Driving with ankylosing spondylitis

@cooperman Hello,

Thank you for starting this discussion, I am sure there are other members who are also suffering from problems driving because of their AS.

What about you, can you relate? @GloriaG‍ @vondes‍ @Omcneill13‍ @Barrynut‍ @Kevin24‍ @christabel23‍ @Juliewulie1957‍ @Scouserdog‍ @Bigpad‍ @Vanessas‍ @Sunique‍ @MartinOD‍ @Arjunsingh‍ @Paulphi‍ @twenty1guns‍ @Hamiltìon‍ @nickyg‍ @Cariad123‍ @neighbour‍ @Flower123‍ @Kathmorr‍ @Malkycohen‍ @Deeian‍ @malta03‍ 

Also, we have a helpful article about driving and AS, you can find that by clicking HERE.

I read up for me that I couldn't get a license because of ankolosing spondylitis.

I have problems with my neck, spinal cord stenosis and have to be very careful moving my head. I sleep with a towel under my neck, no pillows except under my arms where pain is also...As I roll over then pain is very bad and goes into my shoulders and down my arms. Also if I yawn my jaw locks. Some say that's good coz I talk too much anyway lol.....but it's no joke really. Neck problems have to be treated with utmost care. Be careful on the roads....Hugs..G

Hi

i have exactly the same problem when yawning the pain is excruciating. This condition is like a silent assassin lol😂but it in no way a joke it’s painful.Hope you and all suffers are getting some relief 

My big problem is getting in and out of the car

My husband failed his driving test many years ago due to his inability to look over his shoulders (before his diagnosis of AS) and he has never driven because of this... does anyone know if they can give you help to pass ie aides to help? 

I have a terribly time getting in and out of the vehicle and I find if I drive too long I get intense lower back pain, so I sold my car. Does anyone know if there's some aide available to pay for taxis or a driver (maybe that's too posh!)? Getting around is harder and harder.

Hi everyone, I think this is driving-adjacent, so I hope it's ok that I ask this here. Does anyone know if AS qualifies us for a blue badge? My AS isn't severe enough yet to impact my driving, but I've started having trouble walking from the car park to the building or shop so it would be nice to be able to park closer.

@CynthiaC I believe it should. I left the driving to my wife a few years ago but we don't go anywhere really besides the shops so I can manage. Maybe if you ask your local council they'll have more information? Or someone else on here knows?

@CynthiaC   I am in Australia but I have one based on the limited distance I can walk.