How many are still driving?

[saveone]

I have read on previous posts that some forum members have had some difficulty with driving.  My neuro on my first visit asked me if i had gotten lost yet?  At that time I had not.  The other day I did.  I got in the wrong lane to cross the road.  I have crossed the road here hundreds if not thousands of times.  I know what lane to get in, but that day I got in the wrong one.  When the light changed and the green arrow came on I couldn't figure out what I was supposed to do.  There was a school bus behind me, the driver started blowing his/her horn.  That only made it worse.  I finally just turned left then pulled off until I could get it together.  Also with my attention deficients I have to concentrate to ????? I lost the thought......do any of you have it?  If you do please post it.

Merry Christmas

terry

[Sailorsong]

I've had the getting lost problem for many years as other have had. In fact when I lived in Florida I picked where I lived so that I didn't have to travel more the a few blocks to get to any stores just so I would not get lost. But that didn't solve the getting lost problem completely as my PCP was over 1 hour away. In order to solve that I got a notebook computer and GPS/map software.

I still use this now as it speaks to me about turns that are coming up and also automatically adjusts the route if I do miss a turn to get me headed in the right direction again. I think it also helps me save gas as when I am going to several places it adjusts the order of the stops to minimize the total distance that I drive.

Dennis

[Quixotic1]

Hmmm, my problem driving is purely physical.  I can no longer lift my right foot to the brake and half to use my hand to help lift my leg.  I know...poor reflex time, lol.

So, right after the holidays I'm going to get hand brakes put on the car.

But, we all should remember that even with all of our adjustments, there are studies out there showing that people with MS and cognitive problems have delayed reaction times.  We may be poorer drivers and many with this problem don't see it.

Quix :((

[saveone]

Thanks you guys.  Have any of you mentioned this to your GP or neuro.  I am afraid to.  I am afraid the records will get in the wrong hands and I will lose my license.  That sounds crazy but I still feel that way.  

I try to be very careful...not driving far or very much and never after dark.    My longest drive is to the neuro's office...22 miles one way.  It is however a straight shot once I reach the four lane.  Even if I never drive again I don't want to lose my license.  

Every symptom I have ever had and plenty that I have never had has shown itself this year.  It seems like in the last year I have gone from being a very active outdoor person to this person who stumbles and falls and gets week after a few minutes of activity.  In July I was cutting grass, weed eating, raising a garden, etc.  I was having symptoms though, I just didn't know that was what they were.  I can't even imagine I will be able to do this next summer.  So much for ranting.

And Dennis the GPS is a thought.

Wishing you peace, joy and love for the Holidays and the strength to endure.

Smiles, terry

[saveone]

PS I don't imagine there is anything a doctor can do, it is jsut wishful thinking.

terry

[Lulu54]

A few weeks ago on NPR I heard a report on drivers and how they zone out and suddenly realize they have reached their destination and worry if they had run red lights or done anything wrong on the trip.  The story talked about it being normal - as a new driver when we are young we become attuned to every movement while driving.  The brain then learns through repitition how to handle the task of driving.  Eventually driving becomes second nature.  

I think the story was on The Infinite Mind - a great weekly show on all sorts of things pertaining to the brain.  If you can't get a NPR station (like in Canada) they have the broadcasts available on line as well.

My point to this is perhaps we are overly concerned about some of our driving questions - that it is really not a deficit but something all drivers experience?  

Pollyanna

[Lulu54]

So I'm surprised - I went to find the webpage for The Infinite Mind to post here and read that after 10 years the program is off the air.  The host was discovered to have a conflict of interest, violating his contract agreement to not take money from pharmaceutical companies.  ouch!!!  This was an award winning program.

The archives of the program are here but I don't know how long they will stay available

http://www.lcmedia.com/mindprgm.htm

Lulu