Thoughts on post stroke driving
Although I enjoyed driving and making cross country trips, I had no choice but to surrender my license 7 years ago. This decision left me without access to transportation other than a county jitney that offers curbside service for disabled individuals within the county, but usually takes sixty or ninety minutes to and from the the destination for short trips which by car took me 15 minutes.
It wasn't till a year after my discharge from rehab that I felt able to drive again, but required driver training despite more than fifty years experience. I was fortunate that the State paid for the training, but relearning didn't come easily, in fact it felt no different than when I first learned how to drive.
When I was qualified, I kept my driving limited to familiar local areas, but I never again felt the comfort and ease as I had prior to my stroke. It wasn't until the day when I had an appointment for a procedure with a neuro-otologist located 55 miles from my home in another county. I had no choice but to drive to his office, despite the weather of consistent heavy rain and fog with poor visibility. Upon my first meeting with the doctor, I felt proud that I dared to venture the distance and weather conditions without mishap. But the feeling of accomplishment vanished when the doctor, noting the manifestation of my vertigo and ataxia symptoms, stated I should not be driving.
My mind flashed to the many occasions of irate drivers honking at me as I unknowingly cut them off. How, even as I searched for his office, I would have to leave my car in the heavy rain to read the street signs which I can't discern from a moving vehicle. I had to agree with the doctor, I was a menace as a driver. My problem is not only of lessening vision and depth perception, but a brain of less acuity and memory gaps. I also thought that in the event of an accident, an investigation would lead back to this doctor and his warning and that I never reported my stroke condition to the MVB, leaving me vulnerable to misdemeanor or worse charges.
After my second visit with the doctor. A procedure of a gentamycin injection to destroy the vestibular nerve and obliterate the balance on my right side, became a deciding factor. I lost any ability to drive and reverted to the use of a walker.
I might add that I also have double vision, and after rehab, I was fitted with prismatic lenses, which are a blessing. They are fine as long as the head is kept front facing and still, but the double vision recurs with side glances.
I will not be able to drive again and feel like a castaway on an islet. But at least I will not cause injury or worse to others or myself. To be able to drive again after losing the ability is something to be wished for, but there is more to be considered than stepping on the gas or brake pedal.
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