Among Friends

[chrystaltree]

Well, that didn't work.  I have an opthalmologist visit tomorrow.  She'll dilate my eyes so I can't drive myself.   I decided to take the shuttle rather than asking hubby to take the day off.  My bff is on vacation so I couldn't ask her to drive me.   My appointment is 10am, I asked to be picked up at 9:30.   They called with a 10:20 pickup time which means I won't even get there until 10:50 at the earliest.  If they can take me late, that will interfere with my return time.  I could take Lyft or Uber but that will cost me at least $50.  I just don't want to pay that much.  Plus my shoulder really hurts and I can't sleep.  Sitting here waiting here for the gabapentin to kick in and make me drowsy.  Maybe it has and that's why I'm babbling.  Lol.   I'll reschedule my appointment.

[elated]

I had an ophthalmologist appointment and they dilated my eyes. The only thing it effected was the brightness of the sunlight. I just put on sunglasses and drove home. It was about 15 minutes from my home. 

[haddon9]

Why can't  you drive?

Every time that I have gotten my eyes dilated, I just wore sunglasses. Your doctor should have the disposable ones that you can pop on.

My vision was never affected at all.

[ThinkingOutLoud]

Sounds like you could benefit from a larger support network. A neighborhood or church community perhaps?

[AngelPuppy1]

@chrystaltree 

Sorry the transport did not work for you.  I have a relative that has issues with this as well.  It makes it hard for her to make appointments and know that she will arrive on time.  So far, I have been able to drive myself when I have the dilation.  It's not the most pleasant but thankfully I live pretty close to my eye doctor and I just wear dark glasses and have had no serious issues.  Hope your shoulder feels better! 

[Shanus]

@chrystaltree   I get it. DH takes me and picks me up for eye appts. My eyes are quite sensitive and stay dilated for many hrs. after my appointment.

My few friends are older than me and no longer drive. I'm always concerned what will happen when/if I'm on my own.

[PinkyPetunia]

I drive myself when eyes get dilated.   Like others have said, the sunglasses are needed.  

I am widowed now and I worry about transport if I need a procedure (colonoscopy in a few years, maybe cataract removal) or have to go to the hospital.  I will have to Uber.  Maybe the doctor's office will have suggestions or can recommend private drivers.  

[shoptilyadropagain]

I also just wear sunglasses and drive myself back to work.  My appt is normally at 11:00 a.m. so I even go grab a sandwich and eat and then head to a box store to pick up some items before driving back to work.  I wear my sunglasses the whole time.

[We rescue cats]

I usually do not worry about an eye exam but part of that is the fact that my optometrist is a 5 minute drive from our home. But my optometrist has temporarily closed his office and the replacement is 30 minutes away in the crazier, busier part of town so this past appointment I had a friend with me to drive me home. Part two of the equation is that my left eye gives me fits due to a retina issue I'm struggling with, so better safe than sorry. I fully understand @chrystaltree .

[chrystaltree]

I've had my eyes dilated a gazillion times.  Since I have very limited vision in my left eye, I will not take chances by driving myself when they dilate my eyes, not even with sunglasses.    I value my life and the lives others on the road too much for that.  I lucked out, they had a cancellation so I can go in next week.  My bff will be back from vacation and she'll be happy to drive me.  I'm trying to get all my routine appointments done by the end of November to avoid weather problems.