Today I tried to renew my Driver's License. Because I was using a walker with a seat they asked me what condition I had that made it necessary for me to use a walker. I told them Primary Orthostatic Tremor. The gentleman told me that he would have to report the Primary Orthostatic Tremor to the State in Tallahassee, Florida. Then he told me that I would receive forms from the State that needed filling out by my doctor and me. Needless to say I was not able to renew my license. I will have to wait for the forms and see what happens.
Has anyone else had this problem? Do they not let people with POT drive?
Sharon
Trouble renewing your Driver's License
Moderator: gloria
-
sharonmathews
- Posts: 10
- Joined: Wed Jul 22, 2009 11:31 pm
- Location: Brandon, Florida
- Contact:
Re: Trouble renewing your Driver's License
Hi Sharon,
I, too, live in FL and have not had any problems renewing my Driver's License. However, I have not gone in with a walker; nor have I used my cane. Perhaps should I have done that; it would have been different for me as well. Did the gentleman with whom you spoke know what POT is?
After you hear from the State as to what you must do to renew your license; please let us know.
Also, the last time I had mine renewed; I mailed it in and received mine with no problems.
We recently moved so we had to have a new license issued with our new address. We had to go and give information; but I was able to walk (trying my best to appear normal); and we received our licenses in the mail.
I hope all goes well for you.
Betty
I, too, live in FL and have not had any problems renewing my Driver's License. However, I have not gone in with a walker; nor have I used my cane. Perhaps should I have done that; it would have been different for me as well. Did the gentleman with whom you spoke know what POT is?
After you hear from the State as to what you must do to renew your license; please let us know.
Also, the last time I had mine renewed; I mailed it in and received mine with no problems.
We recently moved so we had to have a new license issued with our new address. We had to go and give information; but I was able to walk (trying my best to appear normal); and we received our licenses in the mail.
I hope all goes well for you.
Betty
-
sharonmathews
- Posts: 10
- Joined: Wed Jul 22, 2009 11:31 pm
- Location: Brandon, Florida
- Contact:
Re: Trouble renewing your Driver's License
Still dealing with trying to get my Driver's License in the State of Florida. I returned yesterday, Juyly 20, 2010 to get an extenion on my Driver's License. I am still waiting for Tallahassee to send me the Medical Report Forms that I am to take to my Doctor on August 3, 2010. The Gentleman who gave me the written statement that I could return before my birthday, July 27 to get the extention at first denied that he had done so. That made me upset. Thank goodness I still had the written statement. I showed him along with the woman that was waiting on me. I did get a 30 day extention. When I arrived home I got on the internet and found the number for Tallahassee DMV medical board review. I called and spoke with them. They said they are still reviewing whether or not they will be sending me the paperwork to take to the doctors. They want to find out first if the disease is progressive or not. Which I know already that it is progressive as you age. I did not tell them that though. I kept my mouth shut. I have already said too much and gotten myself in this mess.
In answer to your question, if they knew what POT is. No, they did not, however, as soon as I told the Gentleman Orthostatic Tremor he typed it into his computer. What he read on the computer said that it was a neurological disorder. That called for him to have a group meeting with his superiors. He came back and said that he had to report me to the Medical Board in Tallahassee. They would be mailing me the paperwork to take to my Doctor to have her fill out. The medical board would have to make a decision based on what the doctor submitted to them. When I spoke with the woman in Tallahassee I told her that my tremors are only when I stand not in a sitting position which you are in when you drive. I am still waiting on a call back from them. Yesterday they told me that they would call later that afternoon to let me know what they decided to do. Send me the paperwork or not. I am in Limbo now, and in tears because I am taking care of my Mom with Alheizmer's Disease that lives in a few towns over from me. Also my sister was in a horrible motorcycle accident and I have been going to see her. She also lives about 40 miles from me. For the next 30 days I am still able to drive on the extention.
Sharon
In answer to your question, if they knew what POT is. No, they did not, however, as soon as I told the Gentleman Orthostatic Tremor he typed it into his computer. What he read on the computer said that it was a neurological disorder. That called for him to have a group meeting with his superiors. He came back and said that he had to report me to the Medical Board in Tallahassee. They would be mailing me the paperwork to take to my Doctor to have her fill out. The medical board would have to make a decision based on what the doctor submitted to them. When I spoke with the woman in Tallahassee I told her that my tremors are only when I stand not in a sitting position which you are in when you drive. I am still waiting on a call back from them. Yesterday they told me that they would call later that afternoon to let me know what they decided to do. Send me the paperwork or not. I am in Limbo now, and in tears because I am taking care of my Mom with Alheizmer's Disease that lives in a few towns over from me. Also my sister was in a horrible motorcycle accident and I have been going to see her. She also lives about 40 miles from me. For the next 30 days I am still able to drive on the extention.
Sharon
Re: Trouble renewing your Driver's License
Oh Sharon!
This is certainly a 'wake-up' call to all of us who have POT; and I was so very upset and sorry to read what happened to you!
"The Gentleman who gave me the written statement that I could return before my birthday, July 27 to get the extention at first denied that he had done so. That made me upset. Thank goodness I still had the written statement. I showed him along with the woman that was waiting on me. I did get a 30 day extention."
Fortunately you got a 'written' statement and had that as proof. I always try to get things in writing; especially when it is as important as your Drivers License.
".....the Medical Board in Tallahassee would be mailing me the paperwork to take to my Doctor to have her fill out."
Perhaps your neurologist will be your best advocate for you. Most are more than willing to write a letter stating you are able to drive; if that is necessary ~ and in your case, seems to be.
As you know, in the State of FL, we renew our license every six years. MIne will be up for renewal in 2012 and I will again mail it in for renewal. I am still very capable of driving; as I am sure is the case with you. Our problem is STANDING, not SITTING or driving!
"In answer to your question, if they knew what POT is. No, they did not, however, as soon as I told the Gentleman Orthostatic Tremor he typed it into his computer.......the computer said that it was a neurological disorder."
"Yesterday they told me that they would call later that afternoon to let me know what they decided to do. Send me the paperwork or not. I am in Limbo now, and in tears..."
Did anyone get back to you yesterday? If not, get in touch with them again. Sometimes it takes more than one call.
I can only imagine how upset you must be at this point; I think all your friends here and at home would be as well. But don't give up! Keep fighting, keep calling, try to get your neurologist to write a letter for you; I feel she probably will ~ especially because of your Mother and your sister. I do hope your sister has a speedy recovery and I understand the problem with your Mother; my heart goes out to you!
I feel you really have a lot on your plate at this point; and truly NEED your license. If you are like the rest of us; even though you have problems standing, you have NO problems driving!
I hope things are resolved for you very soon; just don't give up! I have called and called, written and written when I have been in a position which required persistence and tenacity! If I can do it; so can you!
Best of luck to you, and keep us posted,
Betty
This is certainly a 'wake-up' call to all of us who have POT; and I was so very upset and sorry to read what happened to you!
"The Gentleman who gave me the written statement that I could return before my birthday, July 27 to get the extention at first denied that he had done so. That made me upset. Thank goodness I still had the written statement. I showed him along with the woman that was waiting on me. I did get a 30 day extention."
Fortunately you got a 'written' statement and had that as proof. I always try to get things in writing; especially when it is as important as your Drivers License.
".....the Medical Board in Tallahassee would be mailing me the paperwork to take to my Doctor to have her fill out."
Perhaps your neurologist will be your best advocate for you. Most are more than willing to write a letter stating you are able to drive; if that is necessary ~ and in your case, seems to be.
As you know, in the State of FL, we renew our license every six years. MIne will be up for renewal in 2012 and I will again mail it in for renewal. I am still very capable of driving; as I am sure is the case with you. Our problem is STANDING, not SITTING or driving!
"In answer to your question, if they knew what POT is. No, they did not, however, as soon as I told the Gentleman Orthostatic Tremor he typed it into his computer.......the computer said that it was a neurological disorder."
"Yesterday they told me that they would call later that afternoon to let me know what they decided to do. Send me the paperwork or not. I am in Limbo now, and in tears..."
Did anyone get back to you yesterday? If not, get in touch with them again. Sometimes it takes more than one call.
I can only imagine how upset you must be at this point; I think all your friends here and at home would be as well. But don't give up! Keep fighting, keep calling, try to get your neurologist to write a letter for you; I feel she probably will ~ especially because of your Mother and your sister. I do hope your sister has a speedy recovery and I understand the problem with your Mother; my heart goes out to you!
I feel you really have a lot on your plate at this point; and truly NEED your license. If you are like the rest of us; even though you have problems standing, you have NO problems driving!
I hope things are resolved for you very soon; just don't give up! I have called and called, written and written when I have been in a position which required persistence and tenacity! If I can do it; so can you!
Best of luck to you, and keep us posted,
Betty
Re: Trouble renewing your Driver's License
Sharon, I agree with everything that Betty posted. If our doctors can't diagnose this POT, certainly the DMV won't understand. Your doctor should be willing to write a letter for you because POT is when we are standing, not sitting and driving. Like Betty said, keep fighting for it. My heart is with you while you get this resolved.
-
Dwight Kraai
- Posts: 27
- Joined: Fri Jan 23, 2004 2:19 pm
- Location: Deerfield Beach Fl.
Re: Trouble renewing your Driver's License
I live in Florida. About a year ago my regular Dr. submitted a form to Fl for me to get a handicap permit. I am sure he stated that I have OT. I received the permit with no problems
Dwight Kraai, Miami Beach
Dwight Kraai, Miami Beach
Re: Trouble renewing your Driver's License
Sharon,
As Dwight mentioned, I too, have a handicap permit which I hang from my rear view mirror. I asked my Internist about getting one; he wrote a perscription for me ~ I took it to the bureau where one gets their license and they gave me one; no questions asked.
I hope you get your situation solved soon.
Dwight, I don't know if you remember, but we met in FL at an outing.
Betty
As Dwight mentioned, I too, have a handicap permit which I hang from my rear view mirror. I asked my Internist about getting one; he wrote a perscription for me ~ I took it to the bureau where one gets their license and they gave me one; no questions asked.
I hope you get your situation solved soon.
Dwight, I don't know if you remember, but we met in FL at an outing.
Betty
-
sharonmathews
- Posts: 10
- Joined: Wed Jul 22, 2009 11:31 pm
- Location: Brandon, Florida
- Contact:
Re: Trouble renewing your Driver's License
I want to tell everyone that I finally received a call from Tallahassee, FL Medical Review Board. There decision is that I have to take the Driving Test. The last actually Driving Test I took I was 16 years old, now I am 54.
Today I seen my Orthostatic Tremor physician at the University of South Florida. She had another physician there do another EMG. The tremors were 18 HZ. The physician said that was the highest he had ever witnessed.
I was able to get a permit for a handicap parking. I think I am finally getting somewhere. It feels good.
Thank You for all the love and concern! I am so thankful for this site!
Sharon Mathews
Brandon, Florida
Today I seen my Orthostatic Tremor physician at the University of South Florida. She had another physician there do another EMG. The tremors were 18 HZ. The physician said that was the highest he had ever witnessed.
I was able to get a permit for a handicap parking. I think I am finally getting somewhere. It feels good.
Thank You for all the love and concern! I am so thankful for this site!
Sharon Mathews
Brandon, Florida
Re: Trouble renewing your Driver's License
Hi Sharon,
I was pleased to read you received a call from Tallahassee; at least you heard from them. Regarding being required to take a driving test; I feel you should do just fine. Just think of it as another day taking someone for a ride ~ no PUN intended!
"I was able to get a permit for a handicap parking. I think I am finally getting somewhere. It feels good."
You will find the handicap parking sign will be most helpful; I use mine all the time.
Regarding the EMG you had and your tremors registered 18 HZ; that is the same mine registered when I was tested in 2003. I haven't questioned anyone else regarding the degree of their tremor; but that is one thing I will question when I attend the Atlantic City 'get-together' in October. Do you think you might be there?
"Thank You for all the love and concern! I am so thankful for this site!"
We are ALL thankful to Gloria ~ and her son, Jeff ~ who first put this site up in 2000. It started small and has grown to what it is today, and become known world wide. If you haven't read 'Gloria's Story'; you should. You can find a link on the first page for POT.
Good luck; and keep us posted. We are all with you....
Betty
I was pleased to read you received a call from Tallahassee; at least you heard from them. Regarding being required to take a driving test; I feel you should do just fine. Just think of it as another day taking someone for a ride ~ no PUN intended!
"I was able to get a permit for a handicap parking. I think I am finally getting somewhere. It feels good."
You will find the handicap parking sign will be most helpful; I use mine all the time.
Regarding the EMG you had and your tremors registered 18 HZ; that is the same mine registered when I was tested in 2003. I haven't questioned anyone else regarding the degree of their tremor; but that is one thing I will question when I attend the Atlantic City 'get-together' in October. Do you think you might be there?
"Thank You for all the love and concern! I am so thankful for this site!"
We are ALL thankful to Gloria ~ and her son, Jeff ~ who first put this site up in 2000. It started small and has grown to what it is today, and become known world wide. If you haven't read 'Gloria's Story'; you should. You can find a link on the first page for POT.
Good luck; and keep us posted. We are all with you....
Betty