Stroke disability and caravanning

[John_5118906]

I used to caravan with my wife for about 15 years, then 2 years ago I suffered a stroke. Since then I have recovered to a level that seems to be my limit, (although very minor improvement may still happen). I have had my car adapted so that I am back on the road. My wife dosn'nt drive, (but she is gladly taking lessons so things will change).

Anyway, I thought I would write to see if anyone knows anyone or have suffered a stroke themselves and have returned to caravanning. Has it been sucessful, any problems towing, or has it restricted what they used to do?

I know that stroke sufferers are individual and the disability can vary between one and another but I would very much take yours views on coming back to caravanning. Any ideas that I might has missed, etc? Nothing is 'cast in stone' but anything you say, be it positive or negative, would be appreciated.

Thank you, John

 

[Val & Frank]

Hi John.

I started a thread on the Towcar section with regard to a letter I received from the DVLA " Restricted drivers Licence ". I didn't suffer a stroke but I had bleed from an AVM which has been treated with Embolisation and Gamma Knife. The DVLA have restricted my Licence, but I can tow a Caravan under the B+E category. I have received some good advice from this thread it may be worth a look.

best regards

Frank

 

[cris_408518]

John, not sure if this helps but here goes.

My own parents have both suffered dissabilty and serious health problems, my father died a few weeks back but had fought and coped with his ilness for over twenty years my mother has done the same since 1974 and all hough wheel chair bound nothing stops her from partying, dancing in the electric wheek chair and going to the theatre and a whole variety of events.

An old family friend who suffered a bad stroke about ten years ago was a fit looking man with a very high powered stressful job, docs said his outer body looked fairly good due to hereditary traits but his uhealthy diet and lifestyle and lack of excersize lead to a stroke.

He took retirement and worked his way back to a reasonable level of fitness and joined a health club and took up "gentle" golf ( AS HE CALLS IT) with friends using only one hand at first.

He and his wife sold up and moved abroad with their daughter and her family to a rural farming business. He has overseen the building of a new second farm house for him and his wife with an office complex for his new internet business HE set up for his son inlaw and daughter.

He wired and plumbed the new building himself and wired the site for internet access for his daughter house and holiday gites.

He only does a little work each day and follows his excersize and diet regime which has brought him back to far better mobility than the doctors predicted. He has regular health checks and does not tire himself and walks away from stress.

He has taken to towing a large trailer for his daughter to local markets, he parks it and has drink with the old boys he has made friends with whilst his daughter flaps and strss's over setting up.

His manic workaholic lifstyle of old has seen the biggest turn around possible and all aspects re food, drink and excersize are completely different now.

He enjoys what he does and does everything with care and moderation, his Speicialist here in the UK puts his strokl recovery down to his changed behaviour and taking on board advice re healthy stress free living.

His main problem now is preaching good living habits and about visiting and listening to the doctors, something he never did until his stroke aged 61 or 62.

 

[John_5118906]

Hi John.

I started a thread on the Towcar section with regard to a letter I received from the DVLA " Restricted drivers Licence ". I didn't suffer a stroke but I had bleed from an AVM which has been treated with Embolisation and Gamma Knife. The DVLA have restricted my Licence, but I can tow a Caravan under the B+E category. I have received some good advice from this thread it may be worth a look.

best regards

Frank

Thanks Frank

They know all about my driving and I can drive. But I didn't think I would be towing again until rescently, I'll get in touch with the DVLA to be on the safe side.

John

 

[John_5118906]

John, not sure if this helps but here goes.

My own parents have both suffered dissabilty and serious health problems, my father died a few weeks back but had fought and coped with his ilness for over twenty years my mother has done the same since 1974 and all hough wheel chair bound nothing stops her from partying, dancing in the electric wheek chair and going to the theatre and a whole variety of events.

An old family friend who suffered a bad stroke about ten years ago was a fit looking man with a very high powered stressful job, docs said his outer body looked fairly good due to hereditary traits but his uhealthy diet and lifestyle and lack of excersize lead to a stroke.

He took retirement and worked his way back to a reasonable level of fitness and joined a health club and took up "gentle" golf ( AS HE CALLS IT) with friends using only one hand at first.

He and his wife sold up and moved abroad with their daughter and her family to a rural farming business. He has overseen the building of a new second farm house for him and his wife with an office complex for his new internet business HE set up for his son inlaw and daughter.

He wired and plumbed the new building himself and wired the site for internet access for his daughter house and holiday gites.

He only does a little work each day and follows his excersize and diet regime which has brought him back to far better mobility than the doctors predicted. He has regular health checks and does not tire himself and walks away from stress.

He has taken to towing a large trailer for his daughter to local markets, he parks it and has drink with the old boys he has made friends with whilst his daughter flaps and strss's over setting up.

His manic workaholic lifstyle of old has seen the biggest turn around possible and all aspects re food, drink and excersize are completely different now.

He enjoys what he does and does everything with care and moderation, his Speicialist here in the UK puts his strokl recovery down to his changed behaviour and taking on board advice re healthy stress free living.

His main problem now is preaching good living habits and about visiting and listening to the doctors, something he never did until his stroke aged 61 or 62.

Thanks Chris

that seems positive, I'm trying to follow the same line but it is soul destroying. I have many trys at various things but also had many set backs, (trying too hard). It would appear that your family friend has given me a the reason to carry on.

thanks very much for your input.

John

 

[Val & Frank]

Thanks Frank

They know all about my driving and I can drive. But I didn't think I would be towing again until rescently, I'll get in touch with the DVLA to be on the safe side.

John

Hi John.

As you will be well aware, it all comes from within. It's hard work at times, but look on the bright side, you are still here you are still active. It is all in the mind be positive and positive it will be. As Noel says only one question " Do it and be Happy " or don't do it and wonder " What might have Been.

These are not flippant comments been there and seen it

Warmest wishes

Val & Frank