When I was diagnosed in 1988 I went for a second opinion to the head of Neurology at Harvard Medical School. He told me that he tells his patients "If I wouldn't put my kids in your car you should not be driving" Then I asked him what he would tell me if I were his patient. He said "I wouldn't put my kids within 10 feet of your car" He further explained that since it is the same area of the brain that is affected as when drunk that allowing someone with ataxia to drive is like putting a drunk behind the wheel. I haven't driven since. I didn't want my pride and selfishness to kill innocents.
Makes total sense. Thank you!
tumbles83 said:
When I was diagnosed in 1988 I went for a second opinion to the head of Neurology at Harvard Medical School. He told me that he tells his patients "If I wouldn't put my kids in your car you should not be driving" Then I asked him what he would tell me if I were his patient. He said "I wouldn't put my kids within 10 feet of your car" He further explained that since it is the same area of the brain that is affected as when drunk that allowing someone with ataxia to drive is like putting a drunk behind the wheel. I haven't driven since. I didn't want my pride and selfishness to kill innocents.
I was diagnosed with ataxia eleven years ago, and still drive with no problem. I'm a good driver, much better than many people who drive crazy on the road! When I'm sitting, I feel perfectly normal. It's when I'm walking that my balance is compromised. I DEFINITELY would not continue to drive if I thought I was a danger to others or myself!!! I think it depends on the cause of the ataxia (in my case the cause is unknown) and severity of symptoms. I do think in your husbands case, Iwhite, it is dangerous for him to be driving as he drinking problem, which partially caused his ataxia. Drinking and driving don't mix. Alcohol also makes ataxia symptoms worse, therefore, as a rule I don't ever drink (maybe two glasses of wine per year, not at the same time). And I would NEVER drive, if I'd even had only one glass of wine! I think your husbands neurologist is concerned about him drinking and driving, with ataxia on top of that. I'm by no means an expert in any of this, as it's just my opinion! ;o)
I think doctors in the uk are legally obliged to inform the DVLA.I took it all personally at first but I got some good advice from tthis site.From my experience Ataxia seems to affect people differently.I got my license back but there was a restriction of 3 years. I did not renew it as my eyes are affected by the Ataxia.There are others older than me (54) that are not affected in this way and are still driving safely. I knew when the time was right and have a different peace of mind.Yet another example of adapting but willingly not grudgingly.
Thank you, yes, I believe the doctor is more worried about the alcohol with ataxia and driving, not just the ataxia. Makes sense. Thank you all very much for the insight. I truly appreciate the support!
You are not a bad person if you leave him. At this point in your life you need to take care of you.
Alcohol causes impairment of the cerebellum, which is why people have poor balance when drunk. Alcohol abuse can also leed to developing ataxia. If he continues on like this it will only get worse, he needs to get help with this problem or the ataxia could get even worse.
Well said, Adam! ;o)
Thank you very much. I guess it's kind of like adding lighter fluid to a fire.
Hi IWhite Thanks for having the guts for opening a piece of ATAXIA we shy away from discussing.
Your husband is walking down the road in a pair of moccasins that I had on for many years.
Self destructing himself and the family he loves, sad thing is, he really is a nice guy when
he is sober, I know I was. He must get tired of saying "he is sorry" like I did.
The main thing I realized with my alcoholism is NO ONE NO ONE should feel guilty about my
addiction to alcohol except me. I'm the one that created the mess and I'm the one that has to fix it.
I sincerely wish he finds the strength to regain his health and I'm sure you have the strength
being a good ol' Texas gal to find happiness with him or with another.
Good advice Jack.You have a positive view of the mindset of the alcoholic.