HELP ME OUTPLZbrain injured bloke from January 2013

[David2019]

Hello I’m a 30something TBI injured mobile pleb unfortunately booohooo even though it happened I. January 2013 what’s the regular recovery time . 2-when will I be able to DRIVE again. How long after the TBI can I reapply with a DR,s letter? I’ve had NOTHING but a nightmare with the DVLA DISCRIMINATION or WHAT grrrr

[Kirk5w7]

Hi, unfortunately there isn’t a regular recovery time because all brain injuries are different.

I’m 5 years into recovery and if I wasn’t retired now there is no way I’d be able to work. As to driving, some can drive again quite soon others will never be able to drive again..

So I’m sorry we can’t can’t give a definitive answer to these questions, we are not medically trained and have no knowledge of the exact nature of your brain injury.

You will have to liaise with your medical professionals to help give you some guidance.

Keep on pushing your boundaries and never say never, that was good advice I was given.

Take care

Janet x

[RogerCMerriman]

Re driving will depend on, what type of bleed you had? On my discharge note it said no driving for 6 months, and I had to fill in lord knows how many forms, get GP to wright a letter etc, but at 6 months I could drive even if I didn’t have a physical licence for another few months.

In my experience recovery slows after the first few years but it can be kick started, later. Thinking for myself stuff like Physio and what not.

[fredikins]

I recently read somewhere that recovery from TBI is the rest of ones life! and that's probably true. About DVLA, its only this last week that I have reapplied for my licence after being seizure free for 6months, I'm hoping for a smooth run, I know its a long winded business Singlepringle (I've just had a good laugh at your username, who on earth can eat a single pringle) dealing with docs and institutions, its probably wisest to toe-the-line for a while if you can, find something to bite down on, and best of luck mate

[keeley24]

Everyone recovers at different speeds many are told 2 to 3 years and even after that there are something’s people will always struggle with. I go to a BI group and it’s only now I’m noticing how the man who set it up is still effected by BI. It’s very likely I’m only noticing because I know from him saying things he still struggles with. Concentration being main thing once filling a simple questionnaire out about BI he had to go in empty room to do his as he couldn’t concentrate with people round him talking. When talking to him you need to get his attention before saying anything or he forgets or doesn’t take notice. When he’s doing anything he doesn’t take notice of other things going off round him. Other week he was laying some carpet down and me and woman who works with him were joking round getting photos and on about him, but he didn’t seem to notice even tho we was right in front of him. This is over 5 and half year after his BI he is able to carry on as normal and it is little things that still effect him now but likely they always will.

As for driving licence it depends on you. I was never told to stop driving tho I didn’t drive until over a year after BI. I had to have an assessment which I could drive up to having. I didn’t know the area or the car so I failed and had to stop driving til I’d passed assessment. If you feel you could safely drive and haven’t had a seizure or black out for something like a year or ever you should check with DVLA if you would be ok to drive. Unfortunately they do take ages and don’t do things the normal logic way. Like they decided I was safe to drive before having assessment but not after failing one.

[David2019 in reply to keeley24]

I’ve had the EXACT SAME HORRENDOUS THING failed my assessment as I didn’t know the area booohoooo! Now I’m feeling more DISCRIMINATED against , what dya think my BEST bet would be as in NOT,NOT. , going back to the assessment centre AGAIN to FAIL ! Grrr! I’ll just keep on taking my omega 3 oil caplets after breakfast. N I’ll book my next appointment in with a DR to see of his opinions😢😱😢😢😢😢

[keeley24 in reply to David2019]

I had few lessons with an instructor who dealt with people after BI and it helped me get through the next one. Don’t give up only you know if you can drive safely and if you can keep at it. Making mistakes through not knowing an area does not mean you are not a safe driver.

[Mufc]

I have been told I will never drive again which I find very frustrating, it makes me realise how much of my independence I have lost.

But we are alive

Mufc

[cat3]

There's no discrimination S...p....only certain criteria to keep you and other road users safe.

Brain injury can leave people with very different issues, and to different degrees, so it's impossible to generalise.

Have you tried phoning the DVLA to ask for an assessment or re-test ?

[lcd8]

I agree, the DVLA are spectacularly unhelpful when it comes to people with BI. When you can reapply really depends on the type of injury you had, how well and quickly you recovered, whether you have any residual difficulties etc. Your doctors not should help if it says you are medically fit to drive again though. I would suggest contacting the DVLA again and asking to speak to their medical department. Then explain the situation slowly and clearly. Good luck.

Lulu

[Mufc in reply to lcd8]

Thanks Lulu but I unfortunately agree I am not able to drive. My memory is so poor I would drive somewhere and forget how to get home. Also my reflexes are not quick enough. So I agree I should not drive but it is annoying.

[keeley24 in reply to lcd8]

DVLA was annoying for me how the hell can anyone be safe to drive up until they fail assessment then not be safe to drive after? Would it make sense to let someone learning to drive, drive alone before taking driving test? No course not but it would make as much sense as me being allowed to drive before failing assessment.

[Hidden]

This is a real prickly subject for many bi drivers. I was stunned that i was passed as medically fit to drive 6 weeks post BI simply by having a follow up appointment with a stroke consultant and i was no where near a car when the assessment that i was fit was made. I turned to my husband in front of the consultant and said he's got to be having a laugh.

I am now 2.5 yrs post bi and sadly though i've made a good recovery in many aspects, i know i do not have the mental capacity to cope with the demands of driving, I do however live in hope that it will happen one day,

Good luck to all who are trying to achieve that next level of independence and Merry Christmas. x