Yay. For Baby steps !!!
Thank you!
I fell in my garden on Sunday and definitely taking baby steps at the moment. It was my first fall since my stroke and I couldn't get myself up.
Something for me to work on. There's always something for us S.S's to work towards.
Just be careful and do those baby steps. We need you back on the team! Stroke athlete extraordinaire ??
Will do my best to regain my place ASAP. But I think I'm more the extraordinary athlete ?????
I’m waiting to see the neurologist due to my many episodes of post stroke seizures. I recently sent my form off to the DVLA but the ban means I can’t start driving until I get the go ahead that I’m completely seizure free.
When I first experienced the seizures soon after being discharged from hospital I immediately and comfortably came to terms that my car would be parked up for some time. We have amazing transport links this side and my cousin will drive me around.
Even when I’m walking down the street or crossing roads I have no sense of judgement.
When I come to the time I do wonder how I’ll feel once back in the car. I have an automatic car so shouldn’t be too bad. Weakness in my right hand but know it will work itself it.
Keep positive everyone, the fact we’ve made it this far is an achievement.
hi there
I haven't yet been able to drive myy own car. I got a rerral to a driving assessment centre about a year ago and have spent time over the last year relearning to drive using an adapted car. I have no function in my left hand, and very weak left arm and leg. there were some cognitive problems with visual processing but the driving lessons seem to have helped those improveI was assessed again a few weeks before Christmas and was considered safe to drive with specific adaptations. this was a great confidence boost. at this stage I have to get some essential repairs done to the car before I get the adaptations ordered. I am aiming to get it fixed up by the end of the month. I was going to get some help from access to work with costs, but my job is likely to fold so that probably won't be available. I will bear the cost myself. then there will be the challenge of driving solo. I am quite anxious about it. the stress of the work situation is getting me down and it makes fatigue worse. so while I had a nice boost with a positive assessment I still have a mountain to climb before driving again can be achieved. I remain hopeful and remember that all recovery takes a long time. everything is harder as a disabled person, which I now accept is what I am.
good luck to you and don't give up it will come.
Tony
yes I got my Ot to refer me for a driving assessment no function in my left hand so can operate an automatic pedals wise but not lights etc. relearned using an adapted car and got positive assessment recently. all good with DVLA. I am working on getting my own car adapted now. tge driving assessments are to be welcomed the assessment centres are there to help get us back on the road. thw driving instructors and advice I had was first class and very supportive. I still have a way to go before my car is ready. I may even go back for some refresher sessions with a tutor before heading out on my own just to build confidence back slowly. I don't want to rush it. I spent a year re learning to drive.
good luck I would definitely recommend an assessment. a bit daunting for sure but nothing to be feared.
Tony
I an back driving after a 3 month break. DVLA were very good at responding quickly and very helpful on the phone.
I was a bit nervous to start but I have regained my confidence , just need to get on the motorbike soon
I just take it nice and easy
Well done you!
I was hugely impressed until I saw the word motorbike, now I'm gobsmacked.
Fantastic!!
Please keep us posted.
Damian
Thanks Damian I’ll let you know.
Keep well and stay strong, we can beat this.
Bike cleaned and fired up first time today, looking forward to the next sunny day ?
Well done - hope that sunny day isn't too far away!
Damian
Thanks Damian.
I hope you are doing well.
Well done ??
My husband has eye issues but feels he would be able to drive. How and via who did you arrange the driving mobility assessment.
Glad to hear you have made good progress and are driving again.
Thanks Elaine
Hi Elaine, very sorry about late response. I was referred to the Driving Mobility people by the hospital consultant. Personally I think that he was worried about the implications of certifying me himself. We share our centre in the South East with Kent, and Sussex. I would have thought that there would be one near you. Their prime concern is to make people mobile and self proficient but it was a huge boost to my confidence Regards Frankie
I am now 5 years post-stroke. I started driving again after about a year. My right arm and leg are still not up to driving a normal car, so I have a 'lollipop' adaptation on the steering wheel and a left foot accelerator pedal. I informed DVLA and also attended special driver training and assessment (the adaptations take getting used to). I couldn't do without the independence my car gives me. My insurance was not affected. I have yet to find out what would happen in case of an accident (I am informed they will attempt to get an adapted replacement car 'if possible').
That must have taken a lot to get used to! I remember many years pre stroke when I had a busted ankle and had to drive my truck using a hockey stick on the accelerator, and relying on left foot to do the brakes. It took me a while to get the hang of it and I only had to drive to the Doctor's and back. In those days my brain was working well and I'm not sure I could do the same thing today with the brain I have left!
You'll have to take extra care not to bust your vehicle!
Deigh
hi and well done. similarly I have had the 'lollipop device fitted and also an easy release device for the handbrake. I am three years post stroke. I spent much of last year re learning to drive using the adaptation. I was referred to a driveability centre by my occupational therapist, at my request, and paid for a series of lessons myself. I did the centre's driving assessment and was confirmed safe to drive. this was voluntary. I informed DVLA and insurer, and now happily driving solo. the lessons were invaluable, and I mau even go back for some refresher sessions at a later date, as I know I am making lotd of miste still. but so far all safe. premium way not affected and DVLA returned my license with no queries-I had previously surrendered it when I informed them of my medical condition. confidence is building up slowly, as is stamina. I am very self censoring due to fatigue. I won't drive if fatigue is at a certain level. I have been ecperimenting with what are tolerable levels that I just have to put up with and what I should not try to push through. Still experimentkng ae getting it wrong mostly. I can drive for 45min now with no real adverse fatigue effects. je recently I drove a distance through Central London so can cope with most city traffic now. have done a stretcj on motorway so can deal with that ok now. I have driven in pouring rain, so can deal with mmost weather conditions. parking is still a challenge, but I was never anu good at it. I plan to spend a few hours in the supermarket car park practising one day. I will get there in the end. I wanted to extend my stamina limits so I can take my wife for some days e and maybe a short break somewhere we haven't had a holiday ft three years because of me. so looking forward to that.
all the best
Tony
Well done Tony, glad you can now get going again.
i have just sold my little car and have accepted not driving any more. My husband has a car and we manage fine with just one driver.
i felt I had lost a lot of confidence and I often have days when my head feels addled and I am slower reacting.
So better to give in gracefully!