I think most people have this issue post stroke, I certainly did. Fortunately for me it was during the lockdowns and my family would never let me out on my own anyway
Your brain is slower processing at the moment so things like busy roads, carparks, supermarkets, etc etc. they all quickly becoming confusing and overwhelming to your brain. It canāt multitasking like it used to, itās still running at a reduced service for you.
But it will improve over time with more exposure to such tests and trials. It will learn to adapt. And now that you are aware of this you will be better prepared next time. So donāt let that one incident put you off going out. The learner driver probably got a bit of an ear bashing for not stopping and it was probably the instructor who slammed on his breaks as there are dual controls on those cars for that purpose anyway.
You will be more conscious now to plan and be better prepared for the future. Itās all a learning curve. And the important thing is you did handle well, you coped, you got home safe and sound and tell the tale on here, you are stronger than may feel your right now Itās like riding a bike, so keep going and it will gradually get easier. And when you get home, make yourself a brew and sit for an hour to let your brain catch up
You did very well! . You are so lucky to be able to go for a walk. My husband misses our walks so much and actually gets tearful when we go to the coast and see people enjoying a walk. I take him in a wheelchair but he says itās not the same.
Keep up the good work.
Hello Natalie - from my point of view there is nothing to be embarrassed about and the worry bit is easily addressed.
As others have said, you are still on the learning curve and your brain is still healing. As far as I can tell, there was a near miss and you have reflected on it and are fully aware of what happened and why. If I remember rightly you are a teacher and so you will know we learn from our experiences and mistakes
The take aways from this are
it is perfectly fine to be out and about (regardless of whether you have had a stroke or not), and should be positively encouraged for the health and wellbeing benefits of do this
Be careful, be aware of the risks and hazards whilst you are out and about (again, applies to everyone, not yust stroke survivors
When crossing the roads - remember the āGreen Cross Codeā (indulge me if you will )
Personally, I take this very seriously. Roads are very dangerous these days and drivers are so distracted and cars are safe for the drivers allowing them to be less diligent than it times of old.
They might be faffing around with mobiles, entertainment or even drinking and eating as they try to keep control of a very lethal āweaponā.
I trust no one and for me, I do not put foot on the road until cars have stopped from both directions. I am serious - not just saying this because I also go out in the dark and it is probably 10 X worse in the dark.
Do you think cars are the only hazard for pedestrians?
Think again
the latest curse is motor bike delivery drivers with āLā plates i.e. they have not passed a UK driving test and likely do not know the highway code
Cyclists - today as well as pushbikes you have electric bikes and cyclists (apologies to any cyclists out there) think the highway code does not apply to them. I have nearly been run over by a cyclist who ignored the red light at a pedestrian crossing. I was lucky, but I believe others have been less lucky and have indeed been knocked down and seriously injured by cyclists (and they didnāt even stop).
Golden rule that I follow.
Do not put foot on the road until all vehicles are stationary. The Highway Code is very clear - Pedestrians have right of way, but unfortunately who is going to enforce this when you are trying to cross the road?
Itās like riding a bike, so keep going and it will gradually get easier. And when you get home, make yourself a brew and sit for an hour to let your brain catch up 
. You are so lucky to be able to go for a walk. My husband misses our walks so much and actually gets tearful when we go to the coast and see people enjoying a walk. I take him in a wheelchair but he says itās not the same.
