Do people still drive when suffering MM symptoms?  I haven't driven b/c of vision and other MM related symptoms. I'm still unsure of doing so, especially when it takes 3 or 4 hours after waking just to see normal and hold  a pencil without dropping it.  Are bad vision, peripheral vision, or poor depth perception also a result of MM? I want to be well enough to have the privilege of driving.  I only have a few more days b4 going back to the doctors to see what my next steps are.. and hopefully surgery is soon.

hi ladybugz..... yeah i do know it can suck to be not allowed to drive.... (ok i didn't obey for very long.. but i didn't go out blindly)

i know the post-operative reason can be the risk of seizures (and i know that opinion varies WIDELY around the globe)

however if you have vision problems (which as far as i know can definitely be MM symptoms, due to strokes/TIA's and or lack of bloodflow (mostly to the basilar region) then i'd say not-driving is probably safest! if you are up for surgery, then restored bloodflow in the area should hopefully resolve those symptoms..

often i opt not to drive but usually it's due to being lethargic.. and not feeling like i'm able to physically steer/brake etc.. (then again i car weighs a few tonne!) but this was mostly before my last surgery...

anyway, get advice first and listen to your body.

Hi There,
Whether or not your vision problems are directly related to MM, it seems that driving for you is not a safe option at this stage. If it is MM related you cannot be sure what other symptoms can also present themselves whilst you are driving ie TIA's etc. and that not only endangers your life but other people's as well. I was only aware of my MM when I was put in hospital with a stroke and then had my first STA-MCA bypass, but I was driving up to that point. If I had known that I had MM I would have been too scared to drive; but I was driving a week after my operation(!) and right up to my second surgery 6 months later - as I had no symptoms and the second surgery was a preventative surgery to address my MM now, instead of a few years down the track when I would be experiencing symptoms (if that makes sense).

Don't worry ladybugz, once you have had the surgery, you may find that all your issues will be resolved and then you will be able to drive.


Helene,
I'm sorry to hear you are having such a hard time since your surgeries - move to Perth for a while and I will drive you around!!!


Emily,
your surgery is coming up soon (another week?)
It won't be long until you are back to your old self again!
My thoughts are with you over the next weeks - hang in there friend!
Best wishes to all
Moira

No orders from my doc to not drive post surgery.  My parents were another story!  But, I did have a stroke after surgery, so I made sure to go driving around with my parents first...just to get my confidence back.