Today I went for the results from my 2nd MRI of the brain! Now after 6 months the dr has decides that I either have Parkinson’s disease or MS. Dear Lord, I would like to have a definite answer! My RA dr says that the Fibro is definite! As well as degenerative joint disc issues! I talked with my work they want a dr note that says I can drive cdl on the pain meds I am on, and the ortho dr says get the note from Ra they keep passing me back and forth. I
So frustrated. I can’t drive a cdl. Is with tourists taking tramadol and Vicodin. What so I so?
Dear Jackie,
I don't know all of the answers, I only know that you need to make your life as easy and simplistic as you possibly can, as soon as you possibly can! Take all the help you can get, from whomever you can get it, that means in-laws, out-laws, neighbors, Church, school, whom ever will offer it!
All of this on you and they seem to think they need to do a mental/emotional evaluation, huh? Gee, wonder why we all have a phobia of being judged?
Jackie, I know this is a very hard hit, but I also know that you are a strong woman, an unwavering dedicated Mother, and that you will soldier through and do your very best! I also know that we will all be right here, behind you, beside you all the way!
Love and hugs,
SK
I think you’re being tossed back and forth because the doctors don’t want their name on a note saying you can drive on pain meds. They don’t want the responsibility - that’s why there are warnings on meds! I would thing they would rather write the note to say you shouldn’t be driving people around on pain meds! It’s the same as pilots flying under the influence. I would think your employer would see that they don’t want to sign it, thus letting them know that a doctor won’t sign the papers.
I would wait until they have a distinct diagnosis so they can treat you correctly. Then it’ll be time to see how much you can do or possibly change jobs within the company to accommodate your conditions. Best wishes to you ~ hugs~ Sandi 
I would think that the LAW would be the MOST clear on this. I don' t know of a state or country that will tolerate someone driving under narcotics! So maybe you just need to ask them to send in a permission slip to drive on these meds! Doesn't a CDL license specifically state driving under the influence of alcohol, or narcotics is prohibited? When in doubt, call the cops, ask them! They will know this answer, and you'll get it fast!
Yes, I agree, my boss is aware that under the law I can’t drive and take meds! I don’t understand why it is even a question. I don’t feel comfortable taking other people’s lives in my hands. Without the pain meds, there want a question! I think they want me to quit rather then them saying I can’t drive.
Oh I don’t mean to be rude, thank you all for your support
Oh no, I don't think you rude at all! They are really toying with you, you have every right to be upset, this needs to be discussed with someone who can make a call!
Are they setting you up?
Must you get an attorney involved?
Tramadol is not a narcotic, but is like a narcotic in its effect on some people. I take tramadol & live in Calif., so I checked on this for myself. Because it is not technically a narcotic, the instructions say to observe how it affects you. Does it make you loopy? How do you react when it is combined with the vicodin? If the combination does make you loopy, I would ask your rheumy to change to a different combination that is safe for YOU to drive.
I would insist that the doctor who is prescribing these meds write the note regarding medication, since your neuro diagnosis is not clarified yet.
I would then ask the neurologist if the symptoms are severe enough to impair driving. I would insist that the neurologist write a note stating whether or not your symptoms allow you to continue to drive.
I have similar problems being bounced around like a ball between specialists. If you can get them to write a note within the range of their speciality, you may get more cooperation. Just thinking out loud.
I hope this helps.
Hugs,
Scribelle
Hi Jackie,
I feel for you and what you are going through. I don't think any doctor will take on that responsibility to write a note to your employer to say you can drive when your taking pain meds. Every person reacts differently and it also depends how many mg.'s you take as well as with the combination of vicodin and tramadol. I live in Canada and about a month ago they were discussing this subject on the radio about how many people are taking prescribed pain medication (narcotics) for legitimate chronic pain illnesses. It was said how scary it is that people do this everyday, but unless you are caught and your over the limit nothing happens. Not everyone is prudent and drive anyway. They did also say there was a legal amount allowed, but unfortunately I don't remember. The point is it depends on your system and how you react while on these meds. I know myself they tend to make me sleepy. I drive a lot less now and more in particular I don't drive at night anymore. If I have to drive I am careful that it's a few hours after I've taken it and have eaten something. On a whole my family always offers to drive me most of the time.
Maybe it is true that they are trying to push you out as they don't want to have to deal with this. Personally, I wouldn't think it prudent to be taking the responsibility to be in that position where other people lives depend on your alertness for this job. Maybe try to get another position within that company and discuss with the doctor who prescribed you these meds your concerns and that having a note to say you cannot drive would be more appropriate. So sorry your in this position as I'm sure you don't want to lose your job. I hope you get a diagnosis soon and get some resolution. Stay strong Jackie your in my thoughts and prayers.
Warm hug,
Sue (Dreamcatcher)
Hi Jackie,
So sorry to hear about your problems. It’s so hard when you can’t get an exact diagnosis or the doctors to give you a straight answer. I am an RN and I think you should not be driving CDL. God forbid if you had an accident. You would feel terrible and you could lose everything you own. I’m very careful when I drive. I take Ultram too. Good luck with everything.
Connie