As my health deteriorated the anxiety level increased. The symptom was most evident whenever I had to make a trip to Lubbock. The anxiety of driving in Lubbock caused much stress which brought on fatigue. By the time I got home from Lubbock I would be very much wiped out. (Note: During perimenopause I avoided making trips to Lubbock entirely.)

When my health was at its lowest I was not able to drive at all. My experience with this symptom has made me much more tolerant of elderly people who poke along at a snail's pace down the road. I'll never forget those days in recovery when I would make my way to the grocery store driving along at a speed of 10 to 20 mph - gripping the steering wheel so tightly that my knuckles were literally white.

As I write this (1-10-06) I am happy to report that driving in Lubbock is not a problem for me now (except during rush-hour traffic). It amazes me that the drive between here and Lubbock has become a relaxing time for me. In all my days I can never remember experiencing that.