Response 1:
Hello,
I know the procedure you have been through very well! I had a serious traffic accident myself about 4 years ago, which resulted in many broken bones. But the worst was my left knee. I got an inflammation there and the doctors wanted to amputate my lower leg. I changed hospitals and suddenly I had an Ilizarov fixator 🙁 As annoying as it was, it saved my life!
I'm now well enough to be able to drive again. However, as it's my left leg, I can drive a normal automatic car. Before that, I had to take an aptitude test so that I wouldn't have any problems later on if an accident ever happened.
At that time, I got a disability rating of 80. The signs for accompanying person, aG exceptionally walking-impaired and G walking-impaired are still on my certificate today. However, it is only valid until the end of the year. I will probably not get such a high rating again.
To make it easier to sit with stiff knees, I had an arthrodesis cushion prescribed for me. I also use this in the car, which makes sitting for long periods much more comfortable. Unfortunately, I haven't flown on a plane with stiff knees yet, but I'll try it out in October and report back if you like! If you have any questions or would like to exchange ideas, feel free to get in touch.
Best wishes
Response 2:
Hello,
I also have a right knee arthrodesis.
I drive an old VW Golf. Automatic transmission, of course. And the accelerator pedal is moved to the left. Costs about 1000 euros.
Modern cars already have electronic accelerator pedals, which are easier to convert.
If you are tall, you may need a seat rail extension to be able to push the driver's seat back far enough. Since I'm not tall, just 1.68, I don't need that.
As for the driving licence, there are people who take a driving test to prove that they can handle the car. I didn't take that test, I just made the conversion. There is no obligation to take this test. You are only obliged to make sure that the car is converted so that you can drive it. The test is legally the safe way to go. I saved the money. It would have been about 400 euros more.
You'll automatically find a solution for everything else, it just happens!
Greetings
Response from author:
A few weeks have passed and I have to say that my knee is almost free of pain. But now I have immense pain in my back, right middle foot and hip. Well, that's probably from walking incorrectly.
Now my question to you is, what disability rating did you get with a stiff leg? I got 50. The rehabilitation clinic suggested that I apply for an upgrade, but that could backfire.
Furthermore, what about physiotherapy? Is there a special case?
All the physiotherapists said that I need a permanent prescription, but since my health insurance company won't cooperate, I have to fight for every damn thing.
Flying is also possible. I flew business class free of charge 😉 I'm not a doctor.
Response 3:
I'm glad to read that you are so far symptom-free. Any news about driving?
I have to admit that I also notice my back quite a bit. Always have a crooked posture 😕 I have been having physiotherapy outside of the norm.... 3 times a week. I'm curious to see how it goes because I've just changed GPs. But I am confident😉.
I still have a disability rating of 80, but at the end of the year it will be downgraded to 50 and I have a 'walking-impaired' marker. Free business class???? Wow...
When I flew, I got a normal aisle seat where I could sit without any problems. The leg could be stretched out and placed under the front seat. It worked better than I thought.
When I was flying, I was annoyed at how antisocial airlines are. Sitting as a disabled person at the emergency exit doesn't work because you could block the way for the "healthy" ones.... In an emergency, we would be the last to get off the plane.
Do you still have your care certificate? I got rid of mine as soon as the fixator came off. Are you going back to work or are you receiving an EU pension?