Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

General Discussion

Showing Original Post only (View all)

left-of-center2012

(34,195 posts)
Sun Aug 14, 2016, 07:54 PM Aug 2016

The cost of being a loner [View all]

After a divorce 25 years ago; after three different friends over time borrowed several hundred dollars and none of them attempted to repay me; I just withdrew into myself.

Thinking I’m going to end up getting hurt or used, so why extend the effort to form friendships, relationships.
And I became a recluse, hermit, loner.

I live in a one bedroom apartment, in the city. I pretty much stay home except to go grocery shopping; and increasingly to the doctors and pharmacies.
I’m 70 now. Disabled. Walk short distances with a cane. Use Uber to get about.

Haven’t needed, wanted friends. No one close.

And now my doctor wants me to have a medical exam where I’ll be sedated for about three hours.
I must have someone drive me to the exam; wait for me; and drive me home.

I have no one who(m) I can ask to drive me and wait.

I can’t arrive in a cab, or Uber, or bus. The doc insists on me having someone drive me, and who will wait. Fo insurance reasons, they can’t risk me trying to get home alone in a cab, etc and possibly falling, etc as I’ll be recovering from the anesthesia.

I’ve asked a couple people I don’t really know if they would do it for money;
and hopefully one will do it for $50.

The cost of being a ‘loner’.

80 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
The cost of being a loner [View all] left-of-center2012 Aug 2016 OP
Here's a couple of articles. Its a widespread and growing problem progree Aug 2016 #1
Taskrabbit.com? mahina Aug 2016 #7
Uber drivers will do it if you negotiate flamingdem Aug 2016 #42
Have you had good experiences ?? Sounds like it . I am about to use them but hesitant... Person 2713 Aug 2016 #69
Yes, I have. Hired someone to do data entry. mahina Aug 2016 #72
There were articles (studies?) about the contradiction in Latino/a communities - poor w good health Liberal_in_LA Aug 2016 #31
My wife is Mexican American awoke_in_2003 Aug 2016 #46
I don't think it is rugged individualism that the OP speaks of.... TheDebbieDee Aug 2016 #57
I, too, am an intovert awoke_in_2003 Aug 2016 #58
I am an introvert. I'm 54 and I've found that the older I get... TheDebbieDee Aug 2016 #59
I am 48 and am the same awoke_in_2003 Aug 2016 #60
OMG. . .I am too. . . kevinbgoode1 Aug 2016 #63
There are a few FB groups with people who identify as TheDebbieDee Aug 2016 #78
Same here PasadenaTrudy Aug 2016 #76
I hear you. deathrind Aug 2016 #2
Social services at the hospital might have a solution for you. Lars39 Aug 2016 #3
If you're anywhere NE Ohio send me a PM and I'll take you. nt Doremus Aug 2016 #4
In some communities there are programs that offer rides to seniors flamingdem Aug 2016 #5
I hope you can find someone trustworthy csziggy Aug 2016 #6
If there's a county.......... mrmpa Aug 2016 #8
hey Skittles Aug 2016 #9
Try This Link The River Aug 2016 #10
DU member PasadenaTrudy Aug 2016 #11
I have exactly the same problem greymattermom Aug 2016 #12
I'd try asking PasadenaTrudy Aug 2016 #13
Good idea, all the loners should start some Facebook city groups and have contacts... snooper2 Aug 2016 #70
I've lent "friends" money I didnt expect to get back padfun Aug 2016 #14
I'd have to think being a loner would be devastating for your health FrodosPet Aug 2016 #15
If you're in NC, let me know. cwydro Aug 2016 #16
OP lives in Albuquerque NM SCantiGOP Aug 2016 #21
Well durn. cwydro Aug 2016 #23
Yeah, long drive. SCantiGOP Aug 2016 #25
before insurance companies dictated medical care........ Takket Aug 2016 #17
Yeah, how bout dat shit?? Those were the good old days, weren't they? nt Nay Aug 2016 #43
My hospital hooks people up with a service. Demobrat Aug 2016 #18
It's not just "loners." moondust Aug 2016 #19
I'm sorry. Buckeye_Democrat Aug 2016 #20
A couple clarifications left-of-center2012 Aug 2016 #22
Too bad you aren't nearer to me... but I've had procedures where they want me to Squinch Aug 2016 #26
Surely you can't be the only one whose ever been in this situation. Peregrine Took Aug 2016 #28
The "wait" part strikes me as odd. Buckeye_Democrat Aug 2016 #30
yeah, that does seem odd JI7 Aug 2016 #50
See post #27 riderinthestorm Aug 2016 #33
thanks left-of-center2012 Aug 2016 #40
Red Cross! I work in a clinic and they offer volunteers to do just this! Laffy Kat Aug 2016 #37
Most counties have a transportation service. cwydro Aug 2016 #24
I live in New Mexico... chillfactor Aug 2016 #27
Thanks left-of-center2012 Aug 2016 #39
You are a good person awoke_in_2003 Aug 2016 #48
A true knight! Mendocino Aug 2016 #52
thank you all... chillfactor Aug 2016 #55
You are awesome! Bobbie Jo Aug 2016 #64
Yay! You are fabulous. Squinch Aug 2016 #65
You!!!!! Are awesome! tenderfoot Aug 2016 #71
This is so kind of you! madibella Aug 2016 #74
hospitals want to 'hand off" the patient to someone. They don't even take your word Liberal_in_LA Aug 2016 #29
"Need a ride?" Albequerque area Peregrine Took Aug 2016 #32
That's brutal. I'm sorry. PoliticalMalcontent Aug 2016 #34
I can't believe the doctor or medical facility doesn't have a service to pickup/return patients. George II Aug 2016 #35
It's an imposition to ask people to take off from work lindysalsagal Aug 2016 #36
after this, might want to try to make some new friends 6chars Aug 2016 #38
I know of 2 people who have explained this to doctors and both times they were kept overnight Person 2713 Aug 2016 #41
This is in a doctor's clinic left-of-center2012 Aug 2016 #67
Sorry, If you can talk to the clinic again ask them again for help . Don't give up. Best to you Person 2713 Aug 2016 #68
I had a somewhat similar situation a few years ago mythology Aug 2016 #44
Get familiar with the Department of Aging around your area. W_HAMILTON Aug 2016 #45
Contact senior service type places, maybe some churches or other religious organizations JI7 Aug 2016 #47
can you engage in social activities without the purpose of looking for friendship JI7 Aug 2016 #49
If I didn't have my son MFM008 Aug 2016 #51
Sounds like you and I could be brothers :) n/t kevinmc Aug 2016 #53
There are a lot of us in this situation.. HipChick Aug 2016 #54
Call a livery service. LeftyMom Aug 2016 #56
No matter what you do life it will still challenge you nolabels Aug 2016 #61
Churches and religious organizations jcboon Aug 2016 #62
This is a very interesting thread and I'm so glad chillfactor chimed it. But Squinch Aug 2016 #66
Good idea! PasadenaTrudy Aug 2016 #77
This message was self-deleted by its author closeupready Aug 2016 #73
How would anyone know it is an Uber driver? Motley13 Aug 2016 #75
Their cars aren't marked in Albuquerque left-of-center2012 Aug 2016 #80
I am an introvert too. It doesn't help to have a life that is full. AgadorSparticus Aug 2016 #79
Latest Discussions»General Discussion»The cost of being a loner