had a lady ask me if I could drive yesterday. She says she sees me outin my power chair a lot.
I told her yes and it was due to lack of funds that I do not own a car.
But, can I drive?
I wonder if I did have the funds to purchase a car, pay insurance, keep on on maintenance, pay for gas and purchase a lift for my car for my power chair if it is wise for me to be on the road yet.
Would I be safe. Would I harm others?
I guess I don't know until I try.
I do think I could make the morning drive to the dog park each day on the back roads.
But, if I had the funds to own a vehicle do I wish to use those funds for transportation or would it be better to use those funds to help me regain my health at this time.
I am currently paying the senior van to take me grocery shopping, to physical therapy, doctor's appointments, etc. I am limited on when I can get out and travel because they are only available during the week.
What would it be like to have my own wheels again?
HOw many of you are driving at this time? When did you know it was OK to drive again and not put others in harms way or yourself?
I know I have times when I think I would be OK. But, I also know I have times when I should not be out and about in the power chair.
Posted by klutzo (Member # 5701) on :
I am currently able to risk driving only in the warm months, and only for very short distances. I am lucky our grocery store is one mile away.
In 2006, I drove about 12 times, all of them in the summer, and all of them to the grocery store or the library ,which is also one mile from us.
I will not drive again until after the time change in April. I wish I did not need to drive at all, but it is too hard on my DH to do grocery shopping after a long day at work, since he is ill too (not Lyme).
I should probably give up my license and we should sell my car. It would seem like giving up to me. So, I do understand your desire to do as much as possible for as long as possible.
I think if it were up to me, and I was not getting adequate care from an LLMD, I would spend the money on that.
Best wishes,
Klutzo
Posted by 5dana8 (Member # 7935) on :
Hi Kam
There was a time where I wasn't doing much driving. When my neuro symptoms & fatigue where so bad I was like a drunk on the roads & not safe at all for me or others . Also had a hard time judging distance-specially when backing up ect..
Only you can make this decision & know when you are up to driving.
I still have some bad days & will not take the car out when I am too tired.
I know it frustrating not to have your independance but you have to weight how well you feel & if it would be dangerous to yourself or others on the road.
It's a hard decision and I hope you can feel up to having your wheels back soon
Blessings Dana
Posted by heathnicole (Member # 9313) on :
Yep- I am just like Dana I am like a drunk on the road. When the neuro and fatigue hits I don't go anywhere except straight to the bed
But there are times when I do drive
Heather
Posted by am36 (Member # 9409) on :
instead of saying no way, I'd like to say not yet.
muscle weakness, disorientation, motion sickness
thankfully I live in an urban area with lots of public transportation
Posted by dguy (Member # 8979) on :
I feel best when I drive, worst when I stop.
I suspect my vestibular system is (incorrectly) telling my brain that I'm moving. So, when I really am moving everything is coordinated, and my motion sickness diminishes.
Posted by Chickadee (Member # 8715) on :
I can drive, but for a while i had so much blurry vision and spots it was hard for me, so i did not drive at night. now it's the ringing in my ears that is driving me crazy! Seems like if it is not one thing it is something else. I feel for all of you.
Posted by Geneal (Member # 10375) on :
There was a while there when I was driving, but probably shouldn't have. Kept it off the interstate and only on country roads.
Had to take children to school and pediatrician, etc.However, clarity is better now.
I do better when the car is moving too than at sitting still. Also have problems being the passenger due to motion sickness.
If I had access to public transportation, taxi, family etc. would not have been driving at all until last couple of months.