pain medication and functioning
 

Recently I had an argument with my attorney about the fact that I have to take pain medication and should not drive. He stated truck drivers do it all the time. I stated that I was not going to be responsible and have it on my concousines by driving with pain medicine in my system and hurting someone else. Not to mention it is concerned a DUI in Delaware. I would like to get others feedback on their opinion.
anita

I think anytime a person feels impaired - by any means- booze, rx drugs or illegal drugs- even severe migraines or flu - they should not drive.

I'm not sure why you argued with atty about it, your treating dr would be the one to make that call if needed.:confused:
Did you want it written down or documented that you cannot drive?
Wouldn't you rather have the option open to drive if you needed too?

I was trying to get the point acrossed that when the barametric pressure changes, I have to increase my meds and it is not safe when I can't see straight. As it is now I can only drive with my left foot because it hurts to push the gas and brake with my right. For some reason he is not grasping that I have RSD.

What does your doctor say about driving? Why is your attorney involved?

I'm with Jo*mar on this one, and I'll add it might not be wise to drive with your left foot either. I don't know how the traffic laws are written regarding this, but there's likely some technicality you could be cited for (maybe something to ask the attorney :rolleyes:).

There are many articles on driving while on various medications, and they are (pardon the expression) all over the road (sorry - couldn't resist :rolleyes:). One could probably be found to support any position, and it's pertinent, especially with long-term pain medication patients who need to and can drive safely (and test accordingly).

But overriding all, whether on medication or not, if a person is impaired in any way, and/or does not feel they can safely drive, whether tired, sick, in pain, emotionally upset, or whatever the reason.... they shouldn't.

Doc

I have been in TWO catastrophic MVA's neither of which did I have any right to live through.
Nobody should drive impaired, it's bad enough that we have lost souls (don't know where they're going), those not paying attention for multiple reasons, and it runs the gamut.

I just wanted to make this comment, that so many of us have RSD, TOS, TBI, Discs, and broken bones, and DEATHs, due to MVA.s Some, many of these 'accidents' are completely avoidable, if it weren't for the 'human condition'! I suppose, that's why we call them accidents....

Be safe, buckle up, if you're lost put on your flashers and pull over, and drive defensively, never aggressively!

Be Safe!

Pete

asb

my doctor as said nothing, except if it hurts dont do it. I have an attorney because my injury started when I fell at work and ended up with over 5 fractures. My pain medication, esp. breakthrough, if I have to take alot to get through in the morming I can't even see the TV, is how messed up I am, then I throw up the rest of the am.
I do fine on long term, but the short term gets me, everytime and I absouletly refuse to hurt or kill another human being because they want me to go to work.

That doesn't sound right...
 

I don't know what you're on (nor do I need to) but IMO, that warrants talking to your doc about for a possible change.... Just my $.02

Doc

Sounds like you need a new lawyer.

Dear Alt1268,
I agree with Sandy you do need another lawyer. I cannot believe an officer of the court would want you to get behind a truck while taking pain medication...He/she is an idiot. Ask him/her if he can write this information down and have it notarized so that if you should do as he suggests then he will be responsible for ANYTHING that could happen. I'll bet you will see him change his mind real quick haha. My best friend's husband is a truck driver for NY so I will ask them tonight what he thinks about that statement. Also, I thought you might want to look up the DMV for DE and find out their thoughts on the matter. You can prob check online for that type of stuff. Still, you do need a lawyer because now you know he does NOT have your best interests at hand. He only wants to settle the case so he can be paid. Watch out for him. Another thing he wants you to drive with your left foot!!!!!!!!!!!! I had initial trauma in my right foot and have not been able to drive because of pain (I can't bend my foot). I pray it would not be a manual tranny otherwise you would run out of feet to drive lol. I'll post when I find out things from my friend for you.
Take care,
kathy d