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TPALS Home Stories: Diagnosis Stopping driving Going to a wheelchair Positioning in Bed Feeding tubes Using a BiPAP Getting a trach Life on a Vent Power outages Resources: Communication Aids ALS Links.com ALS Survival Guide ALS Links More Links ALS Association MDA Misc. Issues: My Meds My Treatment Dr. Meagher & Pergonal Ron Leeb & ricin |
When it's time to stop driving: My Story When I was diagnosed my doctor made a humorous comment to my wife about having to fight the car keys away from me at some point. I knew this could be a problem with older folks, but now I was faced with it at an early age. This turning point is particularly hard to deal with because the ability to drive represents so much independence. I determined to be gracious about it. I realized that others would loose confidence in my driving before I would. When my wife made a few comments I knew it was time to quit. It must have been hard for her to express her concern because I hadn't discussed it with her. If I had it to do over I would have asked her from time to time if she felt safe with my driving to let her know that I was open to honest feedback. But good things came out of my not driving. Friends wanted to do something to help but didn't know how to help. I think that this is a common problem for friends of PALS. They watch the disease progress and feel helpless. By letting friends drive me to meetings, movies, shopping, and just out to coffee I provided a way for them to help, and it strengthened our relationships.
God bless you on your journey, Wayne S. Phillips |