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Thoughts on post stroke driving

ajcee

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Although I enjoyed driving and making cross country trips, I had no choice but to surrender my license 7 years ago. This decision left me without access to transportation other than a county jitney that offers curbside service for disabled individuals within the county, but usually takes sixty or ninety minutes to and from the the destination for short trips which by car took me 15 minutes.

 

It wasn't till a year after my discharge from rehab that I felt able to drive again, but required driver training despite more than fifty years experience. I was fortunate that the State paid for the training, but relearning didn't come easily, in fact it felt no different than when I first learned how to drive.

 

When I was qualified, I kept my driving limited to familiar local areas, but I never again felt the comfort and ease as I had prior to my stroke. It wasn't until the day when I had an appointment for a procedure with a neuro-otologist located 55 miles from my home in another county. I had no choice but to drive to his office, despite the weather of consistent heavy rain and fog with poor visibility. Upon my first meeting with the doctor, I felt proud that I dared to venture the distance and weather conditions without mishap. But the feeling of accomplishment vanished when the doctor, noting the manifestation of my vertigo and ataxia symptoms, stated I should not be driving.

 

My mind flashed to the many occasions of irate drivers honking at me as I unknowingly cut them off. How, even as I searched for his office, I would have to leave my car in the heavy rain to read the street signs which I can't discern from a moving vehicle. I had to agree with the doctor, I was a menace as a driver. My problem is not only of lessening vision and depth perception, but a brain of less acuity and memory gaps. I also thought that in the event of an accident, an investigation would lead back to this doctor and his warning and that I never reported my stroke condition to the MVB, leaving me vulnerable to misdemeanor or worse charges.

 

After my second visit with the doctor. A procedure of a gentamycin injection to destroy the vestibular nerve and obliterate the balance on my right side, became a deciding factor. I lost any ability to drive and reverted to the use of a walker.

 

I might add that I also have double vision, and after rehab, I was fitted with prismatic lenses, which are a blessing. They are fine as long as the head is kept front facing and still, but the double vision recurs with side glances.

 

I will not be able to drive again and feel like a castaway on an islet. But at least I will not cause injury or worse to others or myself. To be able to drive again after losing the ability is something to be wished for, but there is more to be considered than stepping on the gas or brake pedal.

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fking

I must say from what you say and how you now feel it may be best you take drivers training or just wait awhile longer since it's been7 years now!!!

 

 

Fred!

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worryisamisuse

I haven't been driving for a bit over a year. I just took my car keys off my ring, and I do have hope that I will get back to driving, I'm just not sure when. I feel the same about a similar jitney service here. What service did you use that was state funded for re-learning to drive? I have to keep telling myself at least I can't cause harm to others or myself too.

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ajcee

Hi Christina,

 

I'm sorry that you have suffered so much at such a young age. On the other hand, a 90% improvement in only 7 months is remarkable and indicative of a continued recovery and a likelihood that it may not be long before you will be driving again. I am slightly older than you by 63 years. Between my age and the injury incurred by experimental  charletans, there is little reason to believe you will be faced with similar difficulties.You seem to have supportive family and friends and a bright mind with a promising career. To experience some anxiety about getting behind the wheel at this point is understandable.

 

The State funding I received for twenty driving lessons by BOCES is VESID, a NY department that provides assistance for the rehabilitation of persons with disabilities. I would not have been aware of this  organization, except that I was informed at the end of my rehabilitation. It appears their assistance is for persons of all ages.  It's too bad it is not a national program, but CA being a fairly progressive State may have a similar program

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DeanS

AJ

 

After my first stroke my doctor told me not to drive for a couple of weeks, this after having driven myself to the ER. It was advice that i neither wanted to hear nor payed much attention to. In retrospect i have to admit that i probably shouldn't have been driving as i felt completely insecure and inadequate, akin to a novice. But that is only in retrospect. On this last friday i had an appointment booked with my brain case workers (that sounds funny doesn't it). It was a very important meeting with 4 individuals to whom i had been referred for physical, cognitive, speech, and vocational therapy as well as an intern. As you might imagine, getting four rehab specialists together at the same time is nothing short of miraculous. When i got to my car, just as i opened the door, i noticed that i had a flat front tire. I had left myself lots of time so i thought i would simply change out the flat and be on my way. Needless to say, i couldn't get the spare detached from its hanger (broken). Fortunately, i managed to teleconference with the group and all went well... but, before my brain engaged and i arranged the conference call, i felt completely hopeless and utterly helpless. What i really wanted to say is, while I can't really imagine the physical barriers you face i can imagine the sense of loss and the feeling of increasing dependence you are forced to accept. I am sorry my friend..., I wish it were otherwise. 

 

Dean 

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ajcee

Thanks for your thoughts, Dean. I get the feeling that things are going better for you. Despite the anxiety with your flat tire prior to your meeting, was your meeting with the internist and 3 therapists eventful? Are you scheduled for a followup with your cardiologist in the near future? I get the impression that your medical care is less chaotic than I first thought. Please keep in touch.

 

Best regards,

 

AJ

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DeanS

AJ

Things have improved infinitely since i quit the meds. Most of the time i feel almost normal again and it is a new world! I find myself in the midst of a complete re-evaluation of my life before versus what it can be, or rather, what i want it to be having regained it. I am sure you can imagine. The meeting was eventful. I haven't been cleared for work yet and not likely to be ti the cardiac issues are resolved (3 to 6 months hopefully). My medical care is much less chaotic now that my head is clearing and i am present enough to be actively involved in it. I really appreciated your advice re: the cardiologist and i took it, although i can't afford a second opinion. I started the Crestor and by day 3 i felt the effects. It was enough for me.... At least i don't feel guilty about my deal with the cardiologist. 

Thank you for asking.

Dean 

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