Trouble with driving ?!?

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stephibabe2
stephibabe2 Member Posts: 60
edited 15. Mar 2010, 13:24 in Living with Arthritis archive
Hey everyone :D

I was just wondering if anyone has trouble with driving ? I began lessons in a manual, which I had about 20 lessons in. I had lots of pain in my ankle and knee and put this down to having to keep my foot at an angle. Sometimes when I got out of the car my knee was so bad it was hard to walk on. After a bad flare up I have changed to learning automatic and although this is alot easier it hasn't helped the pain in my ankle or knee. I have now started looking into getting my own car and have completly ruled out small cars due to difficults in getting in and out but also due to lack of leg space. Does anyone else find bigger cars better ? Or does anyone have any adaptions that help them ?

Would be greatful for any advice or general experience. Thanks, Steph x x

Comments

  • skezier
    skezier Member Posts: 11,333
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Hi Steph,

    I am sorry your having trouble and sending you ((( )))...... Cars...... well they are never comfortable and your right the small ones are hard to get in and out of.... mine is just horrendously uncomfortable and too low but I was lucky I past my test when I was 17 and though I had some oa then it wasn't like it is now :wink: I really don't find any car comfortable though the taller ones are easier to get in and out of...... What about an auto? Would that help you do you think? Cris x
  • woodbon
    woodbon Member Posts: 4,969
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Hi,
    I've got a Land Rover, we bought it mainly because we live in the middle of the country-side, with only single track lanes leading to us, so you can imagine the winter!!!

    It was the best thing we have done, I can get in and out much easier and the seats are heated, which is great when your back is sore. I'm so glad we have it, although I can't drive very far, as my wrists are a bit weak, its good to be a passenger in and I wish I could have my heated seat in the house.

    Love Sue
  • jaspercat
    jaspercat Member Posts: 1,238
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Hi Steph, I recently got a Motability car which is an automatic, I have hand controls to save me using my legs, I can brake and accelarate using my hands love Jaspercatxx
  • jenzie06
    jenzie06 Member Posts: 708
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    I've got an automatic and actually passed my test only with automatic car so I can't drive a manual. Its a motability car but I've got my own adaptions on it. I've got a steering nob so I can use just one hand and a handbrake release cause I can't push the button in.
    Hope this helps?
  • stephibabe2
    stephibabe2 Member Posts: 60
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Thank you everyone for all your replys :D

    Yeah I diffinatly will be doing my test in automatic as its so much easier. And as many of you mentioned about getting a car on DLA .. I was meant to mention this in my first post :wink:
    I get the DLA which is great, however as Im looking at bigger cars the diposits just that much more :? and as a student haha. But will have to wait and see.

    The heated seats sounds good, especially as if Im driving for a while I get pain in my back. I know the adaption lots of you mentioned as my dad has it (as he had a stroke and isnt able to use his left arm) He finds it very helpful. Im not sure about it for me though.
    I was told that they can raise the floor ? So your ankle is not at such an angle. And also putting the pedels at the same height so your foot just swings across. Anyone heard or got these ?


    If you do get DLA do you have to pay for these adaptions ? And also how do you go about getting them ?

    Thank you again everyone, best wishes x x
  • tanith
    tanith Member Posts: 175
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    I too had problem driving I found the higher driving position solves the problems.. I bought a Zafira having driven one when working , I just find it so easy to get in and out of and my hips are higher than my knees so making a much more comfortable position . I do prefer a manual though and so far I am managing fine...
    Our worst times are always our best lessons.
  • babette
    babette Member Posts: 128
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Hi Steph

    Like Tanith I have a Zafira, the driver's seat is like an armchair; quite high up, so you don't get that pain in the ankle as it puts you in a more upright position to reach the pedals. Power steering is very light and also because of high driving position you have good all round vision, especially at junctions. I love it!!!

    B x
  • speedalong
    speedalong Member Posts: 3,315
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    I get pain in my knee and my hip goes stiff - particularly if stuck in traffic, driving a distance or driving when already feeling like I've overdone it (ie after work.) I really struggle getting in and out of the car too if I can't fling the door open wide.

    Speedalong
    I have had OA since mid twenties. It affects my hips and knees. I had a THR on the left aged 30 and now have a resurface-replacement on the right - done May 2010.

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