Driving my car!

Life after stroke Driving
81

I got the adaptations fitted in January and have been able to drive solo since then. it made a big difference. I get thwarted from time to time by fatigue. I don't drive when I am fatigued. I have been exploring my limits with this, and have been able to expand my range a bit. 

there are other options. it is parking that takes the most careful planning as I can't walk very far so I have to make sure I don't get stuck too far away from where I want to get to. 

 

 good luck

acceptance of the limitations of our condition is not an easy thing. I can imagine what you have had to struggle with. 

thanks for picking up my post and responding 

with best wishes 

Tony 

82

That sounds a balanced approach Tony, esp not driving when fatigued.

i have decided not to renew my driving licence and we have just sold my little car. It is a relief really as I have so many days when I don’t feel focused and I lack confidence in my abilities.i never was one of life’s natural drivers so it is not such a big deal!

good luck 

Pam

83

cheers. After all that I recently had a big set back and may have to give up the car. I might tell the story once it has resolved but not yet. anyway I have much to process but for the time being I am off the road, which I will admit is something of a relief. while I was pleased to get going again I was not enjoying driving, and the fatigue continues to be unpredictable so I was often frustrated by it. 

good luck with your endeavours

Tony 

84

I am pleased which Mobility. It is me independence. I have a car for 12yrs from Mobility.

85

Lucky you. I didn't score enough PIP points, so had to buy my car and have it converted.

86

Hi Tony, 

glad to hear you are persevering with driving. When did you have your stroke? I like you, cannot walk far without stopping for a rest, but I used to be very active and busy, which is hard to adjust to!

i have to keep reminding myself that my stroke could have been so much worse. I am determined to find my way round the stroke app as I am pretty pathetic at keyboard skills, despite having a son who works for Google! He obviously didn't inherit any skills from me! 
Wishing you all the very best 

Pam

87

hi Pam

 stroke was nearly 4 years ago now, April 16. unfortunately the driving had a set back this year I scraped the side of the car against a kerbside barrier  taking a corner to tightly the damage was more than the insurance company's repair shop was prepared to deal with and I was offered a write off settlement which after some arguing I accepted. basically got more than I would have been able to sell it for. to be honest I wasn't enjoying driving much even though it was very useful. I am focusing now on improving my walking. at least I have the basics  remaining so there is something to work with. I can see some development and I am hopeful for next year. last year was really hard. I lost my job the car went. but I am still going and generally feeling positive about the new year, election notwithstanding.

how are you doing?

Tony 

88

Hi Gill, just came across your post. How did your husband get on with driving again? I'm waiting for a driving assessment but the centre although now open again was running 5 months behind before Covid started so think it will probably be next year before I can do it. Katy x

89

My experience has been frustrating, but I managed to get written approval from the DVLA after waiting around 3 months, after the mandatory wait for a month.

I was informed at hospital that I had a slight visual impairment. Luckily I have had no physical impairments. I felt that my sight was fine, but I was advised by OT that I had to declare this to DVLA.

The DVLA required an eye test at Specsavers. A hospital eye test was not allowable. I waited two months for an eye test at Specsavers, but it never happened due to delays at DVLA or Specsavers. That was very frustrating. I was fortunate to have had a full opththalmic examination  at hospital, which gave me the all clear. A letter from hospital to my GP was accepted by DVLA.

The next hurdle was the multi page questionnaire for DVLA. My GP would not complete the form. They had not seen me post stroke. I contacted the hospital. At short notice they arranged an appointment with a doctor to fill in the form. I found this reassuring as they checked me out as well as filling in the form. It took around 6 weeks for DVLA to receive and process the form. I phoned up the DVLA to follow up and get a status update. I was amazed and very relieved to be given the okay to drive. The letter arrived from them almost a week later.

I contacted my insurance company before the green light from DVLA. There we no issues or costs. Another relief.

My advice is to be fully fit and confident before contacting the DVLA. The medication must be working, with no sign of any symptoms or TIAs. The temptation is to try too early, but I felt this could end up with a big problem if there is an accident.

I found that going out for a walk for an hour or so every day helps to build up the strength and the balance. I went out a few times on my bicycle to confirm my strength balance and traffic sense. The freedom of cycling is great while not being able to drive!

I enjoy playing patience on my iPad. I believe that playing cards helps to get the brain working again and confirms that thought processes are working. I played card games every day in hospital and since.

I do not understand how the brain and eye sight can repair itself after a stroke, but I believe that regular physical and mental excercise must help the process!

I still find that stamina and tiredness can become an issue, so I will be waiting for several weeks before attempting to drive my car more than a few miles.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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