Can anyone tell me why an elder would be driving to the left, the left, the left?
This has been going on for a VERY LONG TIME! We even had an optometrist involved (two years ago) and I was sure that an answer was close at hand. But, the optometrist gave the glasses back with NO CHANGE, and we were back where we started.
I am not just talking about driving a bit more to the left on an unmarked street where cars are parked on the right, which also happens. This is a persistent tendency to drive to the left on all marked roads, over to the middle and then back to the left, the left, the left--including right up to but not over the double yellow lines, including the highway, even when another car is passing us. In the past months it also started on the right. It is as if he is deciding to change lanes then stops... Freaking scary.
For the record, the person in question (husband) is no longer driving (since two months)--but just barely. No decision has been made, no conversation has been had, he recently stated that he is able to drive. The "no driving" is just my refusal to be driven by him and my going EVERYWHERE he needs to go so that I am always driving. I don't dare to let him drive anywhere. What if he hurt himself or someone else? We could lose everything...
But back to my question: WHY is this happening? Has anyone out there had experience with this? After much thought and observation, I am beginning to think:
a) he is orienting himself on the line, and/or
b) it is a question of reaction time. Has he had a mini-stroke? He has many health issues and requires oxygen at night. Is at doctor and labs frequently.
Oddly enough, I was telling this to his children about two years ago (this has been going on for about six years), and his daughter-in-law said that his son does the same thing. What can that mean?
An optometrist only fits glasses. You need an OPTHAMOLOGIST, who can examine the retina. Retinas are very informative and can reveal if the patient is having TIA's or if the macula is degenerating, if there is glaucoma or cataract problems. See one ASAP.
You wrote: "It will be the end of him and for me when he has to quit."
Believe me, it will be the end if he hurts or kills someone before he quits. Could you live with that? You need a plan NOW, Mary,member. We all know how hard this is--but look at your own message. It is frightening.
Pam, I miswrote the word--it WAS on opthamologist. He found "a spot" but then that turned out to be nothing and so--back to square one.
Noor, I totally get it. I agree with you 100%. You don't sound angry--you sound rational. So, I just informed some family that I be coming for a visit because it is too far for my husband and I CANNOT leave him alone. He CANNOT drive me to the airport. He CANNOT stay home alone and drive around town and go grocery shopping, etc. So, for the duration, however long it is, I am the designated driver. Because I am the nervous and anxious type, right? ;)
Thanks for your support!
Plus, Dad was driving something that felt as large as a cabin cruiser so that didn't help. It's a big old sedan that was built more for someone 6 foot tall and over, not someone who has stunk down to under 5 feet tall. I am short and I find their car difficult to drive, I can't see the side view mirrors on either side because I have the seat pulled up close to reach the pedals.... [sigh]
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