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Topic: How to deal with hanging up one’s Keyes. (Read 1129 times) previous topic - next topic
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How to deal with hanging up one’s Keyes.
Since I may be confronted with this fact I wonder if others in this group have either been directly, or by observation indirectly, been exposed to this unfortunate situation.
Five weeks ago, while getting ready to take care of some stripped frame bolts on the front end of our 2001 Midbath, I ended up in  the E R for, what I thought, a little breathing problem. End result: Two different hospitals and now recuperating at our daughter’s home in Davis, CA. According to our daughterI I had a complete hearth block, spinal infection and a few other things. This evidently was enough to suspend my driving license by law.
Although I seem to to be making an excellent recovery, I have no idea if I ever will be able to drive our Lazy Daze again.
Anxious.?  Of course. Curious? Very much so and especially in same-type of experiences by others.
Please, do not feel sorry for me. At the age of 87 one has to start preparing for these possibilities. We started R V ing during the early 1970’s as a result of small sailboat racing.  Tent camping was a no no for us. We have seen many of the beautiful areas of this Country, including Alaska and parts of Mexico. Will it be over? Perhaps.
I am looking forward to any similar type experiences on this subject.

Aad Rommelse
2001 MB
How to deal with hanging up one’s Keyes.
Reply #1 –
Since I may be confronted with this fact I wonder if others in this group have either been directly, or by observation indirectly, been exposed to this unfortunate situation.
Five weeks ago, while getting ready to take care of some stripped frame bolts on the front end of our 2001 Midbath, I ended up in  the E R for, what I thought, a little breathing problem. End result: Two different hospitals and now recuperating at our daughter’s home in Davis, CA. According to our daughterI I had a complete hearth block, spinal infection and a few other things. This evidently was enough to suspend my driving license by law.
Although I seem to to be making an excellent recovery, I have no idea if I ever will be able to drive our Lazy Daze again.
Anxious.?  Of course. Curious? Very much so and especially in same-type of experiences by others.
Please, do not feel sorry for me. At the age of 87 one has to start preparing for these possibilities. We started R V ing during the early 1970’s as a result of small sailboat racing.  Tent camping was a no no for us. We have seen many of the beautiful areas of this Country, including Alaska and parts of Mexico. Will it be over? Perhaps.
I am looking forward to any similar type experiences on this subject.

Aad Rommelse
2001 MB
Re: How to deal with hanging up one’s Keyes.
Reply #2 –
I have read your LD input over the years and enjoyed your commentary.  Being 87 and still crawling under your LD to fix things is to be admired!  You have had a lot of good years enjoying your travels and they may not be over!  Heal quickly and maybe now you can pay someone else to do the work, assuming you get your DL back!

Best,

Gary
2007 30' TB
Re: How to deal with hanging up one’s Keyes.
Reply #3 –
My hat 🎩 is tipped to you (Aad).   I can only hope to be 80+ years old and pushing our Rig around.  I certainly hope your recovery allows you to create a few more LD memories.   Extending our best wishes. 
Re: How to deal with hanging up one’s Keyes.
Reply #4 –
Talk to your doctor and ask him/her specifically what it was that made them determine you were not capable of operating a motor vehicle,  how long he/she expects the condition to last, and what needs to be done to restore your driving privileges.
If you do not like the answers,  get a second opinion.
You might also contact the senior  ombudsman program for Yolo County
Joel & Terry Wiley
dog Zeke
2013  31 IB   Orwan   / 2011 CRV Tow'd LWEROVE
Re: How to deal with hanging up one’s Keyes.
Reply #5 –
Thanks Joel and Others for your responses.
From what I understand from our daughter I went through a complete hearth block, blood cloths and a positive blood culture test. Apparently, an MRI showed that my spinal area was involved. I was immediately put on heavy antibiotics for six weeks in the hospital and later by infusion and a portable pump, with one more week to go.
I understand that under similar circumstances physicians are obligated to notify the Authorities to suspend a driver license.
The way I still feel at the moment I fully agree with this decision. As I improve my opinion may change. However, there may be a possibility to restore  my driving privilege by having a pacemaker installed. Time will tell.
Any positive and/or stimulating information will be very much appreciated.

Aad
2001 MB
Re: How to deal with hanging up one’s Keyes.
Reply #6 –
Aad,

When we brought home our LD in ‘15, I informed my daughter that when I’m too old to drive the rig she will be my chauffeur.

Hanging up the keys is one thing. Passing over the baton is another. The open road can still be yours if you choose.

Speedy recovery.

Kent
2015 27' RB "MissB.Haven"
Re: How to deal with hanging up one’s Keyes.
Reply #7 –
"Hanging up the keys is one thing. Passing over the baton is another."

I guess I'd fit that category! I have an alternate driver in daughter Lazy Bones 2 and while she's off on an adventure to S.D. I languish here at home. But, I'm still in possession of a 2nd set of keys and will not hesitate to use them, if and when my LD comes home.   ::)   ;D
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!
Re: How to deal with hanging up one’s Keyes.
Reply #8 –
Kent and Lazy Bones,
Unfortunately, we are not that lucky to have an extra driver. Mary had to hang her keys up one year ago. Our older daughter and her family live in New Zealand and our daughter in Davis, CA, where we are staying with, has such an active live with four kids in college that we could not impose on her or her husband. Beside that she still has an active career on top.
Nevertheless, all comments on this subject are stimulating to me and very much appreciated. Beside me it could even benefit others, when their time comes.
Next Wednesday is an important day for me with an appointment with the infectious decease specialist. Please keep your finger crossed.

Aad
2001 MB
Re: How to deal with hanging up one’s Keyes.
Reply #9 –
Aad, fingers and toes are crossed.

I wonder if you could find someone willing to drive for you in exchange for getting to take the trips. They would need to match your lifestyle/personalities/etc. 
Maybe not full time but several trips or a small group of people that rotated thru.

Maybe they would have a tent for sleeping and so you all could have some time apart.  But do the driving, help with some cooking & cleaning & maintenance.

Someone who is not working during the summer (teachers and other school employees) or not working during the winter (outdoor workers like landscapers that live in places too cold to do outdoor work in the winter) might be wiling to do this in exchange for traveling and seeing the world in a way they could not afford to do on their own.

You would just have to figure out what you wanted from the situation and set up the criteria and do a through vetting of the people and start spreading the word - someone you know may know someone.  And amazingly there is a chunk of younger folks that have found themselves homeless and living at campgrounds, etc. while they are figuring out their lives.  We met a nice young woman the last time we tent camped that was camping in a tent with a car but between jobs and home for whatever reason, deciding what to do to get back on her feet.

Jane
Jane & Scott
Currently have a 1989 TK  LD we did a lot of upgrades on.
Bigfoot 25RQ Twin on order with early summer 2024 ETA

Our smartphone autocorrects into very poor English.
 We disclaim the illusion of ignorance this creates as we have enough ignorance we rightly claim.
Re: How to deal with hanging up one’s Keyes.
Reply #10 –
Along with Jane's helpful comments you might want to review the following link. There are always people looking for RV related positions, be it as campground host or what ever. I once read a testimony of a single woman who got a job harvesting sugar beets through Workamper.com.  ;)


Workamper News | The Original Resource Of Jobs For RVers, Since 1987!
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!
Re: How to deal with hanging up one’s Keyes.
Reply #11 –
When I found my Lazy Daze in 2007, I bought it from the original owners.
It is a 96 model and they purchased it new when he retired at age 72.
They enjoyed it and took exceptional care of it for 11 years. When we talked
they told me at 83, they no longer felt comfortable taking their twice annual trips
in the RV. Selling it was not easy for them, but in the end, they were happy to see it go to a good home.

Last week, I was at the local Conoco, it has a free dump, water and easy access. There was a guy in front of me getting water.
His tank was 100 gallons so we chatted while it filled. He is 83, looks and feels great, can do everything needed to maintain and live in his 35 foot class A, pulling a dolly with a car on it.

I ride a small dual sport motorcycle, have had bikes all my life and have no intention of giving them up as long as I can safely throw a leg over and go for a ride.
I will be very sad when that time comes.

Until then, it's use it of lose it.
Jota
96 23.5 FL
Re: How to deal with hanging up one’s Keyes.
Reply #12 –
Thank you All for your positive ideas. Some are worth considering when the time comes. Others can not for private reasons.
My wife is very private and I doubt that I could make her feel comfortable by turning the wheel over to someone else after doing this after more than 60 years.
In addition, this January, on our way to Rogers Acres in Quartzsite, AZ we had to stop in Bakersfield, CA, since she was not feeling well. Result: After a. C T scan, turn around and drive home. Diagnose: A slight stroke and a case of painful shingles. She is doing reasonably well but still dealing with shingles. Evidently these are situations that can be expected at our age and we do.
I am still positive and hopeful that after removal of my infusion of antibiotics and a potential pacemaker, I may get my driving privileges back. This Wednesday’s appointment with my infectious decease specialist will be a big step in that direction.
No, our 2001 Lazy Daze Midbath is not on the market yet.

Aadp


2001 MB
Re: How to deal with hanging up one’s Keyes.
Reply #13 –
Hi, Aad--

Thank you for initiating such an important discussion, which each of us must face (whether the LD or just personal vehicle to the grocery/etc.).  As from the others here, my appreciation for your many posts that have educated & encouraged me, & my best wishes for recovery.

First, as some have mentioned, talking with your DR--you deserve to be treated as a partner in your care, & that requires providing you with clear, accurate information about both your current situation/prognosis, & adequate time to discuss everything with the DR (**not** a "Hi-how-are-ya-here's-a-script-see-ya-in-six-months" kind of contact ) in order to make the best decisions for you, your wife, your family...and a second opinion may be helpful (just like backing up or leveling, a second set of eyes can be very useful).

Having just started my LD adventures at 59, I am so in awe & thankful for those of you who are like the Energizer Bunny (keep going & going & going)--though I do have one aunt who still gets on her Baby Deere to mow her multi-acre yard at 87 & another who was doing the same 'til 3 months before her death at 89, so my Baby Deere will be the last thing I give up (maybe I'll drive it to the grocery store when the LD & minivan are in the sunset ::) ).  Anyway, here are a some situations which have stimulated my thinking as I contemplate that time (I'm just excited to get Medicare in September, so they can't take my insurance away anymore  ;D).

My elderly aunt in Denver accidentally let her license lapse when she was 83-84ish (the librarian discovered it when Aunt went to get a new library card).  Aunt was a retired teacher who was meticulous about everything, but that had slipped by her, which meant Uncle became the driver-in-chief, which was really scary (**his** DR never addressed the issue, though Aunt said she had informed the DR of concerns).  So, the teacher went back to school:  Aunt got the state book with all the rules & regs that every driver studies, & she re-took both the written & driving tests--granted, she didn't take the driving test in Denver, but down in Delta (a rural county on the Western Slope where they kept their TT permanently parked in a lovely campground at Cedaredge).  The point was, she demonstrated that she could perform all the tasks required by the state of Colorado to be a licensed driver.

I had a former colleague who had not lost his license, but at 75 he decided to take both the AARP driving course (he said he got a discount on his insurance), & he also engaged a driving instructor in the Kansas City metro for some brush-up lessons.  We've got the AARP classes occasionally at our local senior center up here in the boonies, but no driving instructors (they don't even have HS Driver's Ed anymore  :P ), but surely there are some in your area.

Though your daughter & grandchildren are doing what you & your wife raised them to do (engaging in active lives/careers/education), perhaps this may open up some opportunities to make memories.  My retired HS vocal teacher/church choir director shared about a trip to Colorado with his grandson a couple of years ago at 88--though Jerry was still driving here in town (church/grocery/coffee shop/etc.), I think he'd decided his big trips to Colorado looked too daunting to continue, but he had a wonderful bonding experience with his grandson during that two weeks.  I wish I'd thought to suggest something like that to my grandmother back in the day--my mother took her on one trip, and the oldest aunt on another, but now I realize I really missed some opportunities.  I'm now looking to the future & thinking/hoping about proposals to the granddaughters for at least HS graduation trips & maybe more...perhaps I'll get them in training as Lazy Bones has done with LB2  ;D .

Thx, again, for this topic & best to you on the recovery--

Lynne
Lynne
LDy Lulubelle, Green '05 31' TB
Lilly, the 4-Legged Alarm
Re: How to deal with hanging up one’s Keyes.
Reply #14 –
Lynne,
Your comments make me feel good to have started this subject. It was just a curiosity matter and absolutely not to make any one feel sorry for me. As a matter of fact the various comments have given me quite a bit of support.
Although our daughter, whom we are temporarily residing with, is currently a science teacher in the Davis, CA School district,  she also have a cardiac education. Pressures in management about budgets and other related matters made her decide to switch careers. Listening to her questions and conversations with physicians, nurses in both the Fremont, CA and Vacaville, CA
E Rs and hospitals, blew me away every time. Mary and I are blessed to be in good hands. She has assisted us in the past quite a few times in medical situations. I believe few people of our age can stay away from the medical people. I do not want to go in details but Mary and I had our fair shares.
This week may be a critical week for me since I am a t the tail end of my 6 week antibiotics treatment. This could mean. A return home to our residence in Fremont, CA. We are keeping our fingers crossed.

Aad
2001 MB
Re: How to deal with hanging up one’s Keyes.
Reply #15 –
Aad, you are a wise man to pose the question in the first place.   Each of us will have a different perspective on this very important issue.    Each of us value our independence and driving is an integral part of that .    We have known many LD owners over the past 25 years.    Several drove their rigs well into their late 80's.   One friend drove his LD at 91 and their last trip lasted about 4 months.   They made a point of driving only about 150 miles a day.   That suited them well.   Some friends were done with RVing in their mid to late 60's.   It's a very individual choice.    I think the suggestions of  brushing up on driving skills, particularly after a health issue and period of not driving anything is an excellent idea.    The AARP course is a good one but does not help with getting into the car and turning on the key.   That is a one-on-one instructor/helper issue.  And,  as we all know, it takes practice.   As we age,  practice is particularly important.    Here is a suggestion to think about:  ask your daughter her opinion.    Will she go for a ride with you behind the wheel?    Her comfort may be a clue to the direction you need to take.   
Best wishes on your journey,
Juli W.
Juli W.
Former owner 1994 mid bath,  2006 26.5'rear bath
Re: How to deal with hanging up one’s Keyes.
Reply #16 –
Hi, Aad--

How wonderful to have such a knowledgeable daughter to walk this journey with you & Mary (that second set of eyes for perspective & leveling ;)); how lucky her students are to have a teacher with such a breadth of experience.  I miss my aunt who was our family BSN-RN & oil on troubled waters in so many ways.

RE: "...not to make any one feel sorry for me"

That never crossed my mind when I read your first post.  One of the many things I appreciate about this site is the sense of community despite the great range of geography/age/vocations & avocations/life experiences & that we may never actually put faces with names, and yet there is concern for those distant friends, help in a variety of ways (whether directly hands-on or via the troubleshooting discussions), sharing of pictures & adventures, humor--& coffee (enjoyable even if one is not an afficianado  ;) ).  So often in this world important topics like this get buried under "I-shouldn't-bother-people-with-XYZ."  I really appreciate the opportunity to learn from another's journey, & perhaps contribute an encouraging word.

Thx, again, for the discussion.  Good luck on this journey, & keep us posted.

Lynne

Lynne
Lynne
LDy Lulubelle, Green '05 31' TB
Lilly, the 4-Legged Alarm
Re: How to deal with hanging up one’s Keyes.
Reply #17 –
Hi Lynne and Judy,
Thanks for your positive responses. When I started this subject I was reluctant that some of the reactions would be: Oh, somebody wants a little bit of attention. Although I have not given up all hope to get my license reactivated, I am getting more and more in peace with the thoughts that it could not be. As I mentioned before this week is a critical one for me.
Your suggestion to have our daughter check out my driving skills is a good one, Judy, Since she and her husband  also own a Lazy Daze, I would not have either one drive our rig for joint trips. I remember vividly the enjoyment of driving with Mary together and enjoying the scenery. With four of their children still in collage, now it is their time.
Beside this all, having grown up in small-boat sailing, I passed this on to our other daughter and her family. Without getting too specific two of their children are well-known world-wide competitors. With Olympics and America,s Cup coming up i certainly shall not be bored.
Again thanks to All for the various responses. It has been very supportive for me and hopefully to others.
I’ll keep you All posted.

Aad.
2001 MB
Re: How to deal with hanging up one’s Keyes.
Reply #18 –
Hi, Aad--

Thx for the update.

RE: "Without getting too specific two of their children are well-known world-wide competitors. With Olympics and America,s Cup coming up i certainly shall not be bored."

How exciting!  I really enjoy all the wonderful pictures & adventures that are shared here, so for a drylander here in flyover country it would be fun to have a proud grandpa get "specific" & give me a vicarious peek at something about which I've only read or seen a blurb on the news...a sort of tangential six degrees of separation.

Lynne

Lynne
LDy Lulubelle, Green '05 31' TB
Lilly, the 4-Legged Alarm
Re: How to deal with hanging up one’s Keyes.
Reply #19 –
Lynne,
Wow!!, I said too much in my last post. How to respond to your request is a little difficult but I’ll try and keep my proudness down.
We have two daughters. The one, who currently is stuck with me, is our younger one and has four of our grandchildren.
Our older daughter leads the current sailing family. She and her family left California for New Zealand, in 1999, where they had bought a 44 ft yacht, with the intend to sail around the world. For some reason this never materialized, although they still own the same yacht. Their kids grew up in the sailing world in New Zealand. Their younger daughter became very proficient and successful in various classes. In 2016, she and her crew won a silver medal in Brazil. They are currently training for the 2020 Olympic Games in Japan. One of their sons, Who is also a World-class sailer and training to represent New Zealand in 2020 in the Finn Class. Did you see any pictures on T V during the latest America’s Cup where the Kiwi Catamaran went bow down and the crew was catapulted out? Our grandson was one of these guys. However, they have to defend the Cup in 2021 on their own waters.
Our youngest California granddaughter may also stir some excitement in the near future. She grew up as a goalie in water polo.
She just graduated from High School and was accepted by a major California University. They are currently traveling with the team through part of China on a goodwill mission.
So, you see, if I have to abandon my Lazy Daze and start using Uber or Lyft, I would not be bored.

Aad
2001 MB
Re: How to deal with hanging up one’s Keyes.
Reply #20 –
Hi, Aad--

Thx for expanding--no, you did not say too much. How cool!  I will certainly see those events on the news with a new eye, now that I sorta kinda know of somebody who really knows somebody involved.  These are events I won't ever be directly connected to, but I love when people share (both their own adventures, as well as their proud Mama-Grandpa-Sister-Uncle stories).

The biggest water event in Missouri is the Missouri River 350 which has various people-powered vessels (canoes/kayaks/rafts) racing from Kansas City to St. Louis, & the biggest vessels are the ones on the Lake of the Ozarks operated by people with more money than sense (there have been some tragedies when alcohol combined with boats too big/powerful for what was once a nice family area)...

Thx, again, for sharing--

Lynne

Lynne
LDy Lulubelle, Green '05 31' TB
Lilly, the 4-Legged Alarm
Re: How to deal with hanging up one’s Keyes.
Reply #21 –
Hi You All,
This afternoon I visited my Infectious Decease Specialist. Although I am still in a phase 3 complete hearth block, he is allowing me to go home to Fremont permanently. Per next Friday my 6 week antibiotic phase will terminate and the infusion in my arm removed. That by itself will be a big relief. I know that I am not out of the woods yet. It still needs to be determined if there is damage to my spinal area and/or artificial hearth valve, installed 5 years ago.Further testing and blood cultures are required.
Since I started this post a few weeks ago, I have gotten a different perspective on live. Even if The medical establishment and/or the State of California decide that I should not be driving any longer I am ready to accept this. In that case ourLazy Daze will be passed on to other family members. However, I still have a little bit of hope.
Thanks everyone for all your comments and eventually I’ll post an update. I also hope that my struggle to accept my facts will help others in the future.

Aad
2001 MB
Re: How to deal with hanging up one’s Keyes.
Reply #22 –
Due to health reasons we decided it was time to say farewell to our RV-ing adventures and stick close to home. Not an easy decision by any means and it was even sadder the days we delivered our beloved LD to it's new owner and handed over the keys.

It was a hard transition, but I now travel via Google Earth as I research camping locations for my camping app. My only regret is that I no longer have the ability to go visit some of the beautiful places I've found as I "travel" all the Forest Service Roads out there. Have completed a number of National Forests, but a lot more to go.
Re: How to deal with hanging up one’s Keyes.
Reply #23 –
Your efforts are much appreciated, Ted!
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"
 
Re: How to deal with hanging up one’s Keyes.
Reply #24 –
It's one thing to lay down the keys to your Lazy Daze but quite another to pick up the keys for a new form of transportation, albeit somewhat more limited.

I am seriously considering the purchase of the scooter in the following link. Due to the many bike trails in my area I know I can put it to good use.  ;D

https://www.spinlife.com/files/RaptorSS.pdf
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!