I can't drive my car right now due to the bulky sling I have to wear. It could be another 3-5 weeks. I had not expected this but I'm short and sit too close to the wheel.

It's not the end of the world and it's only temporary, but I'm having a difficult time with this. Bumming rides, asking favors and having folks "do" for me.

In very short order I can empathize with anyone who has lost the ability to drive due to age, illness or whatever. I know why old folks drive long after they should not, the loss of independence is tough to take.

So have you ever had your wings clipped, or had to deal with a parent who could no longer drive? When my Dad could no longer drive, he still had Mom. If the day comes and Mom can't drive, I'll certainly understand how hard that will be for her.

 

There were a couple if instances when I could not drive. First was when I had to wear a Philadelphia collar but I would cheat once in awhile and take it off to drive. The other was when I injured my leg and had to wear a brace that did not bend. I would not use the clutch. At first it wasn't too bad, but after awhile it did bother me. But it was only 3 weeks or so.

 

Poor baby. I would hate to be in your situation. I know you sometimes feel that way about me, and my RA, but I drove yesterday, to Weight Watchers, Home Depot, the grocery store, Trader Joes and home, and then back out to the gym, for 4 miles on the elliptical. I think I got my stitches sweaty, even though I tried to keep it under that level. My thumb stung under the cast. Am I a bitch for telling you all this?

The only thing I can say is, you are being tested. You have to put on the big girl panties, buck up, and get through it. It sucks, but there is light at the end of the tunnel. And I know you know this, Lainey. And I'm sure you've dealt with worse things.

I did have my dad driving after he should have. His wife told me he would bump cars in the grocery store parking lot and drive away. He got tired of waiting to make a left turn and turned left in front of an oncoming car, that had the right-of-way. The Acura was totaled but he and his wife were okay. I think the other driver was hospitalized. My sister took him to Kauai and we took his car. By the time he was back in California, he would ask about his RSX but was not adamant about driving it. He was too far gone with Alhzheimer's.

 

Lainey...I assume the suv is an automatic. If so, have you considered getting Rick to temporarily mount blocks on the fuel and brake pedals? You would obviously need something that was VERY secure and something light enough so it didn't excessively change pedal feel or cause the accelerator pedal to be pressed down under its weight. But seriously...you could drive with the seat further back and still reach the pedals.

Now the seat belt might be another matter and I would hate to think of one of our wonderful vintage ladies running around unbuckled. Plus there's that whole click-it-or-ticket thing.

 

come bike riding with me or better still take my place

we can get some pedal extenders for the jeep

 

Pedal extenders..hmmmm that could work, but I still think my arms are too short to reach across to get to the gear shift......didn't check my own vehicle as to the ability to buckle up.

Patty, I'd never think of you as a biatch. I'm so happy that you feel well enough to do the things you do.

Trying to buck up, but failing at times



Bass I could ride a bike with one hand, but I'd bet the doc will advise against it.

Oh hot flashes while wearing a sling sux too.


Thanks folks. Best support group, EVA!

 

[QUOTE=Lainey,May 21 2009, 10:40 AM]Patty, I'd never think of you as a biatch. I'm so happy that you feel well enough to do the things you do.

Trying to buck up, but failing at times

 

Once you can no longer drive, you lose your independence. I know it bothered my dad alot when he could no longer drive. He used to like to get behind the wheel and take off for a trip, with no particular destination in mind.

 

^^ It was the end for my Dad when he lost his ability to drive. He only lived a short time after that. He did NOT need to be on the highway and we all breathed a sigh of relief when he surrendered his license. I hope I'm wise enough to let mine go when I can no longer drive properly. One of my dearest friends who is now 71 yrs old surrendered hers voluntarily because she found herself doing what she terms as "stupid" things (one of which was going the wrong way on a one way street). I laud her decision, but feel sad that she has become old before her time.

 

I'll have to take my Dad's car keys and 38 cal away at the same time.