6 August 2009

Yesterday was quite a day. I'm not going to go into the specifics of why - that's far too personal - but for a very simple reason.

It was the first time in ages that I have driven a significant distance, without a snooze in the middle, and driven back. All in all I guess I was out for the better part of 10 hours, of which I was driving for about 3 1/2. I'd be lying if I said I was fresh as a daisy at the end of it. Truth be told I was fit to drop. But I made it!

I took an extra Modafinil tablet before setting out, on the basis that it was preferable to stay awake whilst driving. Whether it helped, I'll really never know. Since I've been warned that they generally lose their efficacy after about a year, and I've been taking them for far longer than that, it's probably a moot point. How can I tell if they're still effective when I feel tired all the time anyway?

But I think the best thing of all was my orthosis - the bit of plastic strapped to my right leg. It was comfortable, I didn't trip, and even managed to make it back from the bar with a glass in each hand, my stick under my arm, negotiating steps along the way. Sure, I had some assistance from resting my elbow on a conveniently sited beam whilst negotiating said steps, but I managed it with pretty much all of the contents of the glasses where they were meant to be.

Driving was easier than I expected too. The problem with my wretched right leg getting tired was countered by the orthosis. Even when I got back, I managed to make it from my car to my flat relatively easily.

All in all, a good day I think. One of the best for some considerable time.