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Re: A Reply


Posted by Casey on June 25, 2000 at 19:55:09:

In Reply to: Re: Thank you! posted by Sammy on June 25, 2000 at 10:19:10:

I do not agree that a drunk driver and a Narcoleptic person driving should be thought of in the same light.
A drunk driver, by his own choice, has impared his ability to make decisions as well as his ability to operate a motor vehicle.
A Narcoleptic has no such imparement of the ability to make a decision about driving!
My job requires lots of driving. No way around it. There is no where else for me in the company except out in the field going to accounts. I admit that there are days when I really don't want to drive all day, but that's just the way it is. My employer knows that I am Narcoleptic, knows I am on meds, knows that I stop to rest or nap when I feel I need to. To try and change jobs now I would lose a good income, good benefits, and I would lose a great boss who has been very supportive through all this.
My family and I aren't rich. We are middle income people with a mortgage, bills to pay, all that. My wife works part time to be there for our daughter. So without my job, a refrigerator box my be our next home.
If you don't feel that you should be driving, I am glad that you made the decision not to drive. I am glad that you are in a position where you don't HAVE to drive to earn a living.
Even though I was diagnosed a few weeks ago,I'msure you know that Narcolepsy doesn't just happen. I have lived with this condition for a long time, only recently has it worsened. I have been and will continue to be very careful when driving. I know the warning signs. I know when it's time to take a break. I'm not saying that an accident will never happen, no one can predict that. But understand that I am not some half-asleep dimwit weaving all over the interstate of your choice in a vain attempt to get somewhere!
We all have to survive the best way we can, and I understand your feelings, it's no fun to be Narcoleptic.
The idea that I should have a sticker on the back of my truck saying "Driver may zone out at any moment" was humor. This is a very difficult condition to live with, sometimes it helps to try and laugh.

Best regards,

Casey




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