• Topic
• Nerves & brain >> Parkinson's disease >> Driving and journeys >> Driving and journeys

Driving and journeys

• >> Parkinson's disease >> Driving and journeys >> Driving and journeys

Driving and journeys

• Clip
• Nerves & brain >> Parkinson's disease >> DBS >> Elisabet - Interview 08 >> Before her DBS operation Elisabet had to learn to use her left leg when driving her automatic car. She was once wrongly accused of drunk driving.

Elisabet was diagnosed in 1990. In 2006, she had deep brain stimulation which was successful and has improved her symptoms considerably.

• Nerves & brain >> Parkinson's disease >> 3-4 years >> Angela - Interview 10 >> Angela nearly lost her license when she filled the form in wrong. Not being able to drive would have been a disaster for her.

Angela was diagnosed in 2004 with Parkinson’s Disease. She takes Ropinirole, Orphenadrine and Requip. Acupuncture has helped her symptoms.

• Nerves & brain >> Parkinson's disease >> 2 years or under >> Kevin - Interview 16 >> Kevin had a problem with balance which affected his driving but only in the dark.

Kevin was diagnosed 2 years ago. Although he still experiences stiffness, particularly in his shoulder and neck, most of his symptoms were managed well by Ropinirole but it caused nausea and has os now on Rogitotine 4mg vvpatches.

• Nerves & brain >> Parkinson's disease >> 2 years or under >> Ann - Interview 19 >> Ann was worried about her Parkinson’s and her deteriorating vision so she arranged for a test through the DVLA. Passing greatly boosted her morale.

Diagnosed three years ago, Ann has tremor in her right hand. The first year after diagnosis was very difficult, but since taking Mirapexin, she feels more able to cope.

• Nerves & brain >> Parkinson's disease >> Carers >> Mari - Interview 45 >> Mari had to learn how to be diplomatic in her position as observer of the changes in Humphrey’s driving.

Mari describes what it’s like seeing and, herself, dealing with the symptoms of her husband’s Parkinson’s Disease.

• Nerves & brain >> Parkinson's disease >> Over 12 years >> Geraldine - Interview 28 >> Geraldine who has had PD for 18 years feels better than she has for years since tolcapone was added to her complicated drug regimens.

Geraldine was diagnosed in 1990. She was a single parent with three teenage children. She never-the-less succeeded in holding increasingly demanding executive jobs in the voluntary sector and was finally chief executive of the Charities Commission before retiring recently. And she is still working on many projects and committees.

• Nerves & brain >> Parkinson's disease >> 5-7 years >> Fred - Interview 30 >> Fred who was still driving found that having a disabled badge had advantages; there was a lot of help for people with walking difficulties.

Diagnosed with Parkinsonian syndrome 5 years ago. This condition is only partially responsive to Dopamine and is therefore difficult to treat. In spite of a steady deterioration in his condition Fred remains active and cheerful.

• Nerves & brain >> Parkinson's disease >> 8-12 years >> Sharon - Interview 31 >> Sharon explains what her car means to her and her thoughts about the time when she will no longer be able to drive.

Forced by her Parkinsons symptoms to retire from a career she loved as a teacher Sharon turned things round by becoming a business woman creating the very successful Cake Bake Company.

• Nerves & brain >> Parkinson's disease >> 3-4 years >> Eddie - Interview 37 >> Eddie had driven for many years in spite of suffering from narcolepsy, but now the Parkinson’s tremor in his leg had made him decide to give up.

Eddie was diagnosed with Parkinson’s about 3 years ago. He was put on Sinemet but began to experience breathing difficulties at night. Although his consultant encouraged him to continue on the medication he decided not to.