2018 was the year my world turned upside down.
It was a normal working day when I contracted GBS (Guillain-Barre syndrome), following a bout of food poisoning. Being a self employed driving instructor, this had a huge affect on not only my business, but my physical and mental health.
I spent three months in the Princess of Wales hospital, three months in Llandough and then as my condition improved, a further six months in Rookwood hospital retraining my body to do what it should! During my time there I lost almost six stone in weight and suffered an extreme amount of depression not being able to do what I would normally do.
As part of the rehabilitation, I underwent a driving assessment with Jeff Botwood at the Wales Mobility and driving assessment service within the hospital grounds. The service was beyond excellent.
Jeff took me out for a full on road assessment after the in house part of the assessment with my OT, Kath Jones. Working as a team, they both helped me back to independence and gave me the go ahead not only to drive but advised me on when to return to work. This took some time as I wanted to ensure the safety of both myself and my pupils whilst on training sessions. I was left with a weakness in my right hand which has now improved following further surgery. I still have physio therapy, but after regaining enough strength to return to work, I now have full control over my vehicle at all times, whether it be with my pupils driving or myself.
As a father of two small children, regaining ‘independent Dad’ status has been invaluable. I feel confident and safe enough to take my children out again!
Knowing about the services that are on offer at WMDAS, I now recommend it to pupils that may be in need of that extra bit of help to ensure the safety of themselves and others. I believe the service needs more recognition as I hadn’t heard about this type of service before attending.
Thank you to all the staff at Rookwood hospital and the driving assessment centre for all their advice, help and support.
An invaluable service!
