driving

[Guest guest]

Dear Staci,

Even though my doctor has now told me not to dive period. When I first had

my icd I was always terrified not so much for myself but for others in case

there would be an accident. I didn't want to be responsible for hurting

anyone. As a now retired Insurance Agent I know that many companies will

not cover you without a letter of permission and liability from your doctor.

I know that you must list your device on your drivers lis. and must tell your

insurance company and follow their instructions

I was told that it was not advisable to be alone for long periods of time. I

also was told not to work. At least at work I was with people all day. Now

I am home alone most days.

Sometimes I am not sure what I am supose to do?

Take care

Sharon

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 10/2/00 11:13:34 AM Pacific Daylight Time,

Smiley-Face@... writes:

> i was told i could get my driver linces and could drive because i never pass

> out when my heart goes out but i'm scared to is anyone esale scared to

drive

> with the icd i also was told when you have a icd in the it's listed at all

> bmv and you have to have specail promision to drive i have to take a

letter

> to the bmv from my doctor and i most keep it in my car at all time anyone

> esle heard this ?? oh i was told i'm supposed to have someone with me at

> alltimes wheather at home or if i drive have anyone esle been told that ??

> well i just was wanting to know thanks

>

> stacie,17

What state do you live in Stacie?

I am in California and when I first got my ICD 6 years ago I could not drive

for a year. This was only because the first 3 months were rough for me and I

was having quite a few shocks. After a year the my doc wrote the DMV and

gave the OK for me to drive. So far the only problem I have besides the

occasional panic attack is having to get car insurance. The suspension made

it hard to get car insurance and the ICD made the rates go up.

I was very scared to drive at first and still get scared from time to time

but it also gets better with time, everything does.

I do not know what your heart problem is. Mine is ARVD and there have been

weeks and even months when the doc has told me not to be alone but for the

most part I spend a lot of time alone. Like driving it is scary sometimes

but it two gets better as time goes on.

I try not to do too much driving. A trip to see the doc, down the street to

the store. A road trip every few months is about all I do when I am with

friends and family I ask them to do the driving:)

Be well

http://missleslie.homestead.com/index.html

" You not cannot truly know without having experienced. "

~Albert Einstein~

" ONLY WHEN THE QUESTIONS BECOME MORE IMPORTANT THAN

THE ANSWERS WILL THE SOLUTIONS EMERGE. "

~MYSTERE~

" Travel far enough away, my friend and you'll discover something of great

beauty: your self.

Welcome to a place where all the world is water and the stage is all the

world.

Welcome to the turbulent waters of your imagination,

the calm of happy memories.

Welcome to this uncharted realm.

Welcome to " O " . "

~ " O " ~

" There is surely nothing other than the single purpose of the present

moment. A man's whole life is a succession of moment after moment. If one

fully understands the present moment, there, will be nothing else to do, and

nothing else to pursue. "

~From the movie GHOST DOG who got it from the book HAGAKURE~

If you frightened by dyeing and your holding on,

you will see devils tearing your life away.

But If you have made your peace, than the devils are really angles, freeing

from the earth.

So don't worry OK? Relax wiggle your toes.

~s Ladder~

[Guest guest]

Hi Stacie,

From what I understand all states are a little bit different as far as their

laws about driving for people with AICD's. For example in the state of

Pennsylvania (where I'm from) there are no laws on the books, but the state

relies solely on the decision of your physician. If he says you can't drive,

and turns that decision over to the DMV you can't drive. It all depends

where your from and that states law. My doctor allowed me to drive

immediately, because he thought my coronary blockages caused me to pass out

and not necessarily from the V-Tach that I have also. So far so good!

Almost 6 months and no zap yet. Take care and stay well.

Mike

[Guest guest]

Stacie,

I too have been told not to drive by my doctors. That is because they do not

know what causes my v-tach or when it will happen. I went into cardiac

arrest August 4, l998. I don't like the idea of always being stuck at home,

butI do understand, for like Sharon, I certainly do not want to hurt anyone

else on the road if I get a shock and jerk all over the place. As far as

what we want in a way of support, I think we all just want love and

understanding. Understanding of our fears and the ability to talk about them

with someone who REALLYunderstands is very comforting. Some of us handle

this situation extremely well and matter of fact like, while others still

cannot get used to the idea of haveing to depend on a box for our life. You

know I wish you luck with your support group.

Love ya,

Sue

[Guest guest]

i live in indiana i have cogental heart dease i have cardiomyopathy 2

types and vtach which jumpy aka my defibrillator is in for and a flutter

and other heart probloms which i don't know how to spell my icd has been in

for a little over 2 years the date was feb,26,1998 at 7:00 am i also

wanted to know does anyone have any suggertion on this i have a support

group of my own for people with defibrillator i need know know what kinds of

stuff you all look for in a support group

stacie

[Guest guest]

" Thornburgh Jr. " wrote:

> i live in indiana i have cogental heart dease i have cardiomyopathy 2

> types and vtach which jumpy aka my defibrillator is in for and a flutter

> and other heart probloms which i don't know how to spell my icd has been in

> for a little over 2 years the date was feb,26,1998 at 7:00 am i also

> wanted to know does anyone have any suggertion on this i have a support

> group of my own for people with defibrillator i need know know what kinds of

> stuff you all look for in a support group

>

> stacie

I am in Terre Haute IN.

--

Rick

" The philosopher contemplates ideas; the teacher energizes ideas; the student

generates ideas. "

Lionel Crocker

[Guest guest]

where is that from indianapolis,in or anderson,in

stacie

> I am in Terre Haute IN.

>

> --

> Rick

>

> " The philosopher contemplates ideas; the teacher energizes ideas; the

student

> generates ideas. "

> Lionel Crocker

>

>

>

>

> Please visit the Zapper homepage at

> http://www.ZapLife.org

>

>

[Guest guest]

" Thornburgh Jr. " wrote:

> where is that from indianapolis,in or anderson,in

> stacie

I am west of Indianapolis by just over an hour, it's on the Ill. border.

Later,

--

Rick

" The philosopher contemplates ideas; the teacher energizes ideas; the

student generates ideas. "

Lionel Crocker

[Guest guest]

Stacie,

In the support group I started we look for solutions to problems people

are having regarding anything ICD or heart. We try to be creative and

positive and turn other people's negative experiences into positive

experiences for others. We learn from eachother but most importantly we are

there for eachother creating a safe place for everyone. Sometimes it is most

important just to know you are not alone. They say there's a silver lining to

every cloud. I say sometimes you have to knit it yourself, which is what we

do at the support group.

[Guest guest]

Dear Sue, thanks for sharing my point of view. I went into full rrest for

the second time on July 16, 1999 just three weeks prior to my daughter

wedding. My old icd had benn removed and I was with out on at the time of

arrest. Thanks to God I came out of it without any serve problems. I am

just thankful my friend found me in time and the squad in my area was aware

of my medical history. I am also a no start as I have no viens left except

in my neck that will hold an IV. The doctors allowed me no choic about a new

icd and no waiting period. My doctor told me I couldn't survive another

arrest. I know I need my Willie Wacker device but I must tell you fear is an

everyday ting with me.

The docotrs told me to apply for disabiltiy as they thought I would never be

able to do a full days work again and to forget about every driving. I feel

like I am a victim as my freedom has been zapped away by my little friend. I

know that is not true but sometimes it makes me very blue and sad. (Self Pity)

My life is very different now. I have this icd in my right side as this was

the only undamaaged spot and last vein that I had that was good. I am not as

sick as many of you but I am very limited/ I have alot of pain and my icd

fires quite often.

I miss my freedom and being able to count on me. I live in a rural area all

my family works so I am alone alot with just my dogs. I spend my time

reading, swing, craftying, and doing some very light gaardening. I have

limited use of my right arm as the wire has pulled out twice and they don't

want to chance breaking it again.

My internet friends and especially Sue have been my life line. People dont

really understand what a defibrillator is and how it works inside your body.

All of the medication I take makes me tired. And after a good zap I am very

anxious. I am set at 38 jewels and that delivers quite a jolt it generally

takes to zaps to get me going. If I am lucky I pass out first or during then

I have that great head rush back with a headache that last a couple of hours.

Thinks for letting me vent. I am so prode of some of your attitudes I hope

they will rub off on me but for now I am still anxious.

Take Care and God Bless All of You

Sharon

[Guest guest]

Sharon,

You know that you and I are in the same boat, and YES I understand fully, I

too, live in a rurual area and am alone with the animals. No driving for me

either. Go to Nanjemoy.net everyone can learn about the flies and turtles.

You know we can't give up and this is better than any therapist who has no

idea what a big explosion in your chest feels like. Love you all.

Sue

[Guest guest]

Sharon:

I read your story and I have empathy very much for your situation. If it helps

any I will be praying for you today and please know that nothing is impossible

WITH GOD! HOLD ON TO THE HOPE WHICH DAY BRINGS TO YOU IN ITS' FULLEST

ABUNDANCE.

IIPistacio@... wrote:

> Dear Sue, thanks for sharing my point of view. I went into full rrest for

> the second time on July 16, 1999 just three weeks prior to my daughter

> wedding. My old icd had benn removed and I was with out on at the time of

> arrest. Thanks to God I came out of it without any serve problems. I am

> just thankful my friend found me in time and the squad in my area was aware

> of my medical history. I am also a no start as I have no viens left except

> in my neck that will hold an IV. The doctors allowed me no choic about a new

> icd and no waiting period. My doctor told me I couldn't survive another

> arrest. I know I need my Willie Wacker device but I must tell you fear is an

> everyday ting with me.

>

> The docotrs told me to apply for disabiltiy as they thought I would never be

> able to do a full days work again and to forget about every driving. I feel

> like I am a victim as my freedom has been zapped away by my little friend. I

> know that is not true but sometimes it makes me very blue and sad. (Self Pity)

>

> My life is very different now. I have this icd in my right side as this was

> the only undamaaged spot and last vein that I had that was good. I am not as

> sick as many of you but I am very limited/ I have alot of pain and my icd

> fires quite often.

>

> I miss my freedom and being able to count on me. I live in a rural area all

> my family works so I am alone alot with just my dogs. I spend my time

> reading, swing, craftying, and doing some very light gaardening. I have

> limited use of my right arm as the wire has pulled out twice and they don't

> want to chance breaking it again.

>

> My internet friends and especially Sue have been my life line. People dont

> really understand what a defibrillator is and how it works inside your body.

> All of the medication I take makes me tired. And after a good zap I am very

> anxious. I am set at 38 jewels and that delivers quite a jolt it generally

> takes to zaps to get me going. If I am lucky I pass out first or during then

> I have that great head rush back with a headache that last a couple of hours.

>

>

> Thinks for letting me vent. I am so prode of some of your attitudes I hope

> they will rub off on me but for now I am still anxious.

>

> Take Care and God Bless All of You

> Sharon

>

>

> Please visit the Zapper homepage at

> http://www.ZapLife.org

[Guest guest]

My Dearest Sue,

Life is wonderful in rural areas. I am not as isolated as you there is a

world of shopping and bright lights about 15 minutes away. I actually have

neighbors but they either work to keep themselves in their homes or are

retired and have their own health problems.

Maybe you should consider giving tours of the turtles or bringing home

several species and study them. Maybe you can find one with VT and see if a

local Vet could give it a Icd then you could write wonderful papers and

become well know and people would seek you out. (Can you tell I am in one

of those moods today)

Now near me there are a lot of muck farms. I think I will write stories

about people stuck in muck or maybe I will get real creative and make drawing

of muck fields. Perhaps I could get someone to bring in muck. As I am not

allowed to lift anything more than 5#'s and I could create muck art to sell

over the Internet. My daughter thinks that I spend to much time alone.

Seriously I have found hobbies a great life saver. I do counted cross stitch

and I sew and I am learning to quilt but the classes are 18 miles aways. As

you can tell some days I am crazier then others. Sometimes the pain is so

bad I don't want to do anything but just curl up in a ball. I refuse to

watch soap operas as I feel my like is like one. Mine is called " Willie

Wackier Today and will she survive. "

People tell me oh how nice you can stay home and do anything you want. WRONG

WRONG WRONG. Hello world, please wake up. If I could do anything I want

then I would have " Willie " removed fix my heart problems, correct my other

health problems and get on with my life.

I know this may sound sick but I have a friend who has terminal cancer and

she is on a down hill road at this time with no return in sight. Her joke to

me at least I know what is going to happen to me. She thinks that people

like us are stronger than people like her because we must keep enduring. I

am not sure I agree with that. I wish I knew away to cure her. I would even

agree to be zapped daily if it could save someone life.

I am very afraid of the thing that goes bump in my chest but I try hard to

have a sense of humor but somedays I just don't want to play.

Take care, Love you

Sharon in Muck Land

[Guest guest]

Florida also has a six month rule- you cannot drive for six months after

implant, and you cannot drive for six months after you are zapped.

Fortunately, I have never been zapped. I did not wait the entire six months

to drive either- I had to get to work, and after driving for five months with

my 19 year old son, I figured it was safer with me driving, cause if I kept

having him drive me, I was surely going to have a zap cause he is such a

crazy driver! But again, I was was lucky- my EP feels that my episode was

more than likely a one time thing and I do not have any other heart disease.

Peace, Ginnie

[Guest guest]

HI JANET,

W e have not reported it to the DMV yet , and the doctor does not do

it here we have to , but I am not driving my wife is and she does not

like to , but I guess she will have to for a while , the mail I have been

getting is very interesting , I have never past out even before I had the

AICD IMPLANT . DID YOU PASS OUT AT ANY TIME BEFORE YOU HAD YOURS PUT IN .

.. it sure is something what they can do know a day's . thanks for writing

and take care . Jake

[Guest guest]

Just to set the record straight. I think that I am the only one who no longer drives or is allowed to drive. I have not been allowed to drive since third implant in July of 1999. I keep trying to talk the doctors into it but since I have no warning or what ever I just pass out. The laws in Ohio State that you must re risk free for a period of nine months with no shocks. As Dr. Gordon said would you like to come to and realize you just wiped out a whole family.

Being an ex-insurance agent for a number of years I know how these cases tend to be handle. Have one accident and let them find out about the shock and your insurance will be gone. I have talked at length with State Farm, Nationwide and Allstate. Erie will cut you small amount of slack, but you must have a signed permit that states your doctor gives you permission to drive or operate a motor vehicle with your icd. Blah Blah blah, when I went to renew my licensee I told the woman I had a icd and she said excuse me I didn't hear that or I will have to take your licensee. So those of you that do beware there are warning signs out there.

[Guest guest]

Hello Bri,

Sounds like you and I may be pretty similar in our situations. I'm 34 and have

Type II SMA. I use an electric wheelchair and consider myself to be quite weak.

For example, I'm unable to transfer myself, dress myself or even roll in bed.

However, with the adaptations available today, I can drive quite comfortably.

This subject has been discussed before as far as type of van to use. I prefer

the Entervan. This is typically a modified Dodge Grand Caravan. Entervan

basically lowers the floor and installs the ramp and kneeling system if request.

http://www.entervan.com/

After that, the rest of the adaptations are suited to your particular needs. In

my case, I have zero effort steering and zero effort brakes. I'm much, much to

weak to be able to use unmodified steering and brakes. But with the zero effort

modifications, they are well within my power to operate. Since I'm to weak to

transfer, I drive from my wheelchair. My wheelchair has a bracket underneath it

that slides into a piece of equipment called an EZ-Lock. I don't use the

typically under the steering wheel type of hand controls (I'm too weak for

those), but instead use a control that is mounted on the floor to the left of my

wheelchair. The long 'stalk' of the hand control gives me great leverage and is

easy for me to use.

I've been driving since I was 18. I went through a driver's evaluation class

with Courage Center in Minnesota. Not only did this evaluation give me an idea

on what type of equipment I would need, it also provided me 8 hours of practice

and a van to use during my driver's test. At first, I was very afraid of

driving by myself. But a short time after a passed my driver's test, my parents

paid to have a 1977 Ford Econline adapted for driving. We didn't have much

money, but that old pile of crap van did the trick. I soon overcame my fear of

driving and found it to be one of the most liberating events of my life.

The bad news is, a set-up like I described is very expensive. Approximately

$55,000 for a new van. Let me know if you have additional questions.

Driving

Hello,

I am posting this e-mail to see if there is anyone on this news group that

drives a van with SMA? I am looking for someone to get ideas from and see how

there van is set up for driving. I use a electric wheelchair and I hope to be

able to drive one day. I am 32 yr old male and have SMA type II. If there is

anyone that would like to send me information on driving it would be greatly

appreciated. Some things I am looking for is the brand of equipment in the van

and the set-up.

Thanks,

Bri

Here is my e-mail brikup@...

---------------------------

If you can dream it, you can do it! ~ Walt Disney

---------------------------------

Post your free ad now! Canada Personals

[Guest guest]

Most people can drive but the doctor recommends that the drive is not

longer than 2 hours, if it is you need to plan on stopping and

resting along the way.

Nina

>

> Hi Nina,

>

> Am I able to drive myself home after surgery or is this not advised??

>

> Tammy Irish

>

[Guest guest]

Okay. Thank You Nina!! Tammy I.

[Guest guest]

We are using the same approach. Our son is now 18 and he has asked

about driving since he was 16. I tell him that he must pass the

test first. So far he hasn't made any effort to study for the test -

though he is now in college.

If he does study and pass the test, then I am prepared to support

him in obtaining a license.

>

> My son (19) has been bugging me about driving since his older

brother got

> his license. I told him he had to take the test with no aide to

help him and he

> had to read it all himself, no help.

> We on occasion find him on his bed trying to read the manual. If

he insists

> I will take him to take the written test. He needs to do it and

get it out of

> his system.

> I told him that not all people drive. His Me'me' does not drive.

Today he

> pretended to drive from the passenger seat.

> The last time he did a car track he could not even drive straight.

Oh well

> he will probably take the test sometime but not today.

> Jean

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi , I guess by now you know that every one of us face this issue

of not being able to drive for X period of time. Such time differs

from state to state, province to province, country to country, and

above all our family doctors, our cardiologists and EPs themselves

have their rules about this. Where I live, in the province of British

Columbia in Canada, in my case it didn't matter whether or not I still

had my driver's license or whether or not the gov't knew about my

condition, my insurance coverage is void from the time the doctors say

no and it's put on the medical record. It won't be valid again until

the docs (not just your family doctor either) have written into your

record that it is safe for you to drive again.

From time to time we hear from someone that they can NEVER drive

again! imagine that one.

Having said that, I have not been allowed to drive for four years now,

and just a couple of weeks ago, my cardio and doctor has lifted that

" ban " , but want me to take some refresher driving with a retired

instructer because I haven't been behind the wheel in 4 years. The

length of time for me was that I had a stroke in 2003, and after that

and a gazillion tests later, my ICD " Linus " was implanted in Feb of

2005, and I have never had a ZAP,(touch wood) nor passed out

(whew!)during all that time.

So perhaps it would help you cope if you think about why YOU are being

told not to drive? - The reason may beyond just the implant itself. It

took me these 4 years to get accustomed to not driving, as an

executive with the federal goverment, I travelled the country by air,

and car, and never once thought anything of it. Suddenly Losing

control over the life I knew included that vehicle issue. and yep,

it's the pits. In my situation, I had kept my car licensed ready to

go right up to last fall, with that remote hope in my heart that I'd

somehow get " better enough " and then last fall decided to give in to

what looked like the inevitable, so I sold my beloved car to my niece.

so I now don't have a car, and yep, now I'm allowed to drive. huh.

re-thinking my financials now to see if I can afford another car.

haha. Pd bills with the money I got last fall so it's gone gone gone.

Keep your head up, , find your alternatives, do what your docs

say, and " BETTER " will come, in its own time. We are all here, and you

better believe, I have vented here more than once! lol Just writing

this email helps. You know something, in all this time, I have NEVER

met anyone in person who has an ICD. This wite is the only place where

I have 'friends' who understand. I thank God every day in my prayers

for Zapper and Duff and all the rest of you.

I wish you the best.

Lynda and Linus, and Sweetie the Cat.

ps Joan, I sympathize with your husband who seems to be hearing one

thing from the doc and finding out another from the gov't.. That is

the one " rule " that I think is federal law here too in Canada too, but

I don't know that for a fact. Seems to me that there was a fellow from

the Maritimes who wrote in some time ago that his commercial license

had been taken for life too.

I guess we have to keep saying to ouselves, it's really NOT THE ICD

that is causing these changes, it is the bald fact that we all have a

sickness of some kind in our heart that we need to make certain

changes in our lives, matters not that we didn't know sometimes

beforehand that we were even sick, the fact remains that we now are.

and the ICD is there to help us, as are the meds we take by the

handful every day.

God bless.

>

> Have I mentioned how much I hate hate hate hate hate that I can't drive?

>

> I'm wondering if anyonee else is in or has been in a similar

situation and

> what their doctor told them.

>

> My EF was 15 in 2/07

> ICD placed 2/07

> VF shock 4/9/07 - told no drive until 10/9/07

> multiple VT episodes

> failed sotolol

> EF 33% 4/23/07

> VT ablation 5/25/07- successful except for retinal thrombosis (yay me)

>

> I am aware of the latest guidelines but I know they also say they

need to be

> individualized to particular patients. I think my EP doctor has not one

> ounce of compassion towards my situation (I'm a mom of twin 3 year

olds and

> a 10 month old) but just looks at me as some crazy person with VT

and PVCs.

>

[Guest guest]

,

WOW! Life must be busy with the three little ones. I have never been zapped or told not to

drive for very long (a couple of weeks at most). I don’t know how I will react if I am ever told that I can’t

drive. I can sure see anger and

frustration entering the picture.

I think that is called being human.

Unless you adopted these youngsters I

am likely old enough to be your father.

I am 3F for those who count in hexadecimal. When my mother had to be told not to drive, her doctor asked

her how she would feel if she caused serious injury to someone because her

memory problem made it unsafe for her to drive. Mom promised not to drive but I later found out that she

would drive the car up and down the driveway for practice in case she was ever

told she could drive again. We

eventually took away the temptation of the car and mom went to a better place

in 2002 where driving is no longer an issue. Does anyone know if they have cars in heaven?

I am sure it is a royal pain in the

old swivel chair not to be able to drive.

I can’t imagine how I would feel if I caused someone injury because I

didn’t follow the best recommendations.

As for your doctor not having any

compassion I understand your frustration.

There are three major professions to be considered. Doctor, lawyer and Indian chief (government). Your doctor might be afraid of the

lawyer or the Indian chief.

On the bright side you have those

three wonderful children, your EF has more than doubled and you are not

spending $3.50 per gallon of gas.

You might want to double check with

your doctor to see if the ablation changes the no drive date. Be aware that you might not like the

answer.

While typing this I was praying for

you.

Enjoy those kids. They grow up too quickly. My baby is now 40.

Joe Schmidt

God

Loves Us All

-----Original

Message-----

From:

[mailto: ]On Behalf Of

Baker

Sent: Wednesday, May 30, 2007 3:25

PM

Subject: Driving

Have I

mentioned how much I hate hate hate hate hate that I can't drive?

I'm

wondering if anyonee else is in or has been in a similar situation and what

their doctor told them.

My EF

was 15 in 2/07

ICD

placed 2/07

VF

shock 4/9/07 - told no drive until 10/9/07

multiple

VT episodes

failed

sotolol

EF 33%

4/23/07

VT

ablation 5/25/07- successful except for retinal thrombosis (yay me)

I am

aware of the latest guidelines but I know they also say they need to be

individualized to particular patients. I think my EP doctor has not one ounce

of compassion towards my situation (I'm a mom of twin 3 year olds and a 10

month old) but just looks at me as some crazy person with VT and PVCs.

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

I am so sorry. I hate hate hate not driving too but

the thought of hurting my son or one of his pals

brings be right down to earth.

I am however thinking of taking a trip to Montana on

this long stretch of road where no one lives and drive

like a crazy woman.

I know it is hard to have kids and heart stuff going

on. My son was 9 months old when I had open heart

surgery. Then the pesky cardiac arrest was jan 07. My

heart is not stable and my zapper has been busy. But

heck I am still here.

I would love however to go out and party like crazy

drive a fast car and pretend I was me before all this

stuff happened.

hang in there

--- Baker <laurarn@...> wrote:

> Have I mentioned how much I hate hate hate hate hate

> that I can't drive?

>

> I'm wondering if anyonee else is in or has been in a

> similar situation and

> what their doctor told them.

>

> My EF was 15 in 2/07

> ICD placed 2/07

> VF shock 4/9/07 - told no drive until 10/9/07

> multiple VT episodes

> failed sotolol

> EF 33% 4/23/07

> VT ablation 5/25/07- successful except for retinal

> thrombosis (yay me)

>

> I am aware of the latest guidelines but I know they

> also say they need to be

> individualized to particular patients. I think my EP

> doctor has not one

> ounce of compassion towards my situation (I'm a mom

> of twin 3 year olds and

> a 10 month old) but just looks at me as some crazy

> person with VT and PVCs.

>

>

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[Guest guest]

Hello, if the group doesn't mind, I'd like to add my two cents worth, lol. My husband has a defibrillator/pacemaker. And since Oct. '06, I've been having seizures at least 1 or 2 a month for unknown causes. And yes I do take my meds. I am also not allowed to drive for this reason. And it is hard, being 44 yrs old and losing your freedom to drive. I am not a dependant person, or should I rephrase that to, "I wasn't a dependant person". And if they ever take my husbands driving privlige away, we'd really be in trouble. As it is, I have to practically beg him to take me places, other than work of course. He's always like, "Call someone else and have them take you". But we all have to think positive and be thankful that we aren't driving and taking the risk of hurting someone else or ourselves. It sure helps having someone else with similar situations to talk to that truly understands what we are facing. Thanks for letting me share my story Ronda-Indiana

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[Guest guest]

I know the guidelines say no driving for 6 months after a shock but I don't get why this doesn't apply to paced out episodes. (Maybe I shouldn't complain about that of course since I've been paced out 7 times.)

But my EF has improved

the VT is gone (we hope.. I wouldn't even consider it until we're sure about that)

I didn't pass out when I was shocked

I only needed one shock and was completely fine after (I didn't even realize I had been shocked)

Not driving is really affecting me psychologically.. so many things all come back to be not being able to drive!

So that's why it's so fustrating!

She told me there was nothing she could do and it was federal rules.. my regular cardiologist told me that if they fixed the VT I could drive sooner but my EP said no.

Oh yeah and I had a branch retinal artery occlusion during the procedure so now I'm missing some vision (the opthalmologist said this would not affect my ability to drive). I also have a hematoma the size of my thigh and am now on blood thinners.

So it's been a rough few months. The good news is they said I might be able to go back to work in a few weeks. I've been out since I got my ICD.

From: [mailto: ] On Behalf Of niteowlSent: Wednesday, May 30, 2007 9:14 PM Subject: Re: Driving

Hello, if the group doesn't mind, I'd like to add my two cents worth, lol. My husband has a defibrillator/pacemaker. And since Oct. '06, I've been having seizures at least 1 or 2 a month for unknown causes. And yes I do take my meds. I am also not allowed to drive for this reason. And it is hard, being 44 yrs old and losing your freedom to drive. I am not a dependant person, or should I rephrase that to, "I wasn't a dependant person". And if they ever take my husbands driving privlige away, we'd really be in trouble. As it is, I have to practically beg him to take me places, other than work of course. He's always like, "Call someone else and have them take you". But we all have to think positive and be thankful that we aren't driving and taking the risk of hurting someone else or ourselves. It sure helps having someone else with similar situations to talk to that truly understands what we are facing.Need Mail bonding?Go to the Q & A for great tips from Answers users.

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