Amputee Drivers

[drtramdo]

I will soon have right lower leg amputated. Any comments from current amputees, what problems to expect, advice. I don't want to give up my 35ft class A. 

[kaypsmith]

A little more info on your coach will be helpful. Gasoline front engine, or diesel pusher? I assume that it probably is an automatic transmission. Anyway, to try to answer, if it is automatic, probably will not be too hard to adjust to using the left leg, I had knee surgery on the right knee a few years back and was able to use the left foot pretty comfortably. But since an amputee in your case, I would look into having the accelerator moved to the left of the steering post and possibly the brake pedal also. If a DP will easier to accomplish than gas, but both are doable. I have worked with many handicapped persons in the past, and a professional installer can be a good starting place, you will not have to engage one but a trip to one can give you many ideas. Sorry to hear about the amputee status, but hopefully it will not be a crippling effect or even permanent. I have a friend that is retired now but he actually made prosthetics for more than forty years, and tells me that the industry has really made amazing progress in both fitting and usability over the years. Hope you have many happy trails and tales.

[richard5933]

A friend of me has similar issues driving due to a stroke when he was younger. He found a few adaptive driving business which specialize in making vehicles function with a number of different disabilities. The restriction he found most often was getting a vehicle large enough to allow the modifications to be made. I imagine that wouldn't be a problem in a Class A.

I'd suggest that you check your health care team for recommendations for one of these adaptive driving companies in your area. They should be at least able to get you headed in the right direction. If my understanding was correct, you may find help from the health insurance company on the needed adaption.

It sucks that you have to go through this, but it seems to me that continuing to drive the Class A will not be one of the bigger issues.

[elkhartjim]

There are a lot of hand controls available for cars; I don't know why they couldn't be adaptable to your motorhome.

Godspeed on your upcoming procedure. Will you be getting a prosthesis?  

[wayne77590]

DRTRamdo

Are you a veteran? The VA can help if you are.

Or, see if this web site can help you find what you need.

Vehicle Hand Controls and Products

[manholt]

Good Luck and may the Lord watch over you! 

[thestoloffs]

Contact National Mobility Equipment Dealers Assn. for the names of dealers in your area who can fit your Class A for hand controls.

Installation of hand controls would probably include both a gas/brake pedal control and a steering wheel spinner knob (AKA a "necker's knob" from my youth). Cost should be under $2K, including lessons.

If you're trying for an insurance claim, you should get a prescription from a physiatrist (MD or DO specializing in physical rehab) &/or a recommendation from an Association for Driver Rehabilitation Specialists certified instructor or driving school. Unfortunately, most insurance companies consider driving to not be an Activity of Daily Living (ADL), and driving a Class A would be definitely considered a recreational activity -- so no coverage. Sorry!   (DW is a retired Certified Rehab Counselor of over 30 years experience, so this opinion comes from her.)