We’re off to see the Wizard

Okay, so psychologist and Wizard are not exactly the same; regardless, it was an interesting event.

A lot of it because of the trip, just like in OZ. It was my first Interstate solo driving since my stroke almost 2 years ago!

Not Indy, but…

You know that great feeling you get when you have prepared for something for a long time and you just know you will do great? Well, this wasn’t like that, at all!

I was nervous. I don’t mean shaking, sweating, dry mouth nervous; I just mean that my stomach and brain kept saying, “You know, you can still cancel. It’s not too late.” I left in plenty of time (70 minutes for a 45 minute trip), went during low traffic in Indy, left during low traffic, and paid attention really well.

Still, I did manage to miss my exit while going home and added about 20 minutes and more traffic to my trip, and I did get just a bit concerned on the way about what I would do if I had a lot of trouble and didn’t want to come back. However, it went well; I didn’t have any trouble and I was able to follow things pretty well.

Wasn’t my car, but I can hope, can’t I?

That was big for me. I love driving and traffic has always been a no-brainer. The problems come from my double vision. My glasses take care of most of it, but my night meds made it rough in the beginning just getting back and forth to work.

I found this out one morning when I left for work, swerved out of my lane three times and was pulled over about 2 blocks from work after I missed my turn. For some reason, it, apparently, takes 3 squad cars to do this. Needless to say, it was a topic of conversation at work as many people saw the spectacle. As for the pulling over part, the officer saw my glasses, saw my cane, listened to my story, and said, “I think you need to get this taken care of.” I assured him I would that day. I did make changes in route, in med times and so forth, but now I understand that it was, mainly, the meds still being in my system.

I, of course, felt like one…

So, I try really hard to give it 11 hours before driving and I always drink 1 1/2 cups of coffee for breakfast. It makes me a bit jittery, but I can handle the driving.

A lot of this came about because my psychologist told me that “there will be some brick walls you just can’t knock down.” The job was one; that one I figured out on my own. The driving in Indy thing, I believe, was what she had in mind and she seemed very pleased that I had managed it. That, certainly helped.

Praise always helps!

So, now 4 counties, instead of 2, need to watch out! 🙂
Namaste,
Scott