Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Support Group
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) describes a sense of exhaustion and post-exertion malaise, even when you have gotten enough rest and sleep. The disease is characterized by six months of incapacitating fatigue experienced as profound exhaustion and extremely poor stamina, and problems with concentration and short-term memory. The cause is unknown, but it is a...
Hi,
The other night I was leaving my son's house. My daughter said are you good to drive? I said I was and we hugged, then I called out, " Buy safely, don't glide too flat!"
It's not what I was thinking, but that's what came out. So she walks over looks at me closely, concerned. I said I'm ok, I'm tired, but I have another 20 minutes in me to get home. I knew right after I said it that it came out wrong, awareness is key isn't it? I knew it was supposed to be "drive safely, don't drive too fast."
I feel less & less comfortable driving. I know my awareness is not good enough on many days to drive. I typically only go to the grocery/pharmacy/doctor. I rarely go anywhere because my levels of functionality are so low.
Is there some kind of regulated test I can take to determine what my cognitive function abilities are? (if that is even the right question) I'm sure there is some sort of test. I just don't know what it is, who administers it, what it entails, does it cost a small fortune?
I am very grateful to have a vehicle, just want to be safe about it on the occasions that I actually have to drive it.
Thanks for any advice/info....hugs!
The other night I was leaving my son's house. My daughter said are you good to drive? I said I was and we hugged, then I called out, " Buy safely, don't glide too flat!"
It's not what I was thinking, but that's what came out. So she walks over looks at me closely, concerned. I said I'm ok, I'm tired, but I have another 20 minutes in me to get home. I knew right after I said it that it came out wrong, awareness is key isn't it? I knew it was supposed to be "drive safely, don't drive too fast."
I feel less & less comfortable driving. I know my awareness is not good enough on many days to drive. I typically only go to the grocery/pharmacy/doctor. I rarely go anywhere because my levels of functionality are so low.
Is there some kind of regulated test I can take to determine what my cognitive function abilities are? (if that is even the right question) I'm sure there is some sort of test. I just don't know what it is, who administers it, what it entails, does it cost a small fortune?
I am very grateful to have a vehicle, just want to be safe about it on the occasions that I actually have to drive it.
Thanks for any advice/info....hugs!
need to download additional software to get into the program to open it, need to get more info, type of mac etc, but will work on this, thanks. have a major headache today....bless you for this! so kind of you! I will work on this very soon, so encouraged to know I can get started on my own or through my insurance. Hugs!
This topic comes up very often around my home....about me driving!! I judge for myself whether or not I am cognitively capable on a day to day basis....because my abilities change daily!!
If I'm well rested and not crashing, I can absolutely drive! And I do!! I can tell when I'm a little "off" in any way mentally, can't you?? We sort of know when things just aren't "clear" on any given day. I have learned to trust my judgement on that one.
I will not get behind the wheel if I have any doubts as to how clear headed and together I am on a particular day. Also.....the way I feel could change between the time I leave the house and the time I return!! That's another thing to consider. What do I do, if I reach my destination, then overdo or get overstimulated and can't get myself home??
This is a real issue for most of us, I think. I refuse to take chances. I just sold my car. I plan to get another second hand one to park in the driveway in case of emergencies. But I have made the decision, that unless there IS an emergency, and I MUST drive....that I will not chance it!
I have a husband with me who can do the driving. I know that many of my friends here do not have someone else to drive them, and for them this problem is much more serious. What are they supposed to do??? I'm not insensitive to this plight! I know how blessed I am to have someone with me, who can get me to my destination.
I am not always able to drive either. I belong to a program in our city that is offered through the public transportation system. I have to call them 24 hours in advance, but they will come and pick me up and take me wherever I need to go. It does cost 2 dollars and my physician had to recommend me, but it has been very helpful. i feel less dependent on others when I can arrange things like this.
the 24 hour notice is kind of difficult because if I cant tell in advance.....