stop for a second and give thanks..
It sounds like you have your fair share of stories and sacrifices from you family! I would love to hear more about it.. I also shared your message with my husband via email and he also sends his thank you's.. He even asked for your email so that he could send you a note of gratitude.. I will be sending you a private message if you dont mind and maybe I could get your address if it isnt too much of a bother..
I am sorry that I cant write more but I am not feeling too well today. Just be looking for my message from you, and once again.. thank you, Like I told my husband NO one has ever told us anything even close to how nice your post was. It even brought a little tear to my eyes.. thank you thank you thank you, Lindsay

[Babs RN]

Lindsay,
My daughter's name is Lindsey. My husband is going over with 11 ACR in November. The military spouse thing, do I know it. I was also a nurse on active duty so I can truly say spouses have it the worst. Do you live in Hawaii? I graduated from Mililani High in 1989. Are you seen at Tripler for your IC? Please PM me or email me and I will give you my number. Take care and know that I feel your pain and you can contact me day or night.

Hugs,
Barb

[Babs RN]

PS I do know where Cookeville is! :)

[Andrew_J]

In high school I lived next door to two Navy Chiefs who were married. They told me it was really hard when they each got stationed different countries.

The sacrifices military families make is unappreciated.

We always talk but rarely do anything to really help you and your kids.

The child of every serviceman or woman KIA should receive a full college education courtesy of Uncle Sam. It's the least we as a NATION, regardless of party or ideology, can do for those who gave everything so we can keep driving SUVs and sipping lattes and drinking microbatch scotch. Those of us sitting in the cradle and comforts of this great nation should remember that it is paid for by those who shed their blood in battle. Our freedom is their gift to us.

And if we can't give the children of those who have "given the last, full measure of devotion", there's something seriously wrong.

I can't believe this has never been proposed in Congress. Maybe I'll send a letter to my congressperson.

The loss of a parent can never be made whole, but at least they shouldn't have to worry about how to pay for college.

I'm sure for the spouses of serving (or reserve) members' lives would be made easier by knowing they don't have to worry about the increasingly huge tuition bills.

Thank you all, spouses and servicemembers.

Though I was not allowed to continue my military career due to flat feet (long story), I am proud that I served with some of your loved ones if only briefly.

Words are cheap. Servicemember pay has been raised 20% in the last three years and vet funding has also increased; good start, but it's not enough. If we can't fund the education of the children of our fallen...we need to; compared to the gigantic Federal budget (2.5 trillion dollars) funding this would be a drop in the bucket. It wouldn't even reach what they call "real money" in DC. It would provide to those who gave parents to defend us what those parents can't.

Again--thank you all. I only wish I were healthy. I'd be there, right, now serving myself. My wife worries our daughter will want to serve. I will fully support her if she does so. Our family has a tradition of service to this nation that stretches back to the beginning of the republic to the Second Iraq War.

So you can imagine how frustrated I've been that I'm not able to wear the uniform.

Take care.

[colourmetwice22]

Absolutely no driving here. Not only is it illegal in the state of WA to drive even if you're on OTC meds that can make you drowsy, but if I got into an accident, I would get puishment through the civilian courts, and then through the military. Bad times.
In fact, I can't even stand Flightline or Hangar Bay watches because in the event of a fire, you need to drive the tow tractor and pull the planes into the clear. The military said no way are they taking the chance of me behind the wheel.

I'm on a Fentanyl pain patch, Dilaudid, and IB Profen, and amyltiptaline

[amber sevy]

I had to give up the right to drive to be able to wear my pain patch and my doctor told me he would call the police and turn me in for a DUI. I am OK wit it for now I know that i could hurt someone and if I was driviing and hurt one of my kids I would never forgive my self

[Elle]

I don't get a "high" or dizzy feeling from my meds. Am I the only one??? I'm on MS Contin and Ultram for pain (as well as other "regular" stuff). I've found that when I take extended release meds that I don't get the woozy feelings. I do drive and don't have any trouble doing so. But, when I was taking Percocet or Hydrocodone, I did have to schedule my meds around my driving schedule. Is there anyone else out there on ER meds that is able to drive without being woozy?

BTW - I do agree that anyone who feels intoxicated or dizzy should never get behind the wheel. And, if I'm taking more than usual or when my dose is changed, I don't drive until my body has adjusted to the new doseage.

[jlp]

I have noticed lately that when i do drive, i vear to the right. I have been having to use my sisters old car, and i thought it needing alighning...dud>>LOL...always the car..never the driver! I usually can not drive on trips out of town, because..it is ..like all of a sudden i have to close my eyes. It seems that my brain says close your eyes! Not from being sleepy. I know how most of my medications will affect me, for example, if they give me a shot of Tordal and Phenagan, I have 25 minutes and i will get sleepy and by 35 minutes, i better be on the couch. I have a drs appt on thur guess i better bring up the "pulling to the right", also the other day i took my other sister to eat, she is 14, and she told me that i did not stop far enough back from the stop sign, i thought she was just telling me stuff, because she has been reading her drivers ed book,but most of the time i have someone else drive me...I guess sometimes we do not notice it ourselves, because we are in alot of pain and get used to all the adjustments we do make.

[MakinIT]

Do you all realize this thread was started in 2002? wow. Anyway...Good info. Re: WA. State..I live there..And I agree when I JUST TAKE MY long term pain medsI feel nothing. Only if I have my oldest daughter with me is there a problem.:cussing: LOL only b/c she gasps and holds the handles everytime I merge. I thought I was gonna pop her today. She was saying "MOM YOU are OFF the shoulder of the ROAD" I replied calmly "DUH, my nearly 17 year old who refuses to get a permit.... a big Mac truck was not allowing me, he had right of way I had to find what little road there was.......GRRRRR."
Anyway...If I know I have to go somewhere, I don't take my AM Topamax. And obviously skip any breakthrough pain meds or valium but I do have to take the morphine or I am one sick puppy. I love being addicted. That's a joke folks. :rant: I have to go in on Tues and see my pain doc because internal adhesions in my pelvis are doing lovely things to my S-I joint in my low back, when combined with very tight muscles externally due to slight paraslysis from Guillian Barre Syndrome when I was 20. I was told it would bite me in the butt 20-30 years later but I didn't realize it would be so literal: and I didn't realize 20 years would come so soon. I used to only have 50 10/650 percs to get me through 30 days. That was plenty. Now, with that joint, he prescribes 60 and I still have 2 weeks to see him and only 7 left. i hope my pain doc will write a script just for a few. :rant:

As far as driving, I have a decent lightrail system in Portland. I drive over to Portland from Vancouver and hope on the train. It takes me to my hospital stop, where a shuttle bus comes every 5-10 mins or so. it works. What sucks is when I have to see my doc, he's a bit further, and about a mile and a half off the tracks. So, I have to drive to see him. One time, i drove to see my Pysch. he wouldn't let me leave until I made arrangements home. i was so out of it that day. I think it was that I couldn't sleep the night before, so I couldn't stay awake in session. so he took my keys off my purse while I was sleeping , woke me up, told me to call someone...my husband was ****** b/c he had to make arrangements toget it...but also that I drove in the first place. It was scary. I will never do that again. probelm with freeways is that they mesmerizing when you are on medication.:cat: one minute fine, next, the car infront of you is a baby elephant....

Good night

[mare mare]

Actually, I drive a lot and because of that, I don't take my pain meds like I should. I can tell there are many people who are DWI but something worse around here is talking on cell phones while driving! :loco:

[mary124]

I don't drive unless I have to- as the only medicine that effects me is the Topamax and it blurs my vision-not all the time just on occassion, the problem is I don't know when it will happen, so I keep my driving to short distance like the store down the street this way if my eyes start to blur, I can pull over and just sit for awhile till it clears up.
My husband now drives me to all my doctors appointments, he doesn't mind- it just takes some juggling between work and doctors appointments.

[ShePurzz]

I am also on several meds and drive -- however, I have been on most of these for 16 years and from what I can tell, I drive fine. However, now that I am coming off of these meds through a detox withdrawal period, I am realizing just how 'clouded' I was. I am having dizziness from the withdrawal, and now I am driving MUCH less and generally only the 1/2 mile to the grocery store -- hubby and kids are doing the rest of it.

I don't think I was bad when I was on a regular schedule of drugs -- Some do make some people tired, but I just don't drive when I am tired -- period.

However, this dizziness that I am experiencing would be downright dangerous (and wrong in my opinion) to drive on, because of the reasons some others mentioned -- just too easy to accidentally kill someone else and living with that kind of guilt would be the end of me... so, if I am dizzy or tired, the answer is "I don't drive" -- if I am taking medications that I feel I have a clear head, I drive, but try to limit it just to be safe.

Hugs to all you women and men who are working full time with IC -- I don't know how you do it either -- I guess we all have different main problems -- some it's peeing, while some it's pain -- that can surely affect what you can and just plain cannot do.

[ICNDonna]

It's never a good idea to drive when potentially impaired by medications of any kind. I think of it this way --- if I were to injure or kill someone, I would have to live with that for the rest of my life. I'm just not prepared to deal with that.

And just for the record, I agree that when driving, the road and traffic need full attention. That just isn't possible if you're talking on a cell phone. I think it won't be long before cell phone use while driving will be prohibited by law --- I certainly hope so.

Donna

[MakinIT]

I do agree with the above hugs to all who can work with IC. I have been trying to go back to teaching for three years, in fact, put my resume in last spring but had serious fall backs this summer. I was seriously depressed..that's another story...(I get so down, then I get a disabilty "representative" who tells me I surely must be able to work...I really want to work, I'm going nutz....I can't believe my chiro works with Hunner's ulcers.)
In terms of drugs...TOPAMAX sux. that does it fer me. I won't take it have to drive so my morning meds on that day consists of simplly 120mgs MS Contin, estrogen...and that's it, (I won't EVEN go into my PM Meds except to say my med box which is like a sewing box is crammed with meds.)

Take care ya'll

[mylilegirls2]

I had to stop driving over a year ago now maybe longer.. I did drive myself to a scrapbook thingy once this year.. but felt like I was gonna crash right into somone else I am so scared to drive.. My poor husband I think he is tired of being my (taxi) because I have been on pain meds pretty much non-stop for about 3 1/2 yrs.. come to think of it.. maybe it has been longer since I have really drove anywhere.. and on top of that.. my poor husband can not get a job.. we just moved back to washington from Illinois.. and because I have so many bad reactions to medications I can not be left alone.. I have reactions to meds such as I quit breathing.. (so scared that one day I will just not wake up) so I have to be watched day in and day out.. (boy am I getting tired of seeing my husband 24-7) I know that sounds bad but who can put up with someone all day and all night.. I am going CRAZY.. But hey he cooks and cleans does laundry and makes sure i take my meds when I should.. and is good at reminding me if I forget.. Anywhy I guess that is it.. goodluck to everyone else..

[MakinIT]

Well, mylilegirls....I have to admire your husband even though I completely understand your point about the same person 24/7. Mine has dealt with this by pretending it doesn't exist...and i am a fridgid wife b/c I won't have sex. (I will, just not the way he thinks we should) Ah well...I'm certainly not fridgid...i have actually managed to stay awake the past few nights and watched movies..he's been in a better mood..that is until he found out how much out insurance increased this year. AND it's my fault because if I was working instead of on disability, I would be making about 1200 dollars more a month, AND our insurance beni's would be combined (we worked for the same school district) so we never had to pay for anything. Kerap. If I want to drive, it's fine with him for the most part, unless he's feeling unusually protective, But he won't let me drive with the kids. Even though I won't take anything that makes me dopey. And I take like 3 Excedrin for migraines with a lot of caffiene and triple shot Starbucks (or, in the NW, a French Pressed Coffee...yum...) Sorry about your situation with meds...I thought mine were bad. I have terrible rxn's and carry around an epi pen. At least my husband learned how to use it.

[momw/ic]

My pain doc put me on methadone for my long acting pain control. Once you get past the first few weeks of fatigue there are really no adverse affects of this drug for most people - especially when it comes to driving. My doc said it is ok to drive when taking methadone but he said if I was ever in a very serious accident that injured or killed someone they could pin it on me even if it was not my fault. If an attorney finds out you are on methadone they can use that against you and you could be financially devasted at best but could even serve time depending on the charges. So, I only drive when I have not had the medicine that day. I can pick my kids up from school because it is only a couple of blocks, I also have a pharmacy and a grocery star the same distance. My husband takes me to my doc appointments. It is really handicapping to be forced to stay homebound but for me it is not worth the risk. I live in the Dallas metro area so the chances of an accident are probably fairly good.

[MakinIT]

That's great and hopefully anyone who can on it will, makes it easier to finally get off pain meds. My experience with methedone was awful. But that was me. I'm scared when I finally do go off b/c I am on a high dose of MS contin ER. The original plan was to taper me onto methedone then off methedone. i had a medical reason and had to do this last year. Became incredibly ill. So..after all was said and done...I told my doctor he better start thinking of a very good medical reason (which he has, but needs to learn to write) to send me to L.A. and put me in one of those detox centers where they knock you out for 72 hours and pay very close attention to you as you are going through w/drawals unconscious. (Just put me next to someone cute like Brad Pitt or someone...(not saying hes on drugs..I'm just kidding)

take care