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Taking Meds & Driving
I am not directing this at anyone in particular.
I just got to thinking...the last thing we TOSers need is a DUI. There have been car wrecks in our little community that we all have shared, and one scary aspect of that, or getting stopped, is that we could be picked up for DUI if we are on pain meds or altering meds. I stopped driving in 03 because of my neck mainly - but I also never wanted to get a DUI from being on meds. It really scares the poop out of me. Having TOS and doing ANY jail time would be absolute hell. I did risk it if my daughter had an emergency - should not have though...It was a risk to me, to our finances, and to the rest of the people on the road...I was lucky I got to her and back ok. Anyone on meds - and I'm not preaching but just warning what the courts do - they will treat you like a criminal and you'll go to jail plus the $3000 in costs and alcohol / med school for a min. of three months, not including what the DMV does if you're here in CA. Even though we don't feel impaired, a judge will simply look at what you are prescribed and come to his/her own conclusion. So again I'm not directing this at anyone - it just popped into my consciousness, as I was wishing I had my car to get to the grocery but then thought it through that I really can't drive with my pain level anyways, and then thought about the meds issue. Please consider this personally, no need to post... |
Thou art SO correct!
Actually, my Husband pointed this out to me a few years ago (after following me driving one of our cars to the mechanic). We are both in law-enforcement, and I was really surprised at how right he was!! Tam, I am ashamed that I had not passed this wisdom on at the time. You may have saved some lives...NO JOKE!! Pay attention to the meds, when and how recently they have been taken. Especially take the time to understand how your body reacts to ANY change in medication. We are not always aware of how 'loosey goosey' we are, especially for the first few hours after intake. Many, Many DUI's are from medication, not alcohol. Not a good idea for adventure indeed. Anne |
Thanks Anne for the confirming post...
And also, even if we don't feel impaired at all, the scariest thing is that they will just take you in anyways, take your blood, and sure, you can pay $5K to have an attorney try to prove that we're used to our meds, and it didn't impair us on that date, but again, if it's a judge, I feel he or she would just look at the list of some of our meds and BANG of the gavel, jail time, etc. Or, if it's a jury, they are going to think, hhhmmm, she's so disabled she can't work, and she's qualified on Social Security and Medicare, and then on these meds, and she's driving and putting my life at risk? Nope - guilty! So as innocent as we may be in fact, the politics behind it would get us, I fear. And again, what could be worse with TOS than getting hauled off to jail, so uncomfortable, then the costs, the hearings, and the risk of a civil suit if we are in an at-fault accident and are not properly insured (high enough $.) At the least, everyone check your liability amount and make sure if you were sued, you would be covered enough so that the person would not come after your home, etc. Don't just cover the "minimums" by law, if you are a homeowner. God bless, we're in this one together! |
Perscription medication,
Tam that is a touchy one. If you take perscription medicaiton and the blood work shows a theraputic dose, there is no law in PA that says you are under the influance if in an accident. Accidents are that because they are accidents. With DUI or medication under the influance for a charge you have to be under the influance of alcohol or medicaiton; not theraputic or illegal to impair. If a doctor does not tell you not to drive and revoke the privelage in PA, and your levels are the theraputic there is no law broken. IF the levels are abused, if your medication states not to drive, your doctor instructs you not to drive you have problems. I had a local PD pull over my daughter just because she was driving 10 miles over the speed limit and took her DUI as he knew she took oxycotin. It should only be a speeding ticket.....First thing the Judge asked was what is the PC? The case was thrown out. If she never crossed the lines, never went into oncoming traffic, did not run lights, or off the side of the road, there was no PC, Can not ask to take a drug test for DUI, only if the cause that medication was not theraputic to request Drug test...But if there is theraputic levels and no violations, just speeding, traffic ticket for speeding, no DUI . IT is a violation of civil rights just becasue someone take perscription medications to be cited DUI without cause. An accident is not alone cause. There is a lot more. Much can not be made by observation either, as anyone in an accdient is confused or disoriented. You can do your own test like, walking the line, holding the foot out, couting backwards, touching finger to the nose. Now do you fall over, stumble, forget the second no? There may be some problems and meds need to be decreased to drive. A lot of the time, it is lack of good sleep, and lack of confidance that leads to poor driving habits. Do you find you have near misses, run a stop sign, do not see someone with breaks on, miss turns and end up who knows where (although I do this froim stress). A near misses, be concerned, three there is a potential problem. The whole key is keep it theraputic, and too many medications with warnings not heeded. Someone could take a cold formula and drive the same way, would they get a DUI? If the BAC is lower then .08 not here in PA. Unless there is illegal or over the perscribed limits, there is no DUI, in PA.Not since the incident we had three years ago. We all can use our good judgement, and listen to family if they see really off driving patterns. di |
Di,
I clearly state my info. is based on CA. Whether a level is therapeutic or not, it is whether one is or would reasonably considered impaired at that time. Proving what you took and when is difficult if you have no witnesses to that - and besides, it goes again to say you'd already be arrested, have to hire a lawyer, etc. It all depends on what the officers may ask you. And YES, in CA if you take an over the counter cold medicine, and you are legally stopped and asked what you've taken and / or you seem impaired by observation, you are taken under arrest in CA for DUI. That's why I'm writing this post!!! Most people don't know that this is how the law works in CA. AGAIN, with TOS, I don't want to sit in a holding cell with no blankets, food or meds for 15 hours waiting to be bailed out...It would be nightmarish. But everyone can check their own state. In CA, there is absolutely no need for a doc to say a word. It would be just more evidence AGAINST you if you had been admonished not to drive in medical records... This may only be for CA, so please check your state in particular. Just to really, really make this clear: I was thinking about this today, and it is NOT directed at anyone, just to let you all know how scary an event could turn into, and you can make your own decisions. OK? |
Tam, If any one on this board is ever cited for DUI without PC, and has to hire an attorney and the BAc and drug test show theraputic levels, the police department is going to have some real liability issues. In any state they have to have PC. Unless the person driving is abusing their medications and the drug test shows that. Then they do not belong on the road.
A good doctor can look you in the eye and tell you, you should not be driving. Those on medications with concerns of legal driving problems should talk about it to doctors. I could tell someone was on something. I had a pharmasist out of Phila driving several miles, many people complaintaints, and I saw him hit street signs and almost run into an accdient scene I was on. HE blew a .00 in the Breathalyzer. We had the PC test on video. He was asked to submit to drug testing as from the observations something was wrong. It turned out to be valium and vidcodin which he had no perscription for. I can meet many many TOsers, and off the top I would be able to tell if they could not drive. Never met one yet. Even as lay folks or family members we can tell if the loved ones could not drive. If you are a toser and all over the raod, do not know how you got where you were, speeding, too slow, rear end a car a few times, or nearly do, your meds need adjustment or stop driving. But, even mental problems can cause temporay reasons not to drive, severe stress, inability to concentrate, make one innatentive to drive. Not DUI but inatentive, negalgent perhaps. Just thinking out loud. I felt in your warning it was really saying no one talking meds should be operating a car. But, we can without worrys if things are OK with us. I did not even allow my daughter to drive, I took her taxi running. She took her brothers car. She deserved a speeding ticket, she did not deserve to be thrown across a hood of a cruiser, forearm agaisnt the neck knee into the lumbar to drop her to the ground, as she cried not to cuff her to give her a ticket for speeding, and she would have me come get her. They said No we know you take oxycotin your are under arrest. Civil court, the police dept lost...she traveled over three miles with no traffic violations except speeding the judge rulled no PC. She ended up with double vision, annular tear in the lumbar and severe brusing under the arm pits and upper arms. and face black from bruising. I guess that is why I advocate that in the end she had her justice and police learn now they have a liability. di You can not be arrested until the BAC or drug test comes back. A DA's office is not going to approve an arrest or need for an attorney if the burden is not met is my experiance. |
transporting
Great thread here!
It might be worth the research for us to know the laws for our particular States. I do my best NOT to drive when taking any meds, but some times it's unavoidable. But then, I take less than what is perscribed and I do not drive in the firrst hour or so of dosing (the fuzzy hour). A question for Di and Tam: what are the laws in your states regarding carrying pills without their scrip bottles? I carry an emergency dose of each of my meds - were I to keep them in their pill bottles, they would be too cumbersome to carry. Am I risking anything by doing this? If I were searched, could I be hassled for "transporting controlled substances"? Anne |
Good question about where to carry them. I do the same thing. I carry a few extra pills in my purse not in a prescription bottle. If I were in an accident or pulled over I don't know if that would be a problem. I do not drink and drive but if I was pulled over for another reason I don't know if that would be an issue.
Linda |
Ive always thought the same?
Do we carry ALL our bottles in the car? Driving or not? Taking or not? I was told NOT too carry the bottles. |
Driving and Drugs
This Could Have Killed Me And My Kids...i Was On Too Much Medicine For 2yrs...i Had 4 Fender Benders In One Year...a Wake Up Call To My Family And Finally Me!!!
If You Have 2 Doctors Or More Prescribing You Meds They Have To Communicate And The Pharmacist Is Your Last Stop At Telling You If You Will Have Interactions...for 2yrs I Was So Greatfull For Pain Relief I Didnt Ask Questions Like I Should Have.I THOUGHT HEY IM A NURSE I KNOW WHAT IM DOING....i Would Tell Both Doctors What I Was Taking..i Had To I Had A Pain Contract With My Neurologist And The Pharmacy...it Didnt Matter. Doctors Half The Time Do Not Look At What Med Causes What..i Would Be Having Extreme Anger And My Psych Would Give Me Something For That..i Would Be Having Extreme Depression And My Neuro Would Give Me Something For That Since We Thought It Was Due To Pain...I had so much rebound pain from Avinza and the doctors didnt know it was that.. Doctors are told by the drug reps what a great drug this and that is that they dont see side effects sometimes...only drug seeking behavior or think your mental...be aware of this..a lot of drugs cause slurred speech and a drunk look so they pass you off as high or mental... Many of the anti seizure drugs and anti depressants actually can cause the reverse to happen to you. You can also get extreme anger from too many pain meds and anti seizures and anti depressants can cause you to be more depressed they can also cause you to feel more pain if you are sensitive.. Talk To Your Pharmacist...they Will Not Always Voice Their Concern...i Am Still Going Through That Now..i Need A Decent Pharmacist that will actually look at the drugs Im on and say something...or I Wouldnt Have Had Some Of These Side Effects From Meds Mixing...I HAVE BEEN ASKING THEM AFTER EVERY MED..SINCE THIS HAPPENED..I have changed PHARMACIES... Neuro Meds Can Cause Mood Swings Severe Or Mild Know That!!! I Had One Cop Ask Me On My 4th Wreck What Was Going On With Me...i Thought To Myself Stress.but he thought I was drunk....I told him what meds I was on and that I had been on them for a year..he didnt do a thing because I guess in Al therapeutic levels are legal...then It Hit Me When My Husband Came To The Scene And Wanted A Divorce For All The Wrecks And Meds I Was On..my Family Had Been Telling Me For 2yrs I Was On Too Many!! I Kept Thinking I Need These Meds To Live With This Pain..i Have Tos, Ltn Injury, Rsd, Carpal Tunnel, All Confirmed By Emg, Blocks Etc, Previous Punctured Lung, depression... And I Cant Not Go Through Life WithOUT All These Meds!!!! I Chose My Marriage And Family And Went Through Rehab Just To See What Was What...if The Pain Was Still There And For Awhile It Wasnt...yes I Still Have This Mess...all Of It..and Now Tn...but I Am On 2meds And Might Can Only Take Those...at One Time I Was On Like 9 Meds...people Please Talk To Your Pharmacist Every Time You Get A New Med...ask Beg If You Have To And Tell Them What Side Effects Your Having And Which Med Could Be Causing What...tell Your Doctors Your Concerns And If You Have To You May Have To Titrate Down On Each Med To Find The Culprit..do It Under A Doctors Care...not On Your Own!!!! I Learned So Much In Rehab...some Of These New Drugs Are Getting Through Fda With Little To No Supervision And Have Terrible Side Effects...keep A Diary Of Side Effects And Only Start One Med At A Time..everyone Is Different And Adding And Mixing Meds Can And Will Cause Reactions...just Be Safe About It.. I Am Changing Neuros For This Reason..and Will Have To Possibly Change My Family Care Doc...my Psyc Doc Has Finally Caught On To My Sensitivity And Now We Start Meds One Week At A Time And I Have To Call With All Side Effects And Med Changes For Even A Cold...some new antibiotics Can Interfere With Anti Eliptics!!!! Be Aware Of This...they Can Cause Changes In Reality And Hallucinations when mixed with some of the seizure meds and other narcotics... Ok I Think I Made My Point!!!! ...you Can Be Impaired And Not Realize It...this Is Just My Experience With Meds..you Can Not Be Your Own Pharmacist And Your Own Doctor...you Just Cant...So for now I have to stick with older meds that have been on the market awhile...and I have experience with before my pain...No narcotics for me unless its necessary like after dental work..and someone can drive my kids for me.. So I may walk the floors for nights on end in pain and sleep when I can, be there for my kids when they need me and Im stressed but at least I have clarity in my thoughts and actions...for the most part...eventually I will titrate up on the med Im on now and see what is what...I need to give it time like you need to give all meds..Im keeping a diary...I know when I can drive and when I cant and I know not everyone is like this...so please dont take offense anyone..I do what I have to do for me...I guess some people are more prone to sensitivity than others...I am...you may not be...just be careful...that is my mantra. |
I am VERY good buddies with my pharmacist. Geez, they see me there enough! ;)
It's up to the patient to make sure all Dr's know what the other is prescribing. Sadly WE have to be in control of our healthcare now a days. The old rules we grew up with no longer apply. I voice ALL my reactions and side effects to Dr's and pharmacisis. |
Quote:
IF we all carried the emds we took, first they could be stolen, exposed to heat, spill, need a brief case on wheels to tow, (not really) if you become ill maybe while shopping it may be important to have medications listed somewhere.,.BUT we all take a few pills in a container to have on a shopping trip etc. Technically, they do have to be marked. If not, it is a pain in the butt to provide proff, but you will not be arrested. I just wanted to add, Tams post was a hit close to home. Yes we have to be deligent in our meds and if our doctors notice a problem, or if our families are not just upset at the meds we are on; but how we act or don't act.... that is a heads up. But no police officer can arrest us just because we take the meds....nor harass, put hands on. There has to be an investagation and and formal charges. Even with not having the perscriptions right on your person; you can provide the scripts if asked. It is like carrying your license, we are required to have it on us. But, if we do not there is 24 hours to provide it to law enforcement before they can write a citiation for failur to provide it to police. (in PA.) Enjoy life, be safe, use good judgement, di |
I am sorry that this thread has hurt and upset so many people.
It seems like whenever I think of something like this, and think, "wow, I should share this with the TOSers", I get PMs of upset. I am not directing this at anyone. I don't care if there is good probable cause to pull a car over...or individual cases of where things got turned over...it's the initial pain and hurt of the process, the holding cells, maybe even being dressed and put in general poplulation while you wait for bail!!! Am I spitting in the wind here? I clearly am worried about how someone with TOS would handle the process. I was, in fact, thinking sefishling OF ME. The point is, once you are either pulled over, or, in an accident, if the officer says, "have you taken any medication?" What are you going to say? What might happen next? MIGHT HAPPEN? So think it through considering your own state and issues. In CA there is no law to carry an identifying bottle that I am aware of, but I haven't worked for 5 years and don't feel like researching it...however, just logically, it goes back to the old thing of where do you go / what do you do while they figure it out? (Whoever they might be.) (Because of the laws against selling or sharing meds.) For me, I do carry ALL of my meds with me, in their bottles, ALL of the time...always have. So, if I end up erasing my thread, please do not be upset, but I am feeling rather attacked by this one, when it is just a "what if" situation that I thought maybe others would want to be safe on. There are too many people here who think I am writing this to them, about them, when it was prompted by something totally different, and in context of my car being gone for the last two weeks... |
Hi just a few words first tshadow i really don't know why any one should get upset with you i think it is a valid point in fact my doctor told me no driving when she put me on my meds. She also warned me if she found out i was driving she would have my license suspended well i am on the meds. I did not have a problem with this because it hurt to much to drive any ways. If we really think about it doing meds or not it is still on safe to drive when one is in such pain you are dessicated from the pain and it only takes a second and bam a car accident. My god i have a friend who end up in a accident because she took her eyes off the road just to put her smoke out in the ashtray. Now a days people are so busy talking on cell phones texting putting makeup on reading drinking hot coffee or tea eating it just goes on when what they are suppose to be doing is driving. No wonder car accidents are up in your countries no one can wait till they get home or get up a few minutes early to get ready for there day. The fast pace of the world is what is causing us to lose your sight on what is important and safe these days. If only every one could slow down and smell the roses. Well that is how i see it don't hate me just because i don't think the same.
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Mucker,
I had to laugh because I picture my daughter with your description...she'll do just about anything while driving, and I really get after her, with some minimal success. I especially see young people who just don't think it will happen to them. And yes, definitely in CA, you see people doing all sorts of things while driving! :hug: |
Wow does this bring back some memories of my own life and having to take meds for Trigeminal Neuralgia. Two diff occasions come to mind..the first was in 2000 when I had traveled by myself,7 hrs one way to spend a wknd with some friends. Of course when you're with friends and having a good time, you NEVER know when to go to bed..so the body was a little tired to begin with..
Not thinking anything out of my regular routine, I got up, ate breakfast, took my morning meds, and set out on my return trip back home. Within half an hour I jumped as my right front tired ran off the edge of the road into the gravel. Luckily, no injuries to anyone, THANK GOD!!! I was so groggy I was turning a/c on high to stay awake (this was in January). Much sugar, chocolate, coffee and anything else I could shove into my mouth to stay awake and I made it home safely. The second such occasion was in '02 when I had driven 425 mi. one way with my husb. and son to get some of the items from my fathers estate. I was on Trileptal at that time and was drowsy constantly. Hubby and son in the rental truck, I in my mini van behind them, I doze off and woke when hitting the rumble strip on right side of interstate while traveling 70mph!!! I bawled, absolutely bawled in fear of what COULD have happened. Needless to say, my son drove the van the rest of way home and I slept in rental truck with hubby driving that. Dr. was so alarmed that he marked it as an "allergic to" in my folder on file with his office, never to take it again. |
of greatest importance
Hi guys,
Thanks Tam for bringing this up. It is of the utmost importance that these things be talked about. We are all on so many meds and yes with combinations we can have horrible effects. I know I have not been able to drive with the increase in my nortriptyline. I have not had to deal with this I have not really driven much here but if I do drive because of the pain I get I have to premedicate of take meds during the drive....usually two percocet and 5mg diazepam....so yeah this is a huge issue we need to discuss and be aware of. i too am guilty of the pills in small containters due to going out somewhere....who can carry all those containers.......lol..... As for the pharmacy issue I always use the same small very attentive pharmacy. They are great and good people they manage all of my medications. I only get them from one doctor (now) but may have to get more from the pain center in the next year...... Thanks Tam for the initiative in brining up this topic. We are sort of naive in some of these respects......I know I am but am careful of how I feel when I drive.....but anything can change at any moment....... Best of luck to us all..... Be strong and as Alison says "be brave" love and hugs, Victoria:hug: |
Strangely enough, here is something I wrote on Mark's thread a couple of days ago:
One thing that happens on these posts is that bare words have no inflection, no voice tone, no warmth or soft sounds...so they can be misinterpreted or heard in different ways...and all are possible given the different situations where one is at on that day, etc. It's happened to almost all of us here. God bless all involved here. I've read a post and taken offense and later read it and thought, "gee, I was off-base" and I've also written a post and seen why someone else got a different take, as I didn't come across as I meant to, or thought I was. This is the "danger" of the post / email. Even letters don't seem to have this, as the personal handwriting, and perhaps time of it, seem to remove the incidents of misgivings. Anyways, that's my take in general, not specific to any posts here. And I am not taking any sides or saying anything other than just that these posts can be misleading so everyone just remember that we love eachother, which IS evident to me in the WHOLE of the posts. Try everyone to take in our WHOLE posts and give us all the benefit that we're all good people here, especially the group we've got going for a very long time now, and our new friends, too. I hope this does not come off as a flare, which would not be the result I want. PLEASE if you know me, give me the benefit of knowing I am a supportive and loving person and would not knowingly write something that would hurt any of you. If I knew that this post would bring up such unpleasant or upset thoughts, I would not have written it. PLEASE you guys should KNOW me after years now...I would fight for any person here, but more importantly, I don't want anyone to fall into a situation like that...fiance said that "if only you'd talked to me first, I coulda told you not to post something like that..." Well, call me stupid then!!! As it seems half of you get it and half think it's about them...it's not, it's about ME. |
I don't see anything wrong with a good healthy discussion about something like this. I need reminders from time to time to be careful about the timing of taking my meds and driving. My doc and I have also had a discussion about the breakthru meds - NO driving after taking that whatsoever. Further, he has an agreement with his patients that they use one pharmacy (and only one) for scripts. yes, I know people can get around this, but the people that would try to get around it would find their way to get what they want anyways. anywho..... good thread T.
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On the COPS TV show they had a girl carrying her meds loose in her purse and they said it was illegal - but I don't recall the state that episode was filmed in. {Vicodin}
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Geeze Louize
I MISS SOMETHING, HERE?
Its a REALISTIC, PROTECTIVE Thread ON safety for us, right? We are ALL substance "users" at different levels, right? We have chronic pain. DI, THANKS, girlfriend for sharing with us your expertise. I wonder at times when I refill my film bottle and put it in the car. My daughter said I shouldnt carry it with me. Now I have a "Diaper Bag" filled with ALL my needs. Me going in the car is like packing up a baby, a toddler. You have to be ready for every circumstance with a neurological chronic pain condition. XXOO |
Quote:
After all, even illegal users could put illegal drugs in an antibiotic or allergy container...that does not make it legal! I am guilty of putting the three meds together in one container. If it is an issue the reg. bottles or pharmacy can give proper information. But, I donl;t take these meds all the time. They are rescue meds I may need if flare happens out of the home. The client we had with the vicodin lose; he is a PA in a specialty heart clinic. I wonder first he should not have brought them into the center, leave them in the car. What if one fell and a child found it. ALso, it raised my awareness, what is his condition to need Vicodin, and can he work a high risk unit? That seems dangerous? make me go ummm. di |
That's a good point - save the med container and use it for a smaller emergency dose. So not to be carrying around large amounts of any med.
And have copy of rx list and maybe pharmacy # too so if any questions it can be verified quickly. It would be a hassle carrying separate regular sized containers for each med - is there any mini med containers- that the pharmacy can give for things like that? |
med dosettes
Hi guys,
I am guilty of the pill in the purse as I said earlier.....I think..... but what I did is put all my meds out in a dosette for the week for my four times a day. I always put my emergency meds in my purse as well so if I go out I have my regular meds as well as my emergency meds for well emergencies..... I am thinking now I will keep my med papers from the pharmacy in my car or my purse so that I have them there if I need them. I am unsure of canada's laws on this but I think that I will look into it. I am really glad this topic has been brought up to discuss we are such a good group of contributers that I feel with each and every addition to all the posts I learn more and want to help more. I have never felt more support from anywhere than from here...ok the waterworks are coming on now.....sorry guys just want to let ya'll know how much I appreciate all of you. No exceptions. As Tam says she is here to help others and no malice or contempt is held in anything posted. I feel we are all this way. It is so hard to communicate in this form so as Tam says again, things can be misinterpreted. I am also guilty. Again the meds effect my judgement here as well as behind the wheel!!!!:D Much love to you all and have a wonderful night or Monday if you read this tomorrow... huge hugs and lots of love, Victoria:grouphug: |
Thank you Victoria.
QUESTION: Is there a bracelet we can wear, if we were unconscious, that could list our meds, or direct the person to call our med doc to get what we're on? I have worried that there would be no way anyone would know my meds unless I'm there to list them. I was on 9 and sometimes more meds. I have reduced myself to all but three now. The oxy, percocet and topomax are the last. I think I'd like to switch to Opana, Neurontin and that's it. (Of course, diabetic and thyroid are still a must.) I think very much we should have a list of meds / doseage in our wallet, and in our glove compartment, etc. I do love you guys, and the people who may have felt that my post was about them - you know who you are - I have such love and admiration for you I'd never in a million years think that you abused your driving privileges. I've never heard / seen "those" who were hurt in anything less than excellent driving. And I mean that. God bless. |
I hope I too did not scare anyone
Not my intention, only my experience...Im not offended in the least Tam...I know from my experience and knowing the small town biggots in this town ..I have to be careful for my kids sake...
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Ideas
Di, Vic, Gin, Tam, etc...
Its 4am and not been able to sleep for days Ok I have ideas: In my emergency diaper bag I'll add: 1. My Medical Hx paper work which contains...hx of course, docs, meds & emergency call #'s 2. Copy the med bottle script's 3. TOS info doc which is 15 pages long with names of docs, attorney, meds and, TOS hx Anything else I'm forgetting? Gotta be prepared as always XXOO |
oh my gosh cyn - you have a book to carry around :(
A bracelet or something actually on your person might be a good idea- at the very least something that says "chronic pain patient" or something basic that ER, police, firemen or paramedics, etc will understand. Has anyone seen anything like that? {I'll do a search too} Ok adding links- http://www.americanmedical-id.com/ http://www.n-styleid.com/ http://www.medicid.com/ http://www.medicalidalertbracelet.com/ full googled listing- http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&c...tbracelet.com/ |
Medic Alert Bracelet
yes you can get a medic alert bracelet...just like many diabetics do..
http://www.medicalert.com/home/Homegradient.aspx they keep continuosly updateable medical records. |
medic alert
This is the best option.
When called they will list all your issues and problems all your meds and they will call your personal contact you list in your file. Marc is diabetic and he has one and it even lists that he has contacts as well. It is a great tool and perhaps I should look at getting one as well. I had not even thought of it. Their rates are very reasonable. If we have one and are pulled over then the cops will see this and know we have issues, perhaps they could be more understanding knowing we have chronic pain and TOS. I hope this is a suitable option for us!!! Take care guys, love and hugs, Victoria:hug: |
Medic Alert
I wear a Medic Alert bracelet as I am asthmatic and have a number of drug allergies. I first got it about 5 or so years ago when I was travelling a lot for work and my parents were worried that if something happened no one would know what NOT to give me (plus it is great identification). So my silver bracelet is never far from me (I feel naked without it). As Victoria said their rates are reasonable - however you do have to pay to keep it up to date. It is a pretty stiff cost as a pay-per-use kinda thing but I bought a two-year unlimited update plan (which reminds me I should update it NOW).
I list all my meds (names they do not record doasge) I am on but had never thought to list that I have TOS. I have listed anything I have had a weird reaction to, allergic to, even the fact I am allergic to lemon (I have visions of waking up in a hospital eating lemon jello!). I have my emergency contacts listed (home and cell/work numbers) and I make sure that at least my mom is up-to-date on everything I am taking (usually I give her a copy of the wallet card). For anyone with a medical issue I would HIGHLY recommend Medic Alert...I haven't needed mine yet (and hope I never do) but love the peice of mind that any emergency worker I come in contact with worldwide has instant access to my medical information!!! What a huge relief!!! I just updated my Medic Alert and I am happy to say that TOS is listed as a condition that you can add to your Medic Alert record. I was skeptical that it would be in their database but it is. I was also able to add a note that I had a right rib removal in March. So now I am all up to date - what peace of mind a small bracelet can bring! |
I started laughing when I thought about a braclet... I was thinking about the engraveable type and thought it would either 1) have to be gaudy, like 2 or 3 inches wide or 2) have to be engraved so small that no body could read it :eek: . I'd thought about that option before. I like the idea of medic alert, so they can know whats going on.
We discussed something similar on another thread several weeks ago. After that discussion, I typed up a list of whats wrong, what I do take, and what I can't take, along with emergency contacts and doctors names/phone numbers. I keep that on or near me when I'm not home. |
Tam,
You have provided a 'public service' by posting this topic and I have not gleaned one iota of malice in ANY of your posts. Sometimes a topic might trigger a vigourous response, only because we all have some experiece that may have affected us more than we realize. I would have jumped in sooner, but my server has been down for a few days. Your description regarding communication via email is DEAD ON and should be closely considered when responding to any post. I don't even like to speak on the phone, because there is SO much missed in the way of body language, pauses, etc. These things are all powerful commication tools. As far as the law is concerned, that is a truly complicated issue, ranging from what is on the books, to the personal attitude of the Officer at the time of the incident. We are only human after all. I can add that, as a Federal Law Enforcement Agent, (and a native Californian), I know well that the laws in each state vary wildly! California is indeed VERY strict in enforcement of DWI/DUI...much more so than probably most states. PA state law is light years different! I was not used to traveling between states here in Maryland. I am especially careful in PA. when driving. My husband lived there for some years and it really pays to know someone knowledgeable of enforcement practices (in that spectacularly beautiful State!). That just does not happen so frequently out west. So one should not be surprised at the different outcomes of the same situation in different locals. I wanted to say that I DO drive, but not immediately after taking certain meds. Sometimes I postpone taking the meds until I have come home from driving. No on is implying that we cannot drive at all! Just to have an awareness of when it is safe to drive. Di, I hear the pain in your post regarding DeAnne's treatment at a traffic stop. Even though your case won in court, you have to admit it would have been so much better if the situation did not arise in the first place. This I understand to be Tam's communication. Regarding carrying medications...that IS a tough one. When traveling (coast to coast), I carry all containers and might leave some quantities at home. I feel reasonably comfortable carrying contact information for my physicians and pharmacy if just bringing a few 'things' with me on local drives. The idea of carrying the pharmacy literature is a good one, but I would be sure it did not include extreme, (though unlikely) reactions in the descriptions. I have seen a medical bracelet advertised on QVC that holds room to list about a dozen meds...not sure of the cost. Actually, the Doc.& pharmacy phone#'s might be just as good a resource for medical aid workers. Tam, I just don't want you to feel bad in any way. We all have varied and equally valuable knowledge and experience. I don't think most people DO realize how very strict California is when it comes to this issue in particular!! We all just need a little 'heads up' once in a while because we are so accustomed to feeling this way or that and might not be aware of how this translates physically. I love the list of tests Di listed. They are quick & easy and maybe life-saving. I suspect most of us have medications with tags warning of 'dizziness', not the 'handle heavy machinery (cars), and so on. This post is great in that it reminds us not to be complacent. "To err is Human"!!! Warmly, Anne |
thanks to....
The GOVERNATOR.....LOL
love and hugs, Victoria |
Jamy... I got a silver med alert braclet appx. 1 1/2 years ago and need to undate my inttrathecal pump... think they are a great idea and a good way of saying hey look if you do not beleive me I have a bit of proof to wave in your face if it comes down to it, hope never gets that far or never to the point can not answer for myself! Tam very valid thread about meds on DUI... Hey Di on the field test I can touch my nose, but can not hold my arms straight out from my side:eek:
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Driving with meds
I have not been following really closely but, have been reading bits of this thread. One thing that has stuck out in my mind is that about a year ago I read in my paper that a man in my area had been in an accident. They found a bottle of valium in his glove compartment. It was prescribed to him legally. but they used this as evidence against him as the cause of the accident. I don't even believe there was evidence of it being in his system. Has always worried me.
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I am going to withdraw what I wrote as it is private, and it is sufficient what I have written so far.
Again, this thread was never directed at a person here at the Board. Take care. |
I just want to say how sorry I am that that happened to you. That is a horrific thing to happen. I continue to warn my teenage daughter and her friends to never leave a drink unattended or let somene bring them an unopened drink. We are looking at colleges now and I will have to stress this point again.
Once again, I am sorry for your pain. I hope some how the animal gets caught. Linda |
In general -
Law enforcement officer's have good days and bad days just like anyone else - so one day they might be lenient and one day strict. IMO I suppose each department {city/county/state} has an overall general policy with latitude given to the officer per incident. |
:o Hay i know every one is chatting about the medic alert but i would like to go back to the driving. I am not to fast about thinking in fact my memory really sucks as i like to say it is full of brain farts.:wink::) Ok just about forgot why i was here i had said that you can have accidents even with out taking meds that just from having sever pain this leads to my own story. I think it was in the spring i was coming home from the doctors and i turned the corner to come down my road i no sooner got the car around the corner and my left arm had the worst pain run down it oh i drive with my left anyway i grabbed my left arm with my right hay no hands the next thing i no is i am heading for the trees i was so lucky to have graped the wheel just as i hit the little ditch and manged to turn the car back on the road. when i stopped my heart was going hundred miles an hour. Needles to say that was a real eye opener i have never been in a accident before and this was just to close for my liken. I think i wrote about this but not sure in fact i guess i forgot about it till i was chatting to hairdresser even then that was a few days ago i said i was going to tell my story and brain fart until now. well that's it for now bye and thanks.:icon_lol::crazy:
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