night driving?

[mattsmum]

hi - i was wondering if others can help me
i had radiosurgery last july. i had some balance issues before, and have had a whole pile more since and am having vestib rehab. i think i am getting more used to my (im)balance though not necessarily less dizzy.
am i likely to be able to drive at night again at some point? i could not contemplate it at present. and if so - when?
my job involves driving at night; so i am rather concerned about my current level of function. i am not at work at present for other reasons, but should be returning in september this year.
thanks,

vikki

[Brendalu]

Vicki,
Everyone heals at a different rate.  I am not allowed to drive at night, by the State of Texas, even though I do short distances on occasion.  It really isn't safe for me or other drivers on the road.  My surgery was almost six years ago.  I know lots of "ANers" who drive at night successfully and I hope you will be one of those sooner than you think!
Brenda

[nftwoed]

Hi;
 
   Yes, depends upon the person and in some states, the law. Physicians in some states are required by law to report those whom they deem hazardous to drive. I doubt many do though.
   But, changing lanes, or passing cars day or night, does take extra precaution.

[Suu]

G'day Vikki
I agree with the others too.  Our laws in Aus are the same and we're usually guided by our own ability. ie: If we feel that we can actually drive safely then we do.

Balance and eye problems have stopped from getting behind the wheel as I'm sure I'd have to drive down the middle of the road so I don't run off the road 

Good luck and best wishes,
Suu xxoo

[mattsmum]

thanks all - it is a roller coaster isn't it?
having thought i was improving i then got much worse again. and in the last 2 days better again! i have even been out without my stick!
my docs have not told me not to drive (but i haven't asked them...) - i have told them i am only doing short, easy, well known daylight drives as i know i would not be safe to do more.
i am in uk, and looked at our dvla rules re ANs. we are supposed to tell them if dizziness/vertigo is 'seriously disabling' but that is not defined.
best wishes,

vikki

[suz]

Hi Vikki,
I was very concerned about night driving because night WALKING is really challenging. But for me, driving is 100x easier than walking at any time of day. I avoided driving at all until about 2 months post-op, then when I felt comfortable I ventured into  night driving. The difference for me is that when I am walking, I need all 3 parts of my balance system (eyes, feet, and vestibular system). But when I am driving I feel like I am primarily using my eyes. I am fine driving everywhere but the faster  highways - feels like too much processing at once!
So many adjustments to make when thnking about returning to work; keep reaching out for support from this forum!
Suz

[mattsmum]

hi - thanks for sharing your experience. i find walking in the dark nigh-on impossible! the last time i tried to  drive in the dark i found the sensory overload made me really panicky and i knew it was not safe.
but september is still a way off, so lots can change in that time.
vikki

[Kathy M]

Hi vikki!

I drive a lot for my job and while I am sometimes a tad uneasy driving at night, I am generally dandy. Walking at night is a whole other story. Be patient and kind to yourself. Healing takes it's good time!

Kathy

[CHD63]

Vikki .....

I would have to agree that driving is a whole lot easier than walking.  In my unusual case, I have no vestibular function on either side so walking in darkness is totally impossible ..... sensorineural response is simply not enough.  However, driving at night only uses vision for any of us, because we have headlights and street lights, so it is a matter of being careful with quick head movements for lane changes that can be disorienting.  By all means, do not drive until you feel ready ..... not only for your safety, but for others.

I did not drive for a long time after my surgery three years ago because I mistakenly thought "If I cannot walk straight, I surely cannot drive straight."  Wrong assumption.  When I did finally venture to try it in a big empty parking lot, I was pleasantly surprised by how easy it was.  Now I drive without giving my balance issues much thought.  I do not drive very often at night, simply because I would be stuck in the car when I arrived at my destination, unless someone was with me to assist with walking in the dark.

Clarice