Neuropathy and Driving question? - Neuropathy Message Board

Nigel · 03-04-2006, 10:20 AM

Neuropathy And Driving Question?

I'm in the UK and was wondering once your officially diagnosed with Neuropathy in the feet do you have to give up your driving license or are you allow still to drive if your feet are not that bad

Regards Nigel

mumzy · 03-05-2006, 09:40 AM

Hi Nigel - I also live in the Uk and have had sensory neuropathy for 4 years. I do drive but also worry about it as some days the burning in feet is so bad that although I can feel the peddles, the sensation is really distracting. Do you mind me asking where you are in the UK and what med you are on? My neuropathy has taken on a life of its own in the last year and I now have pain all the way up to my lower back. They thighs are the worse as they cramp like you've done thousands of squats!!!!!!
Regards Pauline

Nigel · 03-07-2006, 02:11 AM

Hi Pauline,

Thanks kindly for replying to my post, being honest I have not really been diagnosed completely as such its my doctors who tells me its to do with my diabetes so i take he means Neuropathy, it started in below my big toe about 4 years ago being numb now all my toes and half my foot is like it, numb, cramping and burning especially when I'm laying down its always worst and now I have it in the other foot a bit to, and last year I had a failed opperation on my left arm to repair a trapped nerve in my arm but that never worked they think the never has partly died off, and now my other hand has also started playing up, can Neuropathy also affect the arms like this to?

I was asking about Neuropathy and driving cos I thought i read somewhere that you can lose your driving license is this true?

Regards Nigel

Willapp · 03-20-2006, 08:04 AM

Have you tried looking on the DVLA website? I'm sure that if you have a condition that could affect your driving, you *must* inform the DVLA immediately. However I can't remember what actual implications it has on your ability to drive - I've got a feeling that you can carry on driving as long as your doctor says it should be safe for you to do so, and of course as long as you feel safe. If you feel at any time unable to drive due to the symptoms, you should avoid driving until you feel better. This isn't always convenient of course, but is really the only safe option - if you were in an accident you would be responsible and your condition wouldn't be seen as an excuse (quite the opposite I would think).

Nigel · 03-25-2006, 02:46 PM

Hi WillApp,

Thanks kindly for replying to my post, and yes of course I would never drive if I felt I was not in complete control of my feet especially as I have two children under 6, at the moment when I say to my GP about my feet being numb they don't really seem to much bothered and just puts it down to my diabetus so I take it that there not that bad.

but thanks anyway for your reply

Regards Nigel