@tlsonksen, @lisalucier, @johnbishop. Good afternoon...this is Chris and I am also 77 with small fiber neuropathy (SFN) and concern for being able to drive with numb feet. Giving up our vehicles is a really big decision because they signify our independence and control of our own lives. When my feet and ankles became numb, I was afraid that if I didn't stop driving, I might injure someone else. I researched and found two options. First I became a recipient of Myofascial Release Therapy (MFR). With regular treatments, I began to be able to even feel the carpet under my feet for the first time in a couple of years.

At about the same time I also started doing daily exercises for my ankles, to make them stronger. It is a simple restorative yoga pose called legs up the wall. With my legs resting on the wall, I do 12 point and flex movements and then 12 turn your ankle movements....6 in each direction. You don't have to be in this pose to strengthen your ankles but it helps to give the blood in our veins a chance to do their thing without the force of gravity. It also opens all the little valves that we must require the blood in our veins to pass through on the way for more oxygenated blood.
I have attached a visual for you.

With my own mother, this was a major issue for her and she fought to keep driving. I decided to take a ride with her and found that if other drivers weren't looking out for themselves she would surely have an accident. At one point she went into the median to pass a car. She was always a sort of "I'll do it my own self" gal.

I enlisted the help of one of the residents at the senior living center who always helped with her car maintenance and had her trust. Unfortunately or maybe thank goodness, he decided to tell her that her car was leaking oil and that if she gave him the keys, he would get it fixed. The keys were never given back and she pouted a bit. Then she discovered the senior bus and was happy not to be burdened with driving or owning a vehicle. Only problem.....she never spoke to that nice man again.

Aging has the ability to force us to give up quite a bit as our bodies wear out and we can no longer participate in the activities of our youth. I hope I will be cognizant of the risk involved when it comes time for me to turn in the keys. Have some happiness today. Chris