campinggrands
North Carolina
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Joined: 03/07/2008
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He has been on Aricept for 1 1/2 years and in that time he has driven our class A to Florida 2 times, to the Grand Canyon and just last month we returned from Yellowstone so now driving is not an issue.I'm not sure how much enjoyment he is getting out of these trips.I know thst my enjoyment has been diminished because mentally he is not challenged to learn about the operations of the MH.I knew this would be my responsibility when we bought the new Winnebago last year and with the help of members of other forums have a pretty good handle on the technical issues. Am I selfish in wanting to go,go,go while he is still able ? I have never driven except in practice sessions but I could in case of an emergency.He is 72 yrs old and I am 68.Becauce of taking care of our mothers we were not free to go on trips until Jan. 2007 so maybe I am just having a "pity-party" about having to give up rv-ing. Should I give or keep on pushing for trips
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frmAloha
Oregon
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Joined: 04/05/2007
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Keep going as long as you can, and start driving more and more. You'll know when you and he can go no longer travel together in the RV. So just enjoy the time you have for as long as it lasts.
the 3Dees
Dad, Daughter and Dog
All retired w/
2000 31' SurfSide Class A
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Scottiemom
South Dakota/Indiana
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Joined: 09/09/2003
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Start driving on a regular basis. Your husband may actually enjoy sitting in the passenger seat. I drive as much and sometimes more than my husband. I do it because of health issues as well.
Selfish? I don't think so. It's just possible that the stimulation of being in new places and traveling may actually be helping your husband mentally. If his condition deteriorates, it may not matter where you are, so I say go, go, go. At least you will be living your dream while you still can. If he gets much worse, you may have to stop, but until then, I say keep going. But I do think you should drive. YOu will probably have to do a lot or all of the jobs yourself, but if you are able. . . do it.
We met a man in Quartzsite whose wife had Alz. She came out once in a while and it was quite clear she didn't know what was going on. He was very attentive to her and took care of her. She was mobile, so they still were able to do some things, even though she didn't remember them.
Good luck!
Dale
Dale Pace
Wife to Terry (Teacher's Pet)
Mom to 2 rescued Scotties
Bailey and Neal
2006 Tiffin Phaeton 40' QSH, 4 slides (Phaeton Place)
2003 Sport Trac Toad
Fulltiming since retiring in 2005
http://www.skoolzoutforever.blogspot.com/
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Golden_HVAC
Fulltime, CA, USA
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Joined: 08/19/2003
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HI,
If you do not feel comfortable driving a larger motorhome, then consider trading into something that you would enjoy driving more often.
Motorhomes are not that difficult to drive, and I know many members of the Wandering Individuals Network that drive class A motorhomes up to 40 feet long.
I started out driving a pickup with a 8' camper on the back, then drove a 27' class C, and now drive a 31' class A Bounder. But if you will feel better driving a class C, then change to that size RV. They build the little ones very well, and some have slide-outs as well.
Trading in the RV is not going to be in-expensive, but you can do it.
I would say keep going - but do the driving yourself. Find a RV that you are comfortable driving. Go to a RV dealership and test drive a smaller class C (even if by yourself). You will see that the class C is not much larger than a Ford LTD made in 1965 to 1975.
Fred.
Money can't buy happiness but somehow it's more comfortable to cry in a Porsche or Country Coach!
If there's a WILL, I want to be in it!
Improve a life KangenPowerTeam.com Akaline Water.
I havn't been everywhere, but it's on my list.
Escapees.com
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djevans
Tennessee
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Joined: 03/24/2002
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You have the most to lose and obviously feel he is still a capable driver. I continue to read that those suffering from this should continually be challenged and engaged. As long as he doesn't mind, I'd sure keep going. I watched my mother go thru this. She didn't very well at all. I'd keep him going as long as he doesn't seem to mind... Who knows, different people react somewhat differently. It may even help some or slow it up from getting worse.
My wife went to a professional driving school complete with certified instructor. She doesn't "want" to drive, but does whenever I ask. She no longer worry's about whether she can "handle" the vehicle. She knows she can "easily" because she's practiced.
Don . . . near 36.171N 086.784W, TN near here
WA4ZFN
2003 Fleetwood Revolution 40C - Saturn VUE
350hp Cummins ISC
- - - P i c t u r e s - - -
I'm confused, WAIT! Maybe I'm not!
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campinggrands
North Carolina
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Thanks for your responses. Our MH is 30 ft with a Jeep Wrangler toad.Back in my school teaching days I drove a school bus with 40 middle schoolers on it so I feel comfortable drivimg with our total length.I believe I will ask to drive some.I did not mean to sound as if my husband is non-functional--he is in the early stages- I am looking ahead to the best possible future. Thanks.
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CA POPPY
Santa Clarita, CA, USA
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Joined: 07/07/2003
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Yes, absolutely, you are going to need to drive more. Driving is mostly habit and since he obviously has good habits, it is mentally stimulating and good for him. But...the day you note confusion about some complex traffic condition, something he would've easily handled before, that's when you're going to need to take over. Could you share with us how your DH's Dr decided to put him on Aricept? Good luck to both of you and I hope you have lots more good times.
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campinggrands
North Carolina
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DH returned from an errand to the bank almost in tears,and terribly shaken,because he forgot how to get to the bank.We have lived in this small town for 47 years.I immediately got him to the doctor and after several weeks of tests which ruled out other medical conditions he was put on Aricept.We went for a neurologicl evaluation 3 days ago and the neurologist agreed on the previous diagnosis of early stage Alzheimers.
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emzee
california
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Joined: 10/22/2006
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You don't mention how his condition has been with the Aricept? I think you should do whatever suits you both. I'm sure he must have an opinion, does he enjoy camping; if so keep going. All the very best to you both.
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