What I am in the middle of is not for everyone, but I can’t not report where I am up to, here on this forum.
I’ve tried to document each step of my slow, shaky progress, since my stroke two years ago. The forum has been my journal.
Now after that time since stroke I am now in the middle of getting myself a modest set of wheels.
I sold off my old car sadly watching it leave a day or two ago. I couldn’t drive it now.
Now I will be getting a vehicle with modifications that will permit me to get back on the road.
I suppose I will eventually be writing more about what this opens up for me.
I’ve ordered a Corsa electric, but I still have all the connected issues to deal with for a start.
I am nowhere near back to how I was before stroke and did not for a minute imagine that I could drive again.
It was only after a very pro-active OT urged me last year to try for a driving assessment that I began to get it together.
As with all things post stroke it was and is a long drawn out process.
Being a young old timer the government does not consider me to be in need of a mobility allowance, so savings are taking a hit.
I’m sick to death of sitting in this room watching the world go by outside my window, so this is me making a break for some sort of freedom.
I suppose the next step is sitting in my car watching the world go by my windscreen.
This is brilliant news @Bobbi. Good luck in your break for freedom. No doubt, if anything like my experience, it will feel daunting initially, but I am very grateful I got back to driving and the opportunities that provided.
Let us know how you get on,
Julia x
OMG:partying_face: That is absolutely brilliant news Bobbi You are so right! You were never meant to be walled in your room. This will allow you so much more freedom and with it progess. I look forward to hearing all about your new found freedom
This all sounds positive for you, and it is worthwhile having achievable goals to work towards. You mention an electric car which , although still has an environmental impact, is a good direction to follow, and at least they are quiet which means less noise pollution. The government has electric vehicle grants, is this car on the grant? I think they deduct £500 from their selected range. I have enough mobility to walk around a bit but I do get tired of carrying around this blasted double-glazed window.
It was an OT who mentioned driving again to me, after 18 months of relying on my husband to drive me everywhere (which was difficult, because he definitely wasn’t a morning person and I very definitely was). I remember that feeling of being trapped inside my house with the walls closing in. What a relief to be able to do my own thing again, without having to rely on other people.
I didn’t qualify for Motability, but the PIP payments go some way towards the upkeep of my car.
Have fun. It’s a bit nerve-wracking to start with, but you’ll soon get the hang of it!
Well done Bobbi. I’m sure you will manage just fine. I’m driving again too and yes it’s very scary to start with. I found it wasn’t just the driving but the fact that you have to walk - or wobble - to get into the car then wobble walk to wherever when you get out! But at least you can take yourself to wherever you want to go! Good luck!
Someone , another stroke survivor, who lives not too far from here has been good enough to take me out in his car two or three times.
He won’t take petrol money and his generosity has been such a boon. I’ve spent a morning with a stroke group two or three times which has been great, getting out and meeting others has been good. Nice to see the countryside as we drive there too.
Another plus is that it gives Hilary a few hours break from my incessant chatter.
I’ve also had an invitation to an event at Silverstone, Hilary and I will overnight in a hotel.
I believe organised by someone who had a stroke nearly thirty years ago. I’m really looking forward to meeting him and attending the event. Maybe watching racing Porsches – a bit outside my price range.
OMG:partying_face:
You are so right! You were never meant to be walled in your room. This will allow you so much more freedom and with it progess. I look forward to hearing all about your new found freedom 
