Caravanning after stroke

[caravan john]

Hi fellow caravanners, looking forward. I have had a stroke. The position I am in presently is I can walk around the house with a cane. My 50 metres or so. Limited use in my left hand. My question is are there any stroke survivors out there still caravaning. Who can offer any constructive advice or helpfull tips. As I have been caravanin for over 40 years. And despite this dreadful set back I would like to carry on using my van. Looking forward to your replies and any advice, tips or so.
Kind regards caravan john.

 

[ProfJohnL]

I'm sorry to read you have had a stroke. I do hope you are making continued gains in mobility and control.

To answer you question, I am certain there are stroke victims who have returned to caravanning, so its something to aim for, but obviously there are many different degrees of debility that strokes can cause, though it should also be stated that with modern treatment carried out in a timely manner, the recovery from the condition is far better these days than a few decades ago. so there is hope.

One of the reasons for the development of the caravan mover was to allow less able people to accurately and easily position a caravan onto a pitch at the press of a few buttons. I'm sure there are many readers with stories of their own experiences of how a caravan mover has enabled them to continue with the hobby.

External steps with a handrail, or even a lift to help with access to the caravan, Perhaps air beam awnings may be simpler to put up. There are some caravan specialists who can help with modifying caravans for the less able.

Good luck

 

[caravan john]

I'm sorry to read you have had a stroke. I do hope you are making continued gains in mobility and control.

To answer you question, I am certain there are stroke victims who have returned to caravanning, so its something to aim for, but obviously there are many different degrees of debility that strokes can cause, though it should also be stated that with modern treatment carried out in a timely manner, the recovery from the condition is far better these days than a few decades ago. so there is hope.

One of the reasons for the development of the caravan mover was to allow less able people to accurately and easily position a caravan onto a pitch at the press of a few buttons. I'm sure there are many readers with stories of their own experiences of how a caravan mover has enabled them to continue with the hobby.

External steps with a handrail, or even a lift to help with access to the caravan, Perhaps air beam awnings may be simpler to put up. There are some caravan specialists who can help with modifying caravans for the less able.

Good luck

 

[caravan john]

Thanks prof john , comforting words. I will press on relentlessly with my physio and recovery. I have been thinking of a seasonal pitch for the interim period.
Rega4ds John.

 

[RogerL]

Thanks prof john , comforting words. I will press on relentlessly with my physio and recovery. I have been thinking of a seasonal pitch for the interim period.
Rega4ds John.

One of my neighbours had a stroke a few years back, he seems to have fully recovered - he carried on driving and caravanning fairly quickly.

 

[caravan john]

One of my neighbours had a stroke a few years back, he seems to have fully recovered - he carried on driving and caravanning fairly quickly.

Hi Rodger was it a stroke or a tia of which the latter is very minor.

Kind regards John.

 

[RogerL]

Hi Rodger was it a stroke or a tia of which the latter is very minor.

Kind regards John.

Stroke, not TIA - he'd had a couple of the latter previously.

 

[caravan john]

Stroke, not TIA - he'd had a couple of the latter previously.

Thanks Rodger. Have you any tips or suggestions for me
Regards john.

 

[otherclive]

Sorry to hear about your condition. With the various degrees of stroke it’s not easy to give specific advice. Suffice to say you have many years of caravanning experience to draw on. That will not leave you. When my father had a stroke the thing that got him back to near normal was his determination to carry out his physio, which paid dividends and got him back to gardening and diy.

 

[caravan john]

Thanks other Clive I am having physio 4 a times week. Physio is the back bone of recovery from stroke as you and I agree But it's the fine detail of caravaning what I keep thinking about for example. Gettiting my motor movers engaged, putting my towing mirrors on emptying he cassette toilet , it's daft I know. But this is what I think about sometimes
Regards john.

 

[otherclive]

Thanks other Clive I am having physio 4 a times week. Physio is the back bone of recovery from stroke as you and I agree But it's the fine detail of caravaning what I keep thinking about for example. Gettiting my motor movers engaged, putting my towing mirrors on emptying he cassette toilet , it's daft I know. But this is what I think about sometimes
Regards john.

There will come a time when you should be able to test yourself on tasks like fitting mirrors or engaging movers. Then you can ascertain your progress and whether longer recovery is required, or hopefully not required.

 

[caravan john]

There will come a time when you should be able to test yourself on tasks like fitting mirrors or engaging movers. Then you can ascertain your progress and whether longer recovery is required, or hopefully not required.

Thanks Clive I will keep going .
Regards john.

 

[Dustydog]

Hi John
I hope your recovery is going well since your stroke just before September? Did it affect only one side of your body?
How strong are both arms and legs?

I assume your doctors have given you the all clear to drive?

I recently had a total shoulder replacement. An eye opener is an understatement. I am not allowed to lift anything for six months bar a cup and movement in all directions is severely limited. It will improve by month. 9 to 90% .

My point is over the last 4 weeks I have learnt to do things using my good side. It gets better by the day. No jokes even drying after a shower is testing but with help from SWMBO I’m managing.

We know she will help with the caravan. Toilet empty twice a day thus keeping it lighter and easier to use one handed. Motor mover. Get electric engagement or a longer wrench handle.

Al-ko wheel locks use mover to line up. Power drill for steadies. Hitch lock, use one that can be fixed single handed eg Alko version.
Basically allow double the time, don’t rush or fret , you will manage.

Our departed friend Parksy RIP managed caravanning for two years after a stroke just going at his own pace.
It can be done.
Good luck👍

 

[AndrewAventura]

Hi John,
Please don't hesitate to ask for help from others pitched nearby, whatever the task you might be finding difficult.
I am absolutely sure that you'll find that other caravanners are very willing to help, and pleased to be asked.
We're all affected by, or relieved that we're dodging, medical incidents of one sort or another.
Andrew

 

[Mel]

Your attitude, strength and determination is fantastic and will help you find “work arounds” for lots of things. I think the idea of a seasonal pitch while you continue to recover is a good one. We had a seasonal pitch ( for different reasons) for several years. It was brilliant.
Mel

 

[caravan john]

Thanks to you all lovely words.
Regards john.

 

[toad a caravan]

Hope your health improves John,My advice is just to take your time and don't rush,have a rest when you've done a bit,A friend of mine has taken his caravan to Southern Spain where he has left it permanently sited,he has suffered two strokes within the last couple of years and now doesn't dash about,just plods on at his own rate..He took his caravan over there for the good weather thankfully he's not been flooded ...The Very best of luck.... Gary

 

[caravan john]

Thanks gary.
Regards john.