Migraines

[Deleted User]

Isn't it interesting how many migraine sufferers there are on this site, and how few responded to my thread about migraine and the dvla. Do I take it that I'm the only migraine sufferer to report it to the dvla?

Savvy_Sue

floppy26 wrote:

If anyone has any advice for Mouth ulcers kindly let me know... i get these as often as i get migraines!!!

Anbesol. Liquid, available OTC from the chemist. Best thing I've ever found. Although it would be worth mentioning to dentist next time you go, especially if they regularly occur in same places, maybe a ragged tooth catching? And to GP ditto in case there is some infection?

Savvy_Sue

http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/womanshour/2005_03_tue_01.shtml - I heard this about the time the forum started crashing, and though I thought I'd posted the link I can't find it now. Not a cure, but some research going on into possible causes and treatments related to otherwise symptomless hole in the heart.

Savvy_Sue

jack_pott wrote:

Isn't it interesting how many migraine sufferers there are on this site, and how few responded to my thread about migraine and the dvla. Do I take it that I'm the only migraine sufferer to report it to the dvla?

Couldn't say, Jack. Not a migraine sufferer, responded to that post because of my own experience of reporting something to the DVLA - btw it took them 3 months to write back and say it was OK to keep driving, which was what I'd been told I could do anyway, so I was more fortunate than you in not being in doubt.

But as a non-migraine person, I wasn't sure from your post about the DVLA whether you had 'normal' migraine (if there is such a thing) or some fancy kind, because you were talking about 'auras'.

Why don't you post a link to that DVLA post here and see if you get a better response now?

[Deleted User]

Last september I had to apply for a new photo licence, so when the form says have you ever had vision problems I rang the quack to ask if I need to report it. He just told me to ask the DVLA, saying "it's not my job to give medical opinions". I rang DVLA, and had my licence confiscated on the spot by a telephonist who asked "what's an ocular migraine". A letter arrived by return of post telling me it's illegal to drive and to send my licence back in the envelope provided. That was four months ago, and all I've had since is "it's waiting for assesment". When I complain about being without the car, they say I'm still entitled to drive, my licence has not been deleted from the computer. When I ask them to confirm that in writing they refuse. I've shown the letter they sent to the police, and they say not to drive unless the DVLA confirm what they've told me in writing (pretty obvious really).
When I rang in november I was told that Iwas on a priority list, and would be hearing within days. When I rang back a month later I was told that there's no such thing as a priority list.

pickle

Something that really works for me (which a chemist told me to try years ago) is to take three aspirin (not paracetamol or other alternative). Take them as soon as the symptoms appear - i think it has something to do with thinning the blood. I also tried it on my husband (who infrequently gets them) and it worked for him too. Worth a try?

pickle

Just another thought. My recent migraines i think were triggered by cleaning products esp. bleach, paint etc. , when i switched to using bi-carb and vinegar they stopped (it could have been co-incidence?) When i was younger they seemed to be triggered by dark chocolate and malt.

Savvy_Sue

jack_pott wrote:

Last september I had to apply for a new photo licence, so when the form says have you ever had vision problems I rang the quack to ask if I need to report it. He just told me to ask the DVLA, saying "it's not my job to give medical opinions". I rang DVLA, and had my licence confiscated on the spot by a telephonist who asked "what's an ocular migraine". A letter arrived by return of post telling me it's illegal to drive and to send my licence back in the envelope provided. That was four months ago, and all I've had since is "it's waiting for assesment". When I complain about being without the car, they say I'm still entitled to drive, my licence has not been deleted from the computer. When I ask them to confirm that in writing they refuse. I've shown the letter they sent to the police, and they say not to drive unless the DVLA confirm what they've told me in writing (pretty obvious really).
When I rang in november I was told that Iwas on a priority list, and would be hearing within days. When I rang back a month later I was told that there's no such thing as a priority list.

this isn't going to help a lot, but I think I'd be finding out who to make an official complaint to!

I suppose I was lucky in that no-one said "You have a brain tumour" before I talked to my consultant, and it was only after that that I contacted the DVLA. Consultant said to contact both DVLA and insurance co., but that I could tell them there was 'no cerebral deficit', and that therefore I was OK to carry on driving, at least until after my op. after which there is an automatic period of not driving. Maybe if I'd phoned the DVLA first they would have nabbed my licence first and asked questions later!

[Deleted User]

Savvy_Sue wrote:

this isn't going to help a lot, but I think I'd be finding out who to make an official complaint to!

Alastair Darling, BBC Watchdog, Jeremy Clarkson, my local MP.................

Their website says that if they haven't done anything within 90 working days they'll write and say why. The 90 days are up tomorrow, so we''l see. I'm not holding my breath, last time I quoted their website at them they just denied it.

The DVLA have asked for my hospital records, but there aren't any. I've never seen a consultant, so I'm expecting to have to go on an NHS waiting list for months before I gat my licence back.

The problem is finding support, I even rang the migraine association but they had no advice, or relevant experience. There are 6 million migraine suffererers in the UK, and I've not found any evidence of any of them being banned from driving. I think I'm just the only mug who had the integrity to ring and ask what to do. Rather naively I thought I was going to be put through to a doctor or somebody with some medical knowledge who could advise me whether it needed to be reported.

If you look at the DVLA website the list of ailments is so long it will include most ofthe population. If my experience is typical (there are 70,000 on the waiting list) then there's little wonder that people stick their fingers in their ears and go "la la la la" when I ask for advice.

The neighbours are fishing as to why I'm not driving, but I'm trying to keep this confidential, or else even if I get my licence back I'll be the irresponsible **** who's driving when medically unfit.

I've yet to find out what this is going to do to my insurance. The DVLA have sent a letter banning me when no doctor has ever said I'm unfit, and then told me over the phone that I'm not banned. If I have to report it to the insurance my premium will go up for no reason, but unless I can get the DVLA to acknowledge that I never was unfit in the first place I'll have no choice.

Savvy_Sue

jack_pott wrote:

Alastair Darling, BBC Watchdog, Jeremy Clarkson, my local MP.................

I think my agent of choice would be my MP. Generally I have found that if the MP writes to anyone on your behalf, much jumping happens. I'm sorry if you haven't found that yet.

To add to your list of people who might take this up: Radio 4's You and Yours.

Will have to add this to my list of pre-op questions: do I have to send my licence back to DVLA, and if so will I get it back as soon as consultant clears me to drive, or can I just Not Drive?!