DRIVING: I'm starting to raise the white flag...Part 1.

[JudyJ]

A lot of time has been spent either by me wanting to continue to drive, or by my lovely, thoughtful, caring PSP community, who mostly advocated to stop driving NOW and a few lovely people who supported me to continue driving and I'd know when to stop. You all know who you are; you have my greatest respect.

On Wednesday morning, I was driving a considerable distance to a hospital to get my swallow study done, which by the way, came out pretty well, but said something maybe happening lower in the esophogus; sending to my neuro to see if he wants further tests done.

As I as turning right off the main road into the lots, w/o warning, I had a major fainting event, while still driving. I managed to get my van stopped and yell for help. Off to the ER I went; had the swallow study after the ER.

Had several medical professionals of all levels take a look at me, EKG, and labs done. Other than an abnormally low blood pressure, I was fine.

A Doc who I had not yet met, came in my room and sat down at the head of my bed. I do believe he was the top-dog of the E.R.

He wasn't rushed, no unkind, but in no uncertain terms, he said "I know what you have is hard to deal with, and what I'm going to tell you will be hard to hear, but beginning today, you will drive no more.".

He went on to say "You had about a 30 second difference between lying in my ER or lying in a room at Regions Trauma Center, because you passed out while driving, drifted across a lane, hurt yourself and somebody else, or killed one or more people." Stunning words, but the reality.

I got this much out in response, " I know the time is coming...". He cut me off and even more assertively said, "That time is NOW. Not tomorrow, not a month from now. It's NOW. Nor will we let you drive yourself home today. It's over."

Wow.

My daughter who's on spring break, who was at her own doc appointment at the time, came and picked me up, and managed to get my van back home later.

I have much to say about all of this. Not of the emotional boo-hoo, another burden/limitation to bear-type thing (well, maybe a tiche), but what he had to say about fainting and PSP, and some facts behind it of great substance.

Watch for Part II.

And thank you to ALL who posted what I didn't want to hear...it actually made what happened and what I heard yesterday a little easier to swallow, pun intended.

[jillannf6]

hi jhudy

a good decision - i had acar crash b4 dixd and did not drive again after that- i was lucky the carwa sa writ eoff and i was ok

lol jill

[JudyJ in reply to jillannf6]

Glad to hear you were okay, and thanks for your support, tho this has been one of the hardest descisions I've made...seems it was made for me yesterday; someone was looking out for me.

Just a tiny, little, almost grain-like disclaimer...everybody roll your eyes now...I haven't surrendered 100% yet...that's Part 2...and it's based on medical fact and a procdure that might help me with this fainting stuff. It's just a seed, but planted, but now I want to grow it, God Speed.

Love,

Judy

[jimandsharynp]

Judy, I read part two before part one. Glad you are not going to be on the road. Impared drivers not driving saves lives.

Jimbo

[JudyJ in reply to jimandsharynp]

Just wrote you a long post but don't think I hit 'reply' under your name. You're right. You were from the 1st time I ignored you on this subject I don't believe in coincidences; all the discussion in advance of Wednesday in particular made it a pretty easy, tho slightly messy, decision.

Thanks for all your support. My stubborn side can usually be persuaded into reality.

[Peter3]

Hi Judy,

Pleased to hear the decision you have made. I do feel for you. Just another bit of independence removed.

At least you recognized you had a problem, my husband denied he had any difficulty driving and was reluctant to surrender his licence.

Best wishes

Peter3.