Over recent months I have intimated on several occasions about us curtailing our activities particularly with respect to using the car. Mrs G has had the incurable Dry Macular Degeneration for several years. This causes loss of central vision so in her left eye she only has peripheral vision. During a routine eye test in January, the optometrist identified what he suspected to be Wet Macular Degeneration in her other eye. This can be treated but if not found early will lead to blindness. He made an urgent referral to a specialist clinic and she was seen just over a week later. The diagnosis was confirmed and after a scan of her eye she started a series of monthly injections into the eye with scans to confirm the degree of success. A scan last Friday showed that the disease is now under control and she would not have any injection for a second month when another scan will be done to decide her long term treatment. So, a bit of bad news but now the news is much better.
Now my problem. For many years I have been aware of an increasing lack of feeling in my feet. I am not diabetic. In November last year I had an accident in my car (the first in over 60 years of driving). I had just visited a nearby friend and there was light rain and as far as I could remember my wet shoe slid off the brake pedal. The insurers settled within 48 hours and I bought another car, similar model but newer so all was well. In January I was even more aware of the problem with my left (clutch) foot and discussed it with my doctor who diagnosed Chronic Peripheral Neuropathy.
As both of our conditions are reportable to the DVLA (The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) for continued license to drive, we duly printed the online forms and sent them to DVLA early in February. There was then a long, five month, period through which we were both in suspense as to whether we would be able to keep our drivers licenses. During this period the DVLA contacted our specialist (for Mrs G) and GP for myself for professional reports. Early July we both received confirmation from DVLA that we could retain our licenses to drive.
Good news but, by her own decision, my wife had decided that whatever the outcome she would not drive again unless the treatment to her eye showed significant visual improvement. I needed to continue to drive and I also made a decision about my future driving. As I was now very aware of the lack of feeling in my left foot I have this week changed my car to an automatic which I am finding resolves the problem completely. We only did 900 miles since last November, and that was mostly to the supermarket. We have already done a quarter of that since changing the car on Monday. Next weekend we are going to Staffordshire for a few days to visit relatives so in under two weeks we will have travelled more than we did in eight months while decisions were made about our driving.
It feels as if some restraints have been removed and we now have freedom of movement once again. Just our little story of recent events but we are very happy about the outcome…….just wanted to share it.
So without reference to my Doc I reduced my dose to 20mg. After two months I went to see him and tell him what I was doing and to ask for a blood test.
..........I'm sure it will still be interesting 
