Re: AFOs and driving

[Guest guest]

Hi Y'all,

I drive OK in AFOs, must be careful though of being

seated the right distance from the pedals. Must watch

getting brace caught in pedal. I also must be careful

not to " ride the clutch " . My braces are hinged so is a

little easier, but is harder to get full pressure on

brake pedal. I used to be an aggressive driver but

have toned it down a bit since DX.

" nuff said " ?

Buckeye Jim Nash in Ohio

[Guest guest]

Hey Jim!

I was just curious.. So you're able to drive a 5-speed

with your AFOs on ? Mine are in the process of being

lined with some stuff to keep my feet from burning

right now but when i get them fixed i have to wear

them as much as possible because my legs are starting

to get really bad again... my neurologist said that we

should consider looking into hand brakes and gas soon

..( this was after reviewing my EMG test results ) But

i've been driving for about 2 years now with a regular

automatic car so shouldn't i be able to drive ok ? I

mean has your doctor said the same thing to you ? I'm

just kind of curious if it's something that everyones

doctor tells them..?

- Brittney from TN

[Guest guest]

As long as I can use Cruise control most of the time I am Ok and I have

noticed I cant step on the brake for very long like at a stop light so I put it

in

park until the light turns.

I get my AFOs tomorrow am

in Oklahoma

[Guest guest]

I got hand controls for my car last Sept. What a breeze driving is now. I use

the control for the brakes and still use my foot for the gas. It's fun to

drive now.

Barb

[Guest guest]

Yes Brittney,

I still drive a 5 speed pickup but my trusty old Ford

wagon is an automatic, I probably would have trouble

with most cars with the dinky little pedals. My clutch

release is a little rough but OK. I assume a good many

of us are going to be told that we need hand controls

at some point.

Jim Nash

[Guest guest]

Hi!

I wear Blue Rocker braces (same brand as ToeOff but a bit more sturdy).No

problem with driving with them! It takes a couple of days to get used to the new

driving position of your feet. You need to train to push the pedal with your

entire leg and not the foot only. But when you are trained, it is really easy

to

drive with them. So in case you like the ToeOFfs, then you will be able to

drive

with them too. My brother has got both ToeOffs and BlueRockers, and can drive

with both without difficulty.

Beata 

________________________________

From: mandelamorris <mandelamorris@...>

Sent: Wed, September 22, 2010 7:20:33 PM

Subject: AFOs and driving

 

Hello everyone,

I have a question about driving with different types of AFOs. I am trying to go

back to work now that my children are older, and I do home health due to the

flexibility and not having to walk so far like in a facility. I originally was

given leaf spring AFOs and they were horrible to drive in, so after 5 years of

agony, I was given articulating ones which are awesome for driving.

Now voc rehab thought that I would be better off with Toe Offs since they are

light weight and low profile, etc. They sound very comfy! But the prosthetist

says that I will be right back to wearing myself out trying to push the gas

pedal.

They are also suggesting SMOs (short- just above the ankle) to prevent ankle

rollovers on my stronger days.

Anyone with experience? Don't want to turn down the Toe Off's if they would be

good to drive with.

Thanks,

Mandy