Driving

Bruno of NH · September 25, 2021, 05:49:56 PM

I might have to give up driving my right leg is so bad now I can't operate the break and gas safe enough some days.
I still walk and work.
My knee won't bend anymore.
I have decided I'm not going to get any operations .
I will try and make some hand controls for moving around my property.
I have lived a good life , hope I can make it at least 5 more years till I'm 60.
No regrets other than my relationship ship with my daughter.
As long as I'm sawing life is good. 8)

samandothers · September 25, 2021, 09:20:01 PM

Hang in there Bruno. You have positioned yourself to a much better place today than years ago, at least to my thoughts.

Ianab · September 25, 2021, 11:41:51 PM

Hand controls should be possible. Think how a motorbike works? Throttle, brakes and steering are all hand operated.

Around your own property it should be no issue to rig up a couple of hand levers, although I think they may need to be official certified mods for on road use? Lots of folks in wheelchairs, and even with no legs can still drive a suitably modified vehicle safely.

Heck I remember seeing a news story about a lady with no ARMS getting her drivers licence (in a modified car). Steered with one foot, and brake / gas with the other. She was a lot more adept at using her feet then most of course. ;)

Magicman · September 26, 2021, 09:22:41 AM

I have ridden with a Paraplegic that only had hand controls in his van and there was no driver's seat. His wheelchair locked into place and away we went.

One lever controlled the accelerator and brake; pull it down to go faster and push it forward to apply the brake. Of course the steered with his left hand.

petefrom bearswamp · September 26, 2021, 09:32:36 AM

Sorry to hear this.
hang in there bruno and keep making sawdust.
As stated above hand controls are possible.

HemlockKing · September 26, 2021, 04:25:39 PM

Do you do your stretches? I assume you have a pinched nerve from a bulging disc which then gives you sciatica? I got the same, except
Mines left leg, can't feel my big toe. Comes and goes but gets worse if I don't move

doc henderson · September 27, 2021, 06:17:32 AM

hey Bruno, I do not know all your ailments, but a good pain specialist can do joint, trigger point and epidural steroid injections. If you need a surgery, I would consider it as things can spiral as you become more inactive. I apologize if I am stating the obvious or there are details that I am unaware of. you seem to be on a roll and I hate to see it end. good luck. Best regards, Doc.

thecfarm · September 27, 2021, 06:21:24 AM

I am thinking of you!!!

Old saw fixer · September 27, 2021, 09:41:49 AM

My personal experience goes along with what Doc said, get some help! I was having constant sciatic problems to the extent my legs are weak. My primary care Doc told me that would happen. I went to a neurosurgeon who told me a spinal laminectomy might help. An MRI showed that osteoarthritis had narrowed the exits of the sciatic nerve so I was pinching the roots of the sciatic nerves often. I am as pain free as a 73 year old can be that spent his life on concrete. My legs are weak, I need to find something to help me get up off my knees working on something or playing with the grandson. When I am woods walking I have my 48" Logrite hookaroon with me.

Nebraska · September 27, 2021, 09:52:18 AM

Hang in there! I know you can get hand controls. One of my clients I do a lot of work for, is wheel chair bound from a tornado that hit their farm. He has hand controlled vehicles, seen him run a skid steer just fine.

mike_belben · September 30, 2021, 12:05:32 AM

Make peace with her while you still can bruno. Family is important.

Bruno of NH · September 30, 2021, 05:42:10 AM

Quote from: mike_belben on September 30, 2021, 12:05:32 AM
Make peace with her while you still can bruno. Family is important.

Mike,
I'm trying at it .
I'm praying we can

Magicman · September 30, 2021, 07:47:21 AM

Jim, you know that my prayer is also that you will be able to have some regular contact with your daughter. I do remember that she reached out to you on Father's Day. Keep trying my Friend.

mike_belben · September 30, 2021, 03:06:56 PM

thats all you can do bub. i will put a request in with the man for you.

Bruno of NH · October 03, 2021, 02:30:03 PM

Was working on Sheilas truck today , the drivers side tail and brake light were out.
While getting out from under it , pushing myself up I dislocated my shoulder.
I finally made it up without calling in a crane service.
At least I was able to pop it back in but it's some tender.
I got the lights to work be will order a new harness.

mike_belben · October 04, 2021, 04:14:09 PM

dang, not good. i did that at work once, no fun at all. still hear it click clack a dozen times a day.

Bruno of NH · October 04, 2021, 05:03:40 PM

It's a little tender today
But if I keep it moving it's not to bad.
But when I stop it stiffnes up bad.

Bruno of NH · October 04, 2021, 05:09:19 PM

I made a hand brake for my 2007 gmc sierra today.
It's red oak and works great.
I need to fab a pin so it clips on the pedal.
Took it out on the road and was smooth. No more drinking a coffee while driving. That's better than not driving.

21incher · October 05, 2021, 07:13:31 PM

Praying for you Bruno. I really think you should move that goalpost up to 80 and do whatever it takes to get there. I know you are good at overcoming obstacles and working through problems.