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this is sort of long. it's some of my feelings on losing my driver's license. Which at the point isn't much of a big deal, but I'm making it one. Californians love their cars, I guess, Everything is spread out, here.

catlover1968 wrote:
If they only knew........

that's how I've been feeling, as the "lace curtain" and double vision get worse. I've had my share of accidents in the past, but all were due to me throwing caution to the wind, not ms.

I went in to renew my licence last month. I live in California; every few years we have to go in & get a new picture instead of renewing by mail. I drove myself (it's in a part of town I know very well) and had that wonderful feeling of independence that I don't experience much anymore. I took my walker, (I pretty much take it everywhere now). I got a new license, but I also got a "need for medical examination" form in a separate envelope in the mail. I wonder if it was the walker, if I took too long on the eye exam, or my driving record? A combination, I'm sure, but only one of them is a valid (and semi-valid at that...I got one letter on the exam wrong, but corrected myself) reason for suspending my license.

I don't have a dr.

I have decided that even though I drive better than ever, and am extremely cautious nowadays, AND only drive around the corner once or twice a month to go buy groceries.... So, I'm giving it up. My driving will be limited to the scooter in the grocery store (it's a fun one too, the best I've ever come across, Amigo, I think). I still get to shop for food. I'll have a ride to the grocery store.

I'm sort of tortured about losing this independence, but I'm going to go into this feeling as if it's my decision. But in the end, I might mail the form back, without a dr.'s signature, and only my arguments just to see what happens. To see if they'll give me a driving test. On the other hand, f**k it.

I'm completely torn betwixt two modes of action.

Maybe I'll get a scooter of my own and ride it down to the bus stop. Just to not be completely homebound. It'll be fine. My grandmother never drove. Ever. In her life.

Slumby,
How are you doing with no drivers license? I cannot imagine life without driving. Are you getting around okay?
Terry

My Dr orderred no driving. I ask him every time I see him if I can drive, & he says NO DRIVING! Because of this and various other issues, I can't work (on disability) and my wife has to drive me everywhere. What would I do if I was alone?

.

Most of the time I agree, but there are days when I would like to be able to decide for myself. Sometimes I'd like to drive to town, or drive to the local store........but the fear of hurting someone, or crashing and maybe not being insured keeps me from driving. I have an appointment with the Doc in July, and I'll ask him again, like always. If I get him to agree, I'll get it in writing, and I'll only drive on good days.

.

I guess the Dr's have to cover their back sides. I've also got an MRI scheduled in August, so if my Dr says no to driving again in July, I'll wait and see the MRI results, then decide if I should push for the OK to drive. I still operate my boat, but there are no lines on the water.