NeuroTalk Support Groups - Those of you who no longer drive...

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- Multiple Sclerosis (https://www.neurotalk.org/multiple-sclerosis/)

- - Those of you who no longer drive... (https://www.neurotalk.org/multiple-sclerosis/48451-drive.html)

my DH takes me where I need to go. He does most of the shopping now who would ever think I would look forward to grocery shopping, but I miss it now). Friends and family also drive me where we need to go. I used to walk a lot of places, but this has stopped now that I am less mobil leg/feet wise. I miss the freedom evey once in a while like when I wnt to go somewhere and my husband says later or tomorrow. I can't reqlly blame him as all he does is drive lately, but that 5y/o part of e wants what I want now:D

I miss driving and I really hate feeling like I have to give a good reason why I no longer have a real license. For example when a check out girl asks for my license. I have a DMV issued ID card, but often they hand it back and ask for a driver's license. The whole line of people now looks at me - I feel like a drunk who got her license "pulled" for being a bad girl. I usually try and explain that I have a medical reason for not driving.

I don't know if this has been mentioned, but with our area's National MS Society's office each person with MS has $500 to spend yearly. This allows for rides to and from doctors, etc.

Our small town does not have public transportation or taxis. My significant other takes me to the grocery store to pick up prescriptions or shop. Too, he does the shopping.

I quit driving in '92 when my 5 year old child had to tell me when the light was red or green. I would stop in the middle of the road to make a turn and my mind would wonder and others behind me honked their horn to bring me around. Double vision, weak muscles, etc. set in later.

I would hate to kill or hurt another just because I wanted to continue to drive when my doctors agreed with me it was time to quit driving.

Wow, I'm impressed with your local chapter!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blessings2You (Post 310067)

Wow, I'm impressed with your local chapter!

ME TOO!!! Nothing like that going on at our money hungry chapter.:rolleyes:

Same here, never heard such a thing. I say we all move to wherever 0357 lives.

Is it me, or does 0357's name sound like an agent Double 07? :D

Maybe that's why they get all that money.

Come to Allegheny's Chapter which includes Pittsburgh and surrounding areas (not just Allegheny County)! They really have been a lifesaver for many in this area.

Too, our NMSS group meetings offer free swimming classes with trained therapists to help you through their exercises.

I went to the blue pages in the MS phone book and found NMSS's 800 number which directs you to your local chapter.

They sent me free information (before computers/internet) about MS before I was even dx. Also, you don't have to be dx to attend their MS meetings or swim classes.

Take care.

I just saw this and want to add some comments.

In order to "be" a chapter of the NMSS, each chapter is required to offer a financial assistance program.

People with a confirmed dx and who are registered with the NMSS and the local chapter who have a need that cannot be met through their own resources will be served through the local chapter with financial aide.

The determination of need is NOT income based.

We do not pay for medical bills, rx, credit card payments, some utilities, school tuition, etc.

There are 11 categories of goods and services that we do pay for up to a maximum of $500 per year per client. And in some cases, depending on the Chapter Financial Assistance Review Committee's recommendation, this amount could be larger depending on what the request is for. Each determination is on a case-by-case basis.

Last year, 99% of all requests were approved.

Applications cannot be obtained via the internet, they must be handed out to the individual in person. This is the only way each chapter can keep track of who is applying and the reason for each request.

We just had our annual training for financial assistance for Fiscal Year '09 this week. Our budget has been increased, for all of the chapters.

Transportation to and from doc appts is one of the most requested allotments. Our chapter is trying to come up with a long term solution to this problem as there is no transportation system here. It's a real problem.

You can even request funds for chore service after a hospital stay or exacerbation from a licensed agency (house cleaning is a good example.)

If you have a financial need, contact your local chapter of the NMSS. The funds are there. Please use them.