I was diagnoised in 2013...

[Omaha Steve]

I have frontotemporal dementia: https://www.theaftd.org/what-is-ftd/disease-overview/

It is getting worse. I saw my doctor Friday. He decided it is time to take a driving test. That will be Thursday after noon.

https://www.theaftd.org/posts/uncategorized/driving-and-ftd/

I will check in with the results. Wish me luck.

OS

[Shellback Squid]

1. I wish you the best

[MLAA]

59. Thank you for sharing and providing the link. You are a huge asset here at DU and to the Democratic Party.

I admire you and sending good vibes to you.

[hlthe2b]

2. I'm sorry to hear it is progressing, Omaha Steve. Truly. And I wish you all the luck I can find...

THAT as well as all my hopes for advancements in FTD. You are a treasure and we all want to keep you around, sharp as ever, and active.

[MontanaMama]

3. Oh man. Scary news.

I’ll be thinking about you this week and waiting to hear about your test.

[magicarpet]

4. Good luck in your driving test.

Hopefully your mobility will be restriction free.

[CountAllVotes]

5. thinking about giving up driving

Numb feet, numb hands.

Need to use cruise control a lot.

If it comes to this, it will.

I've been able to drive for almost 55 years now and if it isn't safe to do so any longer, so be it.

Best of luck Steve!

[Attilatheblond]

50. Be sure to NEVER use cruise control if pavement is damp or wet.

Less friction with the pavement means Cruise Control can think you're going slower than you are and it might speed up more than is safe. At least that is what a car guy told us and it makes some sense.

Hope you get to drive a while longer. I fear my time to hand over the keys is coming sooner than later, for similar reasons. Arthritis in spine making for poorer nerve impulses to arms and legs.

[CountAllVotes]

73. Thanks for the advice

Typing is difficult now.

My medication is "no longer available" is the status.

I'm slowly going down. Sad.

[Attilatheblond]

77. Understand completely

Hope we ALL have lovely memories to savor as our worlds shrink and options lessen

[KT2000]

6. Best of luck to you!

[jmbar2]

7. You have done remarkably well

I would have never guessed from your posts that you were dealing with this. I am so sorry you are facing such a scary diagnosis. Peace be with you.

[Tetrachloride]

8. golf cart. my family had one for a while. just a thought

gl

[Hekate]

53. The family at the top of the hill uses one in the neighborhood, especially as the dad's health declined

[AnotherMother4Peace]

58. I'm using Uber more often. Costco occasionally has Uber deals. I'll take an Uber to the train station, and

the train up the coast. It makes for less stress.

[1WorldHope]

9. You are taking this well.

My husband would look for another doctor or just stop going to any doctor. I wish for your well being whatever the outcome. Who will test you? Is he sending you to the DMV or like Madonna?

[Omaha Steve]

12. Immanuel Rehabilitation Institute

First there is a written test. IF I pass that, a driving test will follow. It takes about 3 hours.

[1WorldHope]

13. Well, good luck. That is a more thorough test compared to 15 min with the dmv tester.

I'm pretty sure I could fail the written test on a good day. Good luck to you Steve!

[Akakoji]

36. 3 hours?

What?

[TommyT139]

80. I wondered this too. An in-depth assessment

...allows for consideration of more factors in the driver's condition, skills, possible deficits, and other more tangential aspects (other chronic health conditions, vision, if any medications affect driving, etc).

A longer assessment can also help to provide the driver with any possible assistance -- there are evidently occupational therapists/driving coaches who may help fine-tune or suggest workarounds. They can also educate the driver and any family members about things to look out for over time that might suggest a change in ability.

I got most of this from an excellent general article on the topic:
https://drivingtoindependence.com/a-guide-to-driving-assessments-for-seniors-with-dementia/
And also a more technical summary of research -- I did some grad school in psych, so I tend to nerd out.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10187703/

Omaha Steve, I too have benefited from your posts...and will continue to do so! Best of luck.

[DFW]

94. I was about to say

Granted, you have had a long time to get adjusted to this, but that begs the question whether it is possible to really get "adjested" to something that remains a moving target.

One of my best friends in Dallas has a B-I-L who gravely damaged his frontal lobes in a motorcycle accident when he was 20 (about 50 years ago), and whereas he is fully cognizant, he has little capacity for logic and no emotional stamina whatsoever. He flies off the handle if the shower water is off by 5 degrees in either direction, so obviously he hasn't been able to drive at all. Road rage gets you killed in Texas. If he sees a problem (the latest is black mold), if he decides it has been present in a car, he will never set foot in that car, whether or not there is any factual basis for this. My friend's wife is his twin sister, and she has been putting up with this as his unofficial caregiver for fifty years..

People can make light of this kind of affliction, but it is burden on both the caregivers and the victim, at least, as long as the victim is aware of the situation.

Kudos for your coping, no matter what the result this time. Far from everyone that travels this road does so as calmly.

[surfered]

10. You can't tell it from your posts. Good luck! 👍🍀

[DallasNE]

23. My Exact Sentiments

We have been blessed with Omaha Steve's frequent, cogent contributions over the last 12 years. I look forward to many more, and good luck with the driving test OS.

[lostnfound]

75. Count me in on that comment too. I enjoy his valuable voice here. Nt

[peacebuzzard]

11. thanks for the brief education on this OS

My family is down to 3 of us remaining siblings. We are all seniors, and from my end, both of my sisters have cognitive impairments (one is diagnosed as such and has been all of her life; the other sister is undiagnosed as far as mental, and it is my speculation alone. But she lives in a state that has legal and medical marijuana, and she is a daily patient because of aches and pains, so I know much of what I experience of her personality could be the use of medical MJ, and I don't judge her or have an opinion; it is her choice.
I have had recent trauma from a concussion and, most recently, a slip/fall that jarred my whole body. It was an accident that put me off work for a few weeks, so I have been on DU more than ever.
I am really sensitive to our situation because, as seniors, major decisions need to be made, and wills/documents should be in order so that it is not a mess for the survivors.
It is especially difficult because I am the only one lucid enough to realize these circumstances, and we don't have anything in place to protect the vulnerability that can occur at any time to any one of us.

I wonder at times if I suffer from the initial stages since it can come on slowly and progress.

You are a treasure I have always enjoyed your input and hard work on this site. Best wishes, OS, I look forward to reading your Thursday update.

[erronis]

21. That is a beautiful and heartfelt tale of your own. Thank you for sharing.

Many/most of us have been or will be in similar situations. It's good to share our own experiences so others can be a bit more prepared.

[peacebuzzard]

63. thank you! it is a minor freak out of mine when I forget things,

like walking into a room and forgetting why I went there.
But then I think I have been doing that for decades and especially after cocktail hour. ( I don't do that often, but I enjoy a Pilsner or organic cab at times)

[Ziggysmom]

14. Praying you do well. My husband had to quit driving recently; I understand what a

loss of independence it can be. Safety of you and other drivers is #1 though.

[jgo]

15. Wishing you the best of luck!

[niyad]

16. Holding you in light and love, my friend.

[Maraya1969]

17. Keep checking because I swear I have heard recently that they have made strides in these

diseases. In the meantime,:I'll be sending you white light and love.

[Evolve Dammit]

18. Best wishes Omaha Steve. You got this 😍

[gademocrat7]

19. Good luck, OS

Take care.

[highplainsdem]

20. Wishing you the best, Steve. As others here have already said, no one reading your posts would ever

imagine that you have FTD. I'm hoping that your doctor is just being extra cautious (a good thing for a doctor to be) and you'll pass both tests easily.

[TommieMommy]

22. Best of luck 🤞 I hope you will be ok 🙏

[no_hypocrisy]

24. You've got this, Steve!

Slow, steady, focused.

[peacebuzzard]

65. I like this for a mantra.

I tend to rush too much. Always running everywhere,
I think slowing down and focusing more is good for most people at any stage.
less is more.

[calimary]

89. Oooooh, I like that too!

"Slow, steady, focused."

And you've got us, too, Steve. We're with you on this journey. Seems to me there are many valuable things to learn, in the process.

[benfranklin1776]

25. Good luck 🫂

Many hugs and much support ✊🏼

[Duncanpup]

26. Best of luck

[3Hotdogs]

27. As someone above stated, you are a D.U. treasure.

Best wishes

[barbtries]

28. I wish you luck.

you have done so much in spite of your diagnosis, I am in awe of you.

[SheltieLover]

29. Best of luck to you!

[Dem2theMax]

30. Omaha Steve, I'm sending you all the luck I can find, along with a lot of positive thoughts.

I'm hoping for the best outcome possible for you. To me, you are one of the pillars of DU, and we need you here.

[multigraincracker]

31. Good luck and take care of yourself.

I just hit my expiration date. I’m good with it. It’s all extra now.

[LoisB]

32. I really wish you the best. May the good angels of The Universe stay by your side.

[BComplex]

33. For so many years

you have helped people on DU, through good times and bad, getting people on ballots, helping raise funds, just doing the good work of helping people stay sane through republican mismanagement of everything. You have to know that we love you and support you in everything you do.

Best of luck with your tests, my friend!

[JMCKUSICK]

34. I wish you the very best Steve

I pray your transition is gentle and takes forever. You are far too important to us.
Thank you for all you do and the energy that you offer all of us.

[debm55]

35. I wish you love and luck.Omaha Steve.

[wordstroken]

37. You are surrounded by your DU family who know, love, and support you, OS.

The thing that works best for me during challenging times ever since kidhood, is to truly believe that little voice inside my head that whispers, “I can do this!”

And mostly that voice is right.

You got this, OS!

[Groundhawg]

38. praying.

[Emile]

39. Good luck Steve!

[Mad_Dem_X]

40. I wish you nothing but the best...

[Permanut]

41. Sending best wishes and best of luck by air mail expedited special delivery.

[LizVerite]

42. FTD.

I'm very sorry. It runs in my family.

Good luck!

[Wild blueberry]

43. All the best

You are a treasure, and all your DU friends are with you.
Come what may, you and your loved ones will figure it out.
Big hug!

[GoneOffShore]

44. Best of luck Steve!

[Figarosmom]

45. Good luck

[Shipwack]

46. Good luck! nt

[3catwoman3]

47. Driving tests are scary enough no matter one's age or health status.

Wishing you strength and serenity and good luck.

[whathehell]

48. I'm wishing you all the luck in the world, Steve!

[bee_peaceful]

49. Did you see the article about the link between liver function and....

brain function.

Sending you all the best my friend.

[beveeheart]

51. Best of luck to you.

[stillcool]

52. sending you the best vibes I can

door closed, door opens, hallways suck.

[True Dough]

54. I hope you are still road-worthy, Steve

and if not, I hope there's a viable option to help get you around whenever you need it.

All the best to you, and thanks for all the fundraising you promote around these parts!

[JoseBalow]

55. I wish you the best, amigo

[ReRe]

56. Dear Omaha Steve

No ! Do you hear?

[Ocelot II]

57. Hang in there, Steve! Good luck.

[hamsterjill]

60. Steve, you're a DU gem.

Wishing you the best of luck with this. I admire your courage and acceptance, and I always want good outcomes for good people!

[boonecreek]

61. Good luck Steve.

Here's hoping for the best.

[Karadeniz]

62. Good luck !!!!!

[Niagara]

64. You're our Act Blue fundraiser organizer here

You keep track of everything and you do a great damn job of it too!

I don't know how you do it, OS. I'm not sure if I'm that organized to keep track of it all.

I admire you for doing this selfless act for us, so thank you for all that you do.

I'm sending you the best of luck as always, OS.

[liberalla]

66. I definitely wish you good luck and anything else that may help!

Get a good night's sleep. Do some stretches to loosen the muscles and relieve some tension. Deep breaths... Imagine or "see" in your mind a pleasant drive on a beautiful day and a positive result on your driving test. I wish this for you!

[OldBaldy1701E]

67. Good luck! (n/t)

[HeartsCanHope]

68. Wishing you the best and good luck, my friend.

[BonnieJW]

69. Steve sent you DU mail

[Clouds Passing]

70. Much good luck Omaha Steve 🍀🍀🍀🍀

You are a treasure 🩷🩵💛

[cachukis]

71. Hang tough.

[Fla Dem]

72. I am sorry Omaha Steve. You've been a stalwart member of DU for almost 21 years. -------

May you continue for many more years.

[Nigrum Cattus]

74. Phosphatidyl Serine might help - here is a link

https://www.allstarhealth.com/f/now-phosphatidyl_serine_soy_free_150mg.htm

[Omaha Steve]

76. Research in England shows that Trazodone helps slow the advance

I've been on that a couple of years now. Thanks for the tip.

OS

[love_katz]

78. Hoping that all goes well for you.

[MLAA]

79. Thank you for sharing and providing the link. You are a huge asset here at DU and to the Democratic Party.

Sending healing vibes your way. I admire you.

I accidentally replied to another’s reply earlier.

[elleng]

81. Good luck.

Dad was smart enough to stop driving, and give me his car; I was thankful for both.

[FakeNoose]

82. OmahaSteve I'm sorry to hear this and I wish you much luck

FTD is something that runs in my family also. For us it's a genetic inheritance from our mother, and her father, and we're not sure how far back it goes. It's lucky to be living now because new research is being done on FTD like never before. We're hoping and praying for a breakthrough. Good luck, dear Steve.

[kgray96057]

83. Driver's Written.

The DMV has a practice test online. The practice test is drawn from the bank of questions asked for the actual test. I set it for 99 questions and ran it for 2 weeks, daily, until I felt confident. They ask far fewer questions on the actual test. By the time I took it, they were all old friends.

[Easterncedar]

84. Very tough. Best wishes

[applegrove]

85. So sorry.

[Dorothy V]

86. Good luck!

Thank you for all you do.
Praying for you.

[marble falls]

87. Been pulling for you for years, I will continue pulling.

[58Sunliner]

88. I have faith that you will pass this! Stay present. Best to you!

[Grumpy Old Guy]

90. Our thoughts are with you.

[BigmanPigman]

91. Good luck...

I am rapidly getting dementia. Simple words and simple math have become more difficult within the past year. My Prim Care Doctor wasn't alarmed but I can tell there is definitely a big change.

I tried to find out how to renew my Dr License last week and after 2 1/2 hours on the useless DMV web site I gave up on trying to figure out why they would not let me make an appointment. Finally I went to Reddit for some decent info. It seems that you can renew it on line only 2 consecutive times in CA. Why doesn't their web site say that?!?!?!?

Then, to make "an appointment" there is more confusion (naturally). I have no idea what to do and I live only 2 blocks from the DMV. I "think" you have to go in to the DMV with some secret code on your phone and once you get into the DMV you show someone/something your cell phone secret code and that is supposed to be your "appointment". It sounds bogus. I assume that I will have to stand in line for 2 hours just to be told that it is incorrect and I need to stand in at least one more line. Since I literally live a 5 minute walk away it would be easier to wait at home and walk over once my "secret appointment number" at my appointment time. Since this is the CA DMV they do NOT make sense at all and love to torture people. The DMV are sadists!

I hope your local DMV is run better than mine. I have to get a new photo and eye test. This will take an entire day since the DMV lines are literally around the block and have been since 1988 when I moved here.

[electric_blue68]

92. Good Luck!

[Rhiannon12866]

93. Wishing you every success, Steve! Lots of those powerful DU vibes will see you through!

[Bumbles]

95. I am so sorry, Omaha Steve.

My former husband had the same diagnosis. It is a difficult condition to deal with. You seem to have had many good years since your diagnosis. My ex learned at 76 and deteriorated quickly. I wish you the best in dealing with it.

[Be The Light]

96. I too see my day coming

when they will take my car away. I'm 69 and been driving since 16.

So I'm rooting for you man! Just remember, most driving is like riding a bike.

Hard wired. Keep me updated!

[malaise]

97. I spoke with a doctor in our now walking group

and had her take a good friend off the road. He was a danger to himself and others.
All the best but sometimes we have to police ourselves.

[Moostache]

98. Wishing you all the best luck and results.

I truly hope you receive good news.

[samnsara]

99. Im so sorry. You must be so scared :( My husband had an MRI last week..

..his brother and dad passed of a brain tumor. No news yet.

Please take care.

[Polybius]

100. Best of luck Steve!

May I ask how old you are?

[Omaha Steve]

101. I turned 68 in January

[JohnSJ]

102. All the best to you Steve.