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55df81e4... 2y ago

I've given up my car. I'm using public transport completely from now on.

I've had to, because of the seizure risk, but I had considered doing it once I was 70 (I'm not yet) and had to renew my license on a regular basis.

Yes, it's slower and less convenient than using a car, and being a keen walker means that I don't mind doing the miles as well, but I'm not finding it all bad. And it's much more sociable than car travel ... I do tend to be a bit "chatty", but so are many who travel this way.

And I don't have to think about insurance, or road tax, or filling up with petrol, servicing and MOT, or keeping the damned thing relatively clean. Or speed traps!!

If you're over 66, think about getting your free bus pass, and giving it a try. You never know, you might like it!

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55df81e4... 2y ago

Bang!! 16 June 2023 @ 2.00pm or thereabouts I had my first seizure, and then two more a few days later while they (Edit - the wonderful #NHS💙) were sorting out what was going on.

I'm on the right meds now and haven't had a seizure since, feel confident to travel, and enjoying adventuring once more.

I relied wholly on my car before that. I wish I had "got used" to public transport before that as it was a pretty steep learning curve.

If you want some "risk management" advice - try it out now, get used to it. If you have a seizure in the UK (or a TIA / mini-stroke) you IMMEDIATELY can't drive any more for the following periods:

1 TIA - 1 month

2 or more TIAs - 6 months

1 or more seizures - 2 years

You never know when it will happen to you. I didn't expect it AT ALL. It was a complete shock. But it happened, and it can happen to anyone.

Be prepared, get the bus pass and enjoy slow travel!!