Driving Difficulties With Ankylosing Spondylitis

By Ali Long

3 min read

Ever since I was a teenager, I had one goal, which was to learn how to drive and get my license as soon as possible. I’m sure you can relate. I started driving at the age of 18, I took lessons, practiced in my mam's car and passed my test within a year. I bought my first car at the age of 19. A beautiful Mini Cooper. Since I was a child, I have always loved Mini’s. My Mini was silver with black stripes. Absolutely gorgeous, if I may say so myself.

Having a sense of independence

I live in a very rural part of Ireland, so I needed to have a car.

Getting on the road while still a teen was even better than I had anticipated. The sense of independence was amazing. I was able to drive myself to college, work, to my boyfriend and friends' houses. I didn’t have to depend on my family or my boyfriend for spins anywhere. I could just get up and go wherever I wanted to, whenever I wanted. It made me very happy indeed.

My independence was taken away because of my ankylosing spondylitis

The last time I drove my car was in March of 2020. I have taken it out for a short spin here and there, but I always regret doing this. While driving, my shoulders, neck and back are in absolute agony. Between the changing pedals, changing gears, and heavy steering, it makes it very difficult for me to drive. At the moment, my car has been at my boyfriend's house for the past two months. I felt brave and drove my car to his, instantly regretted it and I haven't been able to drive it home since. If there is one lesson I would like to share from this: an old Mini is not a good car for someone who suffers from AS.

Not only is driving painful but it is genuinely dangerous. Sometimes while driving my neck or shoulders will spasm and I am unable to look left or right to see if a car is coming. So, naturally, I have made the decision to stop, for now.

I miss driving, I miss having my independence. This is only temporary, and I know that, but still!

I want my independence back!

I am getting better each day. Hopefully, in the next 6 months to a year, my spasms will stop and I will get my neck and shoulder pain under control.

As I am not driving, I am able to save a lot of money as I am not spending it on petrol... petrol in Ireland is not cheap! So now while I can do this I have decided to save for a new car. I think I will treat myself.

I will buy a newer automatic car. This will be easier for me to drive as I won't have to change gears. As my current Mini Cooper is old the steering is very heavy on it. This won't be the case with a newer car.

Up until recent times, automatic cars in Ireland were extremely rare and virtually impossible to get. Unfortunately, they were seen only as a solution to motoring for individuals with a disability and as a result, the price tag on an automatic car would be crazy! Thankfully this has changed in the last few years and it seems now almost every second car is automatic. So, my options are endless and there are plenty available for sale in my area. I’m thinking of a BMW but my bank manager might have other ideas...

I’ll treat myself, as I deserve it!

This article represents the opinions, thoughts, and experiences of the author; none of this content has been paid for by any advertiser. The AxialSpondyloarthritis.net team does not recommend or endorse any products or treatments discussed herein. Learn more about how we maintain editorial integrity here.

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dmcclellan Member
My wife has to drive me around.
1. Rebecca C Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="dmcclellan" user-id="2107382"/> I am so glad you have a special someone close to you that helps you remain mobile and social. Best of wellness! Rebecca (Community Advocate)
dmcclellan Member
I wasn't afforded that option, I was medically-terminated in 2018.
1. Rebecca C Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="dmcclellan" user-id="2107382"/> I am so sorry to hear that you lost the ability to use a motor vehicle. I couldn't imagine having my only means of transportation taken away. Are you close to the conveniences of everyday life (grocery, theater, parks, etc.) or do you get out and about using public transport or calling someone for a ride? How have you adapted to this change? Rebecca (Community advocate)
Jessica Gama Moderator & Contributor
Hi Ali, I definitely sympathize with your experience here. Sometimes this disease prevents us from doing simple daily activities that we take for granted. Hopefully you'll be able to drive again soon and get that automatic BMW! I feel lucky that driving short distances doesn't cause too much pain, but when stuck in the driver's seat (or passenger's seat) for an hour or more becomes difficult on my back and joints. I also opt into taking the vehicle that is higher off the ground more often than not, as opposed to our Honda Civic that's a lot lower and therefore more difficult to get in and out of. Also, our taller CR-V has heated seats, which I use even in summer to soothe back pain as I drive! Wishing you the best! -Jessica
1. Nicky Flikas Moderator
 Hi Ali, I used to love driving. It was my getaway from getting a break from home and as a mom. I was able to drive long distance with no problem. But for the past 2 years, since getting really sick, I haven't been able to do the same. Most of the time now, my husband is the one driving me to places usually if it's to go to the city. If it's around my area, I push myself and do it. But if I have to return to go back to work which is in the city, an hour and half to go and come back, it would kill me. When I used to do that all the time, by the time I would get to work I would be beat and not be able to function to continue my work. It's funny how now it all makes sense why. One thing that helps, Is we got a Sorento Kia which is a SUV. It makes it easier to go in and more comfortable to sit and drive. It's a higher vehicle so it makes it easier. What I do now, if my husband can't drive me far like in the city. I try to rest as much as possible and hopefully it will be easier to get where I have to go. Wishing you all the best -Nicky

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