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On the road to recovery
Ian McCorquodale, who has had two strokes, explains how HAD’s Mobility Centre Manager Matt Miller helped him get behind the wheel and regain confidence…
I have suffered two strokes in the last two years, both in the same place, with the second one compounding damage created by the first.
The strokes affected my left side and I am making a steady improvement with the help of physiotherapy and a special Orthotic arm, which helps me to straighten my wrist and the fingers of my left hand so that I can undertake exercises.
I remain determined to get better.
Two of the activities that I have missed the most are gardening and driving. I have driven all my life and did not appreciate the independence that comes with driving a car and how restricting it can be having to rely on others to take me out, particularly as using public transport still represents a major obstacle.
So, when I had improved sufficiently, I was advised to have an assessment to see how I would be able to face up to the world of driving again.
I applied for an assessment with HAD and Matt Miller put me at ease immediately with his charm and straightforward approach.
He explained that confidence was important in taking to the road again after a lengthy period away from the wheel and that some people who have suffered from strokes lose so much confidence that they are not even brave enough to drive out of the car park.
I felt my confidence returning as Matt went through the cognitive tests. Then it was time for the driving part of the assessment.
The car was unfamiliar as was the control box for disabled drivers who cannot drive with both hands. But with Matt’s kind encouragement I made good progress and my confidence soon returned, and by the end of the two hours I was told that I had passed.
Matt recommended that I have an infra-red control panel fitted to the steering wheel of my car. I now have all the car’s hand controls by my thumb – lights, indicators, horn and windscreen wipers as well as a turning knob. I am now in full control of the car all the time and back on the road enjoying the independence and freedom enormously.
I feel it is vital for everyone who is disabled to try and get back to as normal a life as they can, not only for their own peace of mind, but also for those who are caring for them at home. For me driving was essential and I suspect other stroke victims feel likewise.
It is amazing what can be done to make disabled people mobile and I have seen people in wheelchairs in a far worse condition than me driving again.
I am sure that one moment of confidence when back on the road can help renew a shattered life and so the personality, attitude and encouragement of the assessor is vital. I was lucky to have found Matt.
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