I had a severe stroke at 48 & after 6 months of rehab & then driver training I passed my disabled driving test using a spinner knob. My age has caught up & I'm now waiting for knee replacement surgery on right knee.
After the fires last year I bought a VW Campervan but find driving it too much for my right leg.....driving & getting in/out. I've been assessed for electric steps & applied to the NDIS. I'm waiting for a reply.
As for the driving, it was suggested that I try a left foot accelerator? So I had a drive in a car fitted with it & a Disability Driving Instructor explained it to me over an hours driving. He said it would take time as the muscles had to be re-trained but I thought it would be easy as I've had lots of training & experience due to my careers (Army, Ambos). Famous last words! I've never driven so badly, so slowly & jerky. I pressed the accelerator instead of the brake? Things I never did even as a learner?
It's left me upset & lacking confidence that I can learn to use it even though the instructor said I will? Driving was/is my favourite thing especially after my stroke? It put me back on a level playing field with non-stroke people & felt......good.
I suppose I'd like to hear from anyone that's re-trained to left foot accelerator & how to be positive again? One more thing, does anyone drive with hand controls suitable for a 1 armed person?
Thank you for reading this๐ Julie
