Night Time Driving Advice

[tia1977]

Ok, some of this is probably more a "vent". However, I'm also asking for advice on this b/c it's driving me nuts...So, even the days that my head actually is just mildly in pain the minute I have to get behind the wheel of a car @ night and deal with on coming headlights, etc it's like my head just starts lighting up! The sun is alot easier to deal w/ in day verses all the dang lights against the dark @ night! I'm very light sensitive and it's even a bigger trigger for me than sound. I have huge diva sunglasses I wear to cover my entire scope of vision, I turn the rear view mirror up, side mirrors up, even visor down. But, it still doesn't matter b/c it's the same result. Instant response is "just don't drive @ night" the practical response is w/ my life I have no choice but to drive @ night; almost daily!!!!! The Lyrica seems to work well lately as a preventitive, I'm also taking Pamelor @ night. Not good enough though for night driving. Thankful for the Imitrex I carry w/ me b/c I've had to pull over and take it quickly sometimes. When my best friend is w/ me, she'll drive. Anybody have any advice or know of the best RX or over the counter for light sensitivity? Seeing neur (of course) again soon and would ask him about taking something that's suggested. Thanks guys for always being so nice (:

[rudyhorse]

Yeah it does stink. LOL  I ordered a pair of the glasses with the anti glare so when I get them I will let you know if they help.  Maybe I should move where there is no snow. hhehehah  The therapy for Vestibular disorder I had to stop because it caused seizures.  I so agree with Marilee I have others drive if they can.  

Keep me posted!
Hugs

[tia1977]

Thanks guys for the responses! Not that I'm glad to see others in discomfort, but it does help to know people understand where your coming from when you vent (: I've heard of that coating on glasses, am planning on getting some this year since my insurance will allow another pair come January. I am going to ask the neur. on next visit (Jan 4th) what meds are the "best" for light sensitivity (if any). Thanks for the therapy tip too, I'll ask him about that one as well (: He probably rolls his eyes when he sees it's me in an exam room b/c normally the first half of my visits I'm listing all my new questions for him (ha). But, you never know unless you ask...will keep you posted if I get any feedback from him that sounds helpful (: Thanks again for sharing you experiences. I guess to sum for us all, driving @ night just plain stinks!!!!!!! (oh, also in the snow for rudyhorse)

[marileew]

Hi tia1977,

I have this trouble sometimes too. Usually if possible, I will ask someone else to drive at night too. I haven't found anything to help me with this problem yet, so if you find anything please do let me know!! I just try to avoid the bright headlights at night by not driving when I'm in a bad migraine patch or when I'm noticing that the light sensitivity is extra-bad. I also make sure to carry my migraine medication on me at all times, just like you do too. And, I tend to pull over if a car headlight triggers a migraine or if I can feel it triggering a migraine and I will wait for it to pass.

I understand what a frustrating feeling it can be... for me, the feelings that this situation brings up are feelings like I am trapped without my car or that I am reliant on others, and those feelings are at times frustrating.

I think that talking to your neuro is a good idea. And, the anti-reflective coating glasses that SurgiMenopause mentions would be a good thing to check out too.

I think it's natural to feel frustrated about this, it is a frustrating situation!! Keep searching for a solution for driving/headlights triggers, and I will too, and let me know if you find a solution and I'll let you know if I figure one a solution too!! *hugs*

- marilee

[rudyhorse]

Yeah, tonite did not go so well........I did order those glasses with reflective coating....
Not such a diva today. LOL
Tracy

[LivingInHope]

If you wear corrective glasses, I believe there is a special anti reflective coating that's supposed to help with those glaring headlights!

[rudyhorse]

You know I have those same glasses LOL, but I don't look like a diva in them, more like Ray Charles...:) except I am not even that handsome.  I don't drive much at night either, but it also is the seizures that I have a problem with.  When I do drive I look at the right line on the highway away from the lights.

Ask your Neuro if there is any physical therapy for this type of thing, I know I was told there is.  

I am having the same trouble with snow and sunshine now.
Hope this helps, at least you know you are not the only Diva. LOL
Hugs,
Tracy