Sunday, March 9, 2014

Giving up Driving

Woke up last night choking. Choking on my own phlegm. Starting to seriously think about dying with dignity.

Contacted my daughter Chelsea a few days ago. She's a sophomore at Washington State University. A straight "A" student. Doesn't drink or party. Both my kids are doing amazingly well and I'm so proud of them, considering growing up with FTD dad. Told Chelsea I need to give up driving and will giving her my car at the end of the Arizona summer. I'd give up driving now, but we're facing the Arizona summer with temperatures routinely over 110 degrees.







I've had people drive with me recently and everyone agrees I'm an excellent driver. To the naked eye I drive fine. People also say they can't tell I'm sick, that I look and act fine. All FTD'ers are familiar with people questioning whether we are sick or not. We are driven crazy that we are so sick, dying of a progressive terminal brain disease and people question or make light of it. Yet, when it comes to driving the same logic doesn't apply. Many FTD'ers have no awareness or insight that there sick and have to have there license pulled. Some states revoke your license immediately upon FTD diagnosis. Many have some awareness won't give up there license do to independence, logistical needs, work, survival or simple human nature. I refuse to be judge or jury on anyone and there decision. I do know what FTD'ers are going through. I've had FTD for 10 years and have been driving. I know it's the right and responsible decision for me no matter how drastic or inconvenient it will be to my life. 

(Thinking about a moped or motorcycle?)

I play the same mind fucking games all of FTD'ers do. Avoid the highway. No long trips. Cut back my driving. Drive  only where I'm familiar with. Drive only a few miles a day and just to the store or restaurant. The illusion of safety and doing the right thing. Then there's reality. I've FTD, it's getting worse and I'm going to need to stop driving. I follow traffic laws like any other citizen. Have my Mini Cooper and have never been cited or pulled over. No fender benders. Have killed numerous insects, though this can never be proven do to window washer efficiency. 

Six months ago I moved deciding I had to leave NYC. Had to move from friends and support systems. Was told I wasn't allowed to move nor drive. I refuse to live my life in fear. Fired my Power of Attorney, moved, upon landing in Arizona went directly from the airport to the car dealership. There is no perfect place to live life with FTD. In fact life sucks with FTD everywhere, but as far as I'm concerned it's a good "sucks" here and I'll make it a good sucks anywhere. NYC is not a place one should live with FTD. Another topic for another time. What I can say is I've absolutely loved my 6 months of Mini Cooper driving. I love sitting on my balcony enjoying the 70 -80 degree weather.

What is life without a car for Howard FTD. Closest grocery store is over a mile away. No family, no friends, no one with a car. Remember I'm the neighborhood nut. So how do I get to docs etc? Public transportation is very limited here, but I'll do what I can and bike it. I don't keep food at home and can't decide what to eat when I'm out. I now regularly choke on liquids on phlegm and liquids. Besides morning in Starbucks I avoid people because of my behavior. Assisted Living? No way. I'm not the Assisted Living type. I'm extremely well educated on AL, have visited many and have many FTD friends there. Not for me. I'm not prepared to rot away. Dying from FTD is horrific. If you don't think I'm not looking at dying with dignity, your out of your fucking mind.

Flying to NYC next week for the AFTD Conference. Will be hosting a breakout session with 23 FTD'ers on "How to make a better life after diagnosed" and addressing the General Assembly with question/answers. Am so excited. There will also be some of the top FTD specializing neurologists and medical personal in the country there. Many of my FTD compatriots from my support group, caregivers I know. Close to 300 people attending.

Will be happy to see Dr. Ted Huey from Columbia presenting. He is one of the top FTD specializing neurologists/neuropsychiatrists in the world. I met Dr. Ted Huey when first diagnosed and he got me off Aricept, which had horrible aggressive side effects. Don't know if he'll remember me, but I'm forever grateful.

* I run a private FTD Patient Support Group on Facebook.  The groups for FTD Patients Only and is open to those with a firm FTD diagnosis. The support group is a place where those with FTD can gather in a positive environment and realize there not alone. It's also a source of accurate information which is rare in the quick changing world of FTD. The director of AFTD, Sharon Denny is a permanent guest member. AFTD has been kind enough to open up there medical board to answer member questions. Please email me at howardglickftd@gmail.com to join.
Howard

Thank you to those that have sent me letters, gift cards, Starbucks, cash etc. They are deeply appreciated. I've dedicated my life to FTD awareness and advocacy. For those that want to help there is a yellow donation button on top of the page or my address below with gift cards, checks or cash. All help is deeply appreciated:

Howard Glick
7791 East Osborn Rd. apt. 170E
Scottsdale, AZ 85251



4 comments:

  1. Enjoy your trip back to NYC, Howard. I'm sure you'll have many emotions going back. I'm so glad Terri will be with you. We'll all look forward to pictures at the conference of you speaking, and also anything else you might want to share with us. Safe travels!!

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  2. Howard, in reference to your point around getting about after you can't drive anymore, do you think a service providing that kind of help would be well-received by FTD' ers and their caregivers? I have been thinking about it for a while. Also perhaps help people navigate the nightmare healthcare/ACCHS/ALTCS system. Perhaps a service to take to doctors appointments and maybe provide a little 'translation of medical terms and information? What do you think?

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    1. Deborah, Unfortunately I'm alone and can't navigate the healthcare or travel system. People from my group tell me I can get O'bamacare/Medicaid dependent on state. Others tell me to sign up before March 31. Whoopy fucking do. I've cognitive issues and can't understand and get through the paper. There is no organization to help those alone with FTD. In NYC, it was made clear to me if I was a junkie, had aids or was an illegal immigrant I could get lots of help. Joked to the psychiatrist I was going to become a heroin addict so I can get help. Sorry for venting. Gets frustrating. No, I don't know what I'm doing and I just go day to day. Thanks for you input

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  3. Howard, my brother-in-law barely had any vocabulary left, lost his keys alot, but could still drive a manual transmission, and drove it well. I think it's one of those tasks that you've been doing for so long so it's one of the last skills that you forget how to do. Best wishes!

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