17 replies to this topic

[Myssa]

I know my husband already can't wait to drive but I think it's to soon to even think of that. I'd like to know how long it took others before you drove again.

[Illinois Boy]

About 3 months after leaving the hospial.......
I waited most of that time for my van to be converted.....

Had my wreck in a little MG Miget sports car, I never liked driving big ole' vans....... But it's better than nothing....

I was scared as hell the first day I left for my 22 mile drive to work, by myself......
But as soon as I felt the breese in my face, it was ok.........

Jim

[mcferguson]

I drove as soon as I could, which was 7 months post injury. I felt perfectly normal driving. I didn't get anxious or nervous or anything like that. It felt good to drive again. My only limitation was getting a vehicle for me to drive.

[LeahC]

I was in rehab 5 months and went for a car a few days after I'd left.

[Ratticis]

Not soon enough! I've been driving since before I was in school. I've driven all kinds of stuff, run equipment since before I could walk. I'm sure I'll have no problem getting back on the road, just need to get a vehicle that I want to drive.

[Courtney]

Duke waited one year, as a C6 he needed to improve strength and endurance and definately had to improve his ability to transfer by himself, unless your husband plans on driving from his chair, which is a possibility as well. Also, you may need specialized equipment so soon since the injurty.... that you may not need a year out, for example, digital steering (zero effort). Duke drives with 90 degree hand controls and a tri pin. He has a 6 way power seat that swings back and around so that he can transfer into the seat with a chest strap to keep him from flopping around Now, a year out, he goes places by himself, runs to the grocery (with our son) and takes the kids with him anywhere he wants

[Ratticis]

Side note, while filling out the paperwork for benudit, one of the questions was 'how far can you drive?' To which I answered 'all the way, baby!'

[twisted_ophelia]

It took me a few years. I was a new driver when I had my accident (at 17) and I was pretty traumatized and freaked out by the idea of driving for a while. Now that I drive, I can't imagine NOT driving. I think it's up to your husband to decide if he's ready or not. If he feels ready, you shouldn't try to stop him even though you may feel worry and concern. Driving is a huge step in independence as well as a good way to get your life back on track after SCI. I know a quad who got hurt last summer and he's just started driving again so it took him about a year. The ability to go places on your own and not rely on others for transportation is huge.

[pistol_pete]

Took me about three months after leaving rehab to get back on the road. Its a real boost to start driving again and not have to rely on others for transport. Using the hand controls was a bit weird at first but it didn't take long to feel as comfortable behind the wheel as i did pre injury.
It's amazing how many people there are who don't realize it's possible for wheelchair users to drive a car. I'm always getting curious looks.
By the way, it was awesome to be finally be able to use all those choice carparking spots.

[norma]

It was almost a year that I was back driving. I had to do everything over just like I was 16 again. Vison test, written test, then in car lessons with hand controls
and then went for road test. Minisry of transportation wanted me tested 6 months after injury but I extended it as it was too over whelming for me.
I am now driving my car and practicing getting chair in and out. It's hard work but so worth it. I'm sure your husband will be fine, It's the vehicle that
is the hard part. Finding one and the adapting part takes time. Good luck and keep us posted!!!

[Myssa]

I think i'm just going to take a deep breath and not try to stop him. As much as he wants to be him again I think it's time for me to be myself again, I was always the wife that never stopped him from doing what he loved and driving is one of those things.
Thank you all,
Myssa

[Courtney]

By all means! If he's comfortable, go right ahead!! It will give you sooooooo much more freedom when he can take the kids to school and any other activites that they have I love the fact that Duke drives

[LuckyinKentucky]

As soon as they'd let me! Made it a rehab goal as soon as I got there.

[Jax]

I went back to driving just under 8 weeks post-injury. Was only in hospital/rehab for a total of 5 weeks. Ordered the truck and had it in and controls installed within 3 weeks of going home. Had my license test 4 days later. I'm saving money now to get a motorcycle. I'll be on one as soon as I can afford it.

[quadinva]

Myssa, on Aug 26 2009, 02:16 PM, said:

I know my husband already can't wait to drive but I think it's to soon to even think of that. I'd like to know how long it took others before you drove again.

Myssa, im a c-5/6 (injured sep 08) and am about to start the whole process of getting back on the road(driver eval, buy a truck, get it modified, etc). I wanted to a cpl months ago but couldnt due to schedule with getting back into the swing of college. I have a c-5 buddy who was driving at right about 13 months. dont let that motherly/wifely(word?) instinct overwhelm you or your husband. if hes not ready to, there will be plenty of people to tell him no, (ie dmv, driving, evaluator, etc)...good luck to yall

ps...friendly competition? who gets on the road first? me or your hubby

[Myssa]

quadinva, on Oct 3 2009, 09:21 PM, said:

Myssa, on Aug 26 2009, 02:16 PM, said:

I know my husband already can't wait to drive but I think it's to soon to even think of that. I'd like to know how long it took others before you drove again.

Myssa, im a c-5/6 (injured sep 08) and am about to start the whole process of getting back on the road(driver eval, buy a truck, get it modified, etc). I wanted to a cpl months ago but couldnt due to schedule with getting back into the swing of college. I have a c-5 buddy who was driving at right about 13 months. dont let that motherly/wifely(word?) instinct overwhelm you or your husband. if hes not ready to, there will be plenty of people to tell him no, (ie dmv, driving, evaluator, etc)...good luck to yall

ps...friendly competition? who gets on the road first? me or your hubby

lol he loves a good competition, I hope he takes it slow but if he wants to drive i'm here to back him in anything he wants. I do like to think of myself as one of the cool wives, pretty much anything is cool(within reason)

[Myssa]

Brady is back on the road as of Tuesday, he was so happy we drove all over Jersey. I forgot how much help it is having another driver in the house. I know once the weather is better he'll be driving everywhere. I'm just so happy to see him so happy.

[SandieT]

That's great news, so pleased for both of you! It will make such a difference to him to have some independence. Be no stopping him now! Took my son 10 mths to drive again, he is all over the place in his car and loves it.
Just over a year after his accident he drove to Paris with 2 of his best mates + had a great time. I was a nervous wreck, but he was fine!