I am being investigated for presumed peripheral neuropathy. Sympstoms are tingling in hands and feet. The consultant told be I should inform the DVLA. This is what he wrote:
“He is an HGV driver and I believe is having no difficulties controlling his vehicle and
has sufficient sensation in the soles of his feet to activate the pedals, but I have
explained that he should inform the DVLA of his symptoms and that he is being
investigated for presumed peripheral neuropathy.”
Peripheral neuropathy and driving
You must tell DVLA if you have peripheral neuropathy.
You can be fined up to £1,000 if you don’t tell DVLA about a medical condition that affects your driving. You may be prosecuted if you’re involved in an accident as a result.
Will the DVLA stop me from driving once I inform them?
Well they haven’t stopped me , I’m assuming this is from diabetis ? I hadn’t informed them of diabetis , cancer , heart , etc ( they only got to know of conditions from what doc put on hgv medical form ) I haven’t been fined , I’ve my lisense renewed ( though cancer did cause issues , what medication , vechicle adaptations etc )
Just got note with lisense saying I must inform them in future of any change in my health , medication etc
This is all I got , there referencing cancer , medical bloke said we’re not interested in diabetis ( though I’m only type 2 ) , never mention bp ( I just passed hgv medical , but I’m too high for diabetic , heart not interested in , having to see specialist for legs / feet as really bad circulation , struggling to walk , and never mentioned it
So it says you must inform them if you have it, & until you do have a positive diagnosis i wouldn’t be telling anybody.
What they will do if you inform them is anybody’s guess but i wish you luck
Have a look through this. It is the guide produced by Doctor’s and accepted by DVLA as to the medical conditions that could cause you to have your licence suspended/revoked. Group 1 is car etc and Group 2 is vocational
As the cover of the Hitchikers’ Guide to the Galaxy says, Don’t Panic!
Seriously, don’t. The worst that will happen is they’ll make you renew your HGV categories/licence every 12 months. As long as you get the forms in sharp you can carry on driving while they dither every year, so unless you go abroad it’s just an exercise in paperwork and seeing how long DVLA will take this time - my record was nearly 2 years driving on a letter saying I could instead of a licence! It doesn’t cost you anything, and probably won’t even involve a medical of any kind. Oh, and insurance companies aren’t allowed to load your premium because of being on a short=term medical licence, so if they try, remind them to reread the Equalities Act which covers such things.
How can I be so confident? Easy. I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2006 and have a licence to this day. Without wishing to sound like my black cat is blacker than yours, it produces what your describing as one of its more minor symptoms, and is both degenerative and progressive. So if they’ll let me have a licence, I’d bet money I don’t have that they’ll let you have one too!
Lucy…I already have Rheumatoid Arthritis diagnosed last year. Treatment allows be to work and my job is quite physical. I was having tingling in my hands and feet and thought it was RA. But they tell me it isn’t. But I have some other issues as well…nothing too serious as yet. I’m concerned it could be the beginning of MS. I’ve seen the neurologist who says I don’t have reflex in my legs and present in my arms. So there’s some issue which they need to investigate further. You have made me feel better. All of you in fact. Thanks again.
There are many causes for neuropathy, in my case it was put down to an accident I had some 50 years ago. Broken pelvis and a hairline fracture to my coccyx,did not realise I had neuropathy. Presumably whist walking about out in stocking feet I had stood on something which caused a blood blister,never felt it. I knew about it when I landed up in hospital with sepsis and had to have surgery to clean the wound out. The scary bit was when I had to sign the consent form which at the bottom said possible amputation.
NEVER walk about now without shoes or slippers on my feet.
I’m going through the renewal process now for the same thing. Sent completed forms to DVSA mid April, saw Dr. about 4 weeks ago (renewal date was end May) and saw Dr. again today! Apparently the problem is my medication (gabapentin) is now on the ‘controlled substance’ list and so they have to check for side effects! Only been taking the stuff for 6 years when it wasn’t a ‘controlled substance’ so no problem.
By the way I am having no side effects but it has sorted the tingling sensation
I’m on gabapentin as well, have been for nearly 20 years. As yet it’s never been brought up at licence renewal, but then there’s a first time for everything I guess!
Lucy:
I’m on gabapentin as well, have been for nearly 20 years. As yet it’s never been brought up at licence renewal, but then there’s a first time for everything I guess!
It was ‘noted’ for 3 medicals (age related medicals 'cos I’m getting older er old ) and then this year it was ‘highlighted’ so having to go through the process. Don’t know whether it’s worth the hassle 'cos I’ve been retired for 2 years, just thought I’d keep the license till my DCPC runs out next year
I was taking Gabapentin for quite a few years for nerve damage but when I started with DVT (deep vein thrombosis) & had to go on blood thinners (Apixaban) the doc said you’ll have to come off Gabapentin & the tingling in both feet has come back with Avengeance.
lancpudn:
I was taking Gabapentin for quite a few years for nerve damage but when I started with DVT (deep vein thrombosis) & had to go on blood thinners (Apixaban) the doc said you’ll have to come off Gabapentin & the tingling in both feet has come back with Avengeance.
Yes, I(under dr’s guidance) am now trying to reduce my dose. Went a bit quick at first (2400mg to 2100mg) and the tingling returned sharpish. Now gone back to 2300mg and seeing how that goes. Early days.
) and then this year it was ‘highlighted’ so having to go through the process. Don’t know whether it’s worth the hassle 'cos I’ve been retired for 2 years, just thought I’d keep the license till my DCPC runs out next year 