Im just wondering what happens about driving again. Im 12 weeks post stroke and noone has spoke to me about driving or going back to my office job. I see my physio one per week. I have had a mri scan 4 weeks ago but have had no results. I speak to the wellbeing stroke service every 2 weeks about my feelings etc and how the stroke has effected me. This is done over the phone. Got a stroke medicine appointment ( no idea what this is) at the end of june. Who decides you can drive/go back to work and how do they decide this. My fit note runs out next week. Do I determine how long the next fit note should be and will my dr just issue it as ive never seen him face to face Sorry for all the questions but I just feel ive been left in limbo and to get on with it. If I ask my physio or well being person these questions they just say we dont decide that. Would really appreciate your thoughts and experiences
Firstly, I would start withcheck on DVLA website to see what you need to declare…it can seem quite complicated…as all strokes are different they seem to assess you on basis of impairment and may contact your GP. In the 5 minute meeting I had with consultant in the hospital he said that with my type of stroke I didn’t need to declare to DVLA but couldn’t drive for 3 months…so I went with that…everyone is different and i am sure others will be along with more advice shortly …
Thanks susie1. I contacted dvla a few weeks after my stroke . They sent a letter saying they had made a note of my condition and that I could keep the licence i have and didn’t have to let them know when i was driving again. Xx
Based on what you have said there it sounds like you can just start driving again as long as you feel able to do so. If you are unsure speak to your GP but doesn’t sound like you need to based on the DVLA letter.
With regards to work again this is your decision based on how you feel. If you need another fit note you need to.contact your GP who will issue one. I didn’t have to see my GP I just rang & asked for another note. They issued me one for a month at a time. I would advise not returning to work too soon as you’ll find it harder than you think. Also, if it is a option where you work, ask fir an Occupational Health assessment to be completed as this will give advice on any adjustments you may need on your return e.g. reduced hours for a few weeks, regular breaks etc.
I imagine a stroke medicine review is to check your meds are working ok & you’re not having any side effects. But it could be a review of how you are getting on since your stroke.
Thanks for your comments. Cleared up a few of my questions. Im definitely not going to rush back to work. Im constantly tired and need to rest up duringthe day
I was advised from the consultant not to drive for a month and only then if nothing else cropped up in that month. I was told no need to tell DVLA but to inform my insurance. I rang my insurance and they said that’s fine it’s recorded but no extra charge is needed.
I was off work just short of 4 months and it was my decision to go back. This was on a month’s phased return followed by another month’s phased return. I’m now back but only part time. No way can I do full-time. Please listen to your own body before you make any decisions.
Hi @NicholaF, like @Gnasher above I was advised to not drive for one month, also had a visual field check by an optician who said there was no issues and done a letter of comfort for my consultant and GP. I told my insurer who replied that as there was no issues just drive again with no extra charges as there wasn’t any need to declare a condition. Hope it all goes well with you, just talk with your GP about a return to work- possibly best being phased speaking from experience.
I was going to request another sick note for 3 months as I really dont feel up to returning to work any time soon. Im exhausted 75% of the time and are still gettingfrequent headaches. Im assuming because I’ve ive already been off for 3 months the dr will want to see me face to face before issuing another fit note
Hi @NicholaF , hope the doctor sees you fave to face, mine done things over the phone and a few months later had a bit of a setback. This turned out to be a blessing, from experience now would speak with HR at work too and get a proper assessment for return to work when you are ready. But please do this at your pace doing what’s right for you.