driving

[Guest guest]

Hey laura,

I was just wondering, how did you apply to drive? I'm also trying to apply to

drive but am having trouble.

lauramechelle <xx_laura_s_xx@...> wrote:

hi have just reasntly started applying to drive cant wate

do any of you drive and can you tell me about addaptions and types of

car u have

laura type 2

---------------------------------

oneSearch: Finally, mobile search that gives answers, not web links.

[Guest guest]

I drive!!! I got my license last year... still waiting

on my car though!

http://www.independence4amanda.com

You can read all about the adaptations I use on my

site!

--- lauramechelle <xx_laura_s_xx@...> wrote:

> hi have just reasntly started applying to drive cant

> wate

> do any of you drive and can you tell me about

> addaptions and types of

> car u have

>

> laura type 2

>

>

________________________________________________________________________________\

____

Pinpoint customers who are looking for what you sell.

http://searchmarketing./

[Guest guest]

I got my car imported from canada and then all the addaptions were built here in

sweden, all n all it took like a year i guess. But if u live in the US i think

it will go much faster.

We have a driving school in sweden wich only teaches people with disabillities

how to drive,so for me it took 4 week to get my licens,but that was quite fast

the said. Im a fast learner:)

as if <xx_laura_s_xx@...> wrote:

o cool. did it take long for you to get your car did u find it hard to

get driving lessons ?

adamski ekski <adistheone2002@...> wrote: oh sorry, a Permobil is just a

brand on a electric wheelchair:)

www.permobil.com

a swedish brand;)

Adam

as if <xx_laura_s_xx@...> wrote:

sorry but what is a permobil ??

adamski ekski <adistheone2002@...> wrote: sure, i have buttons on my

permobil for opening n closing the car doors. I get in from the side, i find

that a bit easier:)

Adam

as if <xx_laura_s_xx@...> wrote:

cool so can you get in and out the car yourself and do go in from the back or

side

laura

adamski ekski <adistheone2002@...> wrote:

Hi!

Im Adam ,and i live in Sweden n im SMA 2. I have a 2003 Pontiac Montana that i

drive with a joystick. Its great when it works but it very sensitive for cold

weather. What sort of addaptions shall u have?

/Adam

lauramechelle <xx_laura_s_xx@...> wrote:

hi have just reasntly started applying to drive cant wate

do any of you drive and can you tell me about addaptions and types of

car u have

laura type 2

---------------------------------

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[Guest guest]

hey

how did u learn with out a car didnt you need adaptions

laura

*~~* <abrcrombsweetie@...> wrote:

I drive!!! I got my license last year... still waiting

on my car though!

http://www.independence4amanda.com

You can read all about the adaptations I use on my

site!

--- lauramechelle <xx_laura_s_xx@...> wrote:

> hi have just reasntly started applying to drive cant

> wate

> do any of you drive and can you tell me about

> addaptions and types of

> car u have

>

> laura type 2

>

>

__________________________________________________________

Pinpoint customers who are looking for what you sell.

http://searchmarketing./

---------------------------------

Answers - Get better answers from someone who knows. Tryit now.

[Guest guest]

hiya

i aplyed to dvla for my provisonal them to motabilty for a car with adptions

so i can drive

if u need to no more just ask

laura

Preet <dreamzofx23@...> wrote:

Hey laura,

I was just wondering, how did you apply to drive? I'm also trying to apply to

drive but am having trouble.

lauramechelle <xx_laura_s_xx@...> wrote: hi have just reasntly started

applying to drive cant wate

do any of you drive and can you tell me about addaptions and types of

car u have

laura type 2

---------------------------------

oneSearch: Finally, mobile search that gives answers, not web links.

[Guest guest]

hi laura,

yes, id love more info, what is dvla?

as if <xx_laura_s_xx@...> wrote: hiya

i aplyed to dvla for my provisonal them to motabilty for a car with adptions

so i can drive

if u need to no more just ask

laura

Preet <dreamzofx23@...> wrote:

Hey laura,

I was just wondering, how did you apply to drive? I'm also trying to apply to

drive but am having trouble.

lauramechelle <xx_laura_s_xx@...> wrote: hi have just reasntly started

applying to drive cant wate

do any of you drive and can you tell me about addaptions and types of

car u have

laura type 2

---------------------------------

oneSearch: Finally, mobile search that gives answers, not web links.

[Guest guest]

are you in the uk ?

Preet <dreamzofx23@...> wrote: hi laura,

yes, id love more info, what is dvla?

as if <xx_laura_s_xx@...> wrote: hiya

i aplyed to dvla for my provisonal them to motabilty for a car with adptions so

i can drive

if u need to no more just ask

laura

Preet <dreamzofx23@...> wrote:

Hey laura,

I was just wondering, how did you apply to drive? I'm also trying to apply to

drive but am having trouble.

lauramechelle <xx_laura_s_xx@...> wrote: hi have just reasntly started

applying to drive cant wate

do any of you drive and can you tell me about addaptions and types of

car u have

laura type 2

---------------------------------

oneSearch: Finally, mobile search that gives answers, not web links.

[Guest guest]

Check out my site! I used a van that had all the

adaptations in it for my training and my road test.

--- as if <xx_laura_s_xx@...> wrote:

> hey

>

> how did u learn with out a car didnt you need

> adaptions

>

> laura

>

> *~~* <abrcrombsweetie@...> wrote:

> I drive!!! I got my license last year...

> still waiting

> on my car though!

>

> http://www.independence4amanda.com

>

> You can read all about the adaptations I use on my

> site!

>

>

>

> --- lauramechelle <xx_laura_s_xx@...> wrote:

>

> > hi have just reasntly started applying to drive

> cant

> > wate

> > do any of you drive and can you tell me about

> > addaptions and types of

> > car u have

> >

> > laura type 2

> >

> >

>

>

__________________________________________________________

> Pinpoint customers who are looking for what you

> sell.

> http://searchmarketing./

>

>

>

>

>

> ---------------------------------

> Answers - Get better answers from someone

> who knows. Tryit now.

>

> [Non-text portions of this message have been

> removed]

>

>

________________________________________________________________________________\

____

Need a vacation? Get great deals

to amazing places on Travel.

http://travel./

[Guest guest]

> >

> > > hi have just reasntly started applying to drive

> > cant

> > > wate

> > > do any of you drive and can you tell me about

> > > addaptions and types of

> > > car u have

> > >

> > > laura type 2

> > >

> > >

> >

> >

> __________________________________________________________

> > Pinpoint customers who are looking for what you

> > sell.

> > http://searchmarketing./

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> > ---------------------------------

> > Answers - Get better answers from someone

> > who knows. Tryit now.

> >

> > [Non-text portions of this message have been

> > removed]

I drive a Nissan Primera and I use my left knee ( gas ) en my right

food ( break) as controls.

You can see the pictures in my photo album. ) eddy_thailand )

> >

> >

>

>

>

>

>

______________________________________________________________________

______________

> Need a vacation? Get great deals

> to amazing places on Travel.

> http://travel./

>

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

I started driving when I was 18. I did an evaluation at my regular MDA clinic.

We tooled around the parking lot for a while then out on public roads. I drive

a pick-up, haven't tried a van yet but soon I will need to switch to hand

controls. Anyway, your should be able to set something up through your clinic

to get started. Ask your doctor how to get the process started.

Tom

-------------- Original message --------------

From: " " <h_on_wheels7@...>

I am a 19 year old with SMA 2/3, and I would love to be driving right

now to get around, rather than rely on my parents to take me everywhere.

I don't know how to get the process rolling (ha ha) though. Is anyone

in here a driver, and if so, can you respond with your experience of

testing and learning how to drive a van on your own?

Thanks!

[Guest guest]

The state vocational rehabiliation department (we are in Florida)?paid for my

husband's adaptive driving equipment and lift (almost 30K).? He has SMA 3 but

uses a power chair.? We had to buy the van (new) but there were rebates for vans

used for disabled drivers so check into that too!? Also, if you need " driving

lessons " to use the equipment, they (state voc rehab) pays for that after you

have a " driver evaluation " to figure out what type of equipment will work best

for you.? Major hospitals with rehab departments?usually have?occupational or

physical therapists who have trained extra to teach adaptive driving.??Since

this was his third van (he's 50!) they?just change the equipment for him as his

condition changes.? This may be the last one he gets and he uses " zero force "

now.? We?have a friend (young man early 30's with? SMA 2 also in Tampa) that

uses a joy stick only and has never used a traditional steering wheel.? We both

have purchased Braun Entervans because the ramp is better?(more reliable) than a

lift system.???

Good Luck!

Driving

I am a 19 year old with SMA 2/3, and I would love to be driving right

now to get around, rather than rely on my parents to take me everywhere.

I don't know how to get the process rolling (ha ha) though. Is anyone

in here a driver, and if so, can you respond with your experience of

testing and learning how to drive a van on your own?

Thanks!

[Guest guest]

Hi,

I am planning to relocate to Florida, and, based on research I've done, the

services seem very similar to those in Illinois. My biggest question, if you

wouldn't mind offering your expertise, is in regards to PA care and

services. How is that aspect of health care handled? In Illinois, the

funding is provided through the Division of Rehab Services, via the Home

Services Department. Is it similar in the Southeast? Are the PAs hired

through an agency, or are the clients responsible for the recruitment,

hiring, and training of PAs? Do you know the maximum hours available to

clients receiving services? I am now allotted 450 hours per month, and a cut

in hours would wreak havoc on my health.

Thanks for any help you can give...

Amy M. Marquez

" You can go on living, or you can go on dying.the choice is yours! "

Re: Driving

The state vocational rehabiliation department (we are in Florida)?paid for

my husband's adaptive driving equipment and lift (almost 30K).? He has SMA 3

but uses a power chair.? We had to buy the van (new) but there were rebates

for vans used for disabled drivers so check into that too!? Also, if you

need " driving lessons " to use the equipment, they (state voc rehab) pays for

that after you have a " driver evaluation " to figure out what type of

equipment will work best for you.? Major hospitals with rehab

departments?usually have?occupational or physical therapists who have

trained extra to teach adaptive driving.??Since this was his third van (he's

50!) they?just change the equipment for him as his condition changes.? This

may be the last one he gets and he uses " zero force " now.? We?have a friend

(young man early 30's with? SMA 2 also in Tampa) that uses a joy stick only

and has never used a traditional steering wheel.? We both have purchased

Braun Entervans because the ramp is better?(more reliable) than a lift

system.???

Good Luck!

[Guest guest]

Here in Florida, what I have found is that the State Vocational Rehab

will pay for your PA care, but you have find them the person, hire

them, train them (unless they are already trained, obviously), etc.

It's such an extensive process, and I'm going through it right now so

I can go away to college. There are no maximum/minimum hours as long

as you can prove that you need the hours that you are asking for,

rather than just wanting the extra hours.

I hope that helped a bit.

>

> Hi,

>

>

>

> I am planning to relocate to Florida, and, based on research I've

done, the

> services seem very similar to those in Illinois. My biggest

question, if you

> wouldn't mind offering your expertise, is in regards to PA care and

> services. How is that aspect of health care handled? In Illinois, the

> funding is provided through the Division of Rehab Services, via the Home

> Services Department. Is it similar in the Southeast? Are the PAs hired

> through an agency, or are the clients responsible for the recruitment,

> hiring, and training of PAs? Do you know the maximum hours available to

> clients receiving services? I am now allotted 450 hours per month,

and a cut

> in hours would wreak havoc on my health.

>

>

>

> Thanks for any help you can give...

>

> Amy M. Marquez

>

>

>

> " You can go on living, or you can go on dying.the choice is yours! "

>

>

>

> Re: Driving

>

> The state vocational rehabiliation department (we are in

Florida)?paid for

> my husband's adaptive driving equipment and lift (almost 30K).? He

has SMA 3

> but uses a power chair.? We had to buy the van (new) but there were

rebates

> for vans used for disabled drivers so check into that too!? Also, if you

> need " driving lessons " to use the equipment, they (state voc rehab)

pays for

> that after you have a " driver evaluation " to figure out what type of

> equipment will work best for you.? Major hospitals with rehab

> departments?usually have?occupational or physical therapists who have

> trained extra to teach adaptive driving.??Since this was his third

van (he's

> 50!) they?just change the equipment for him as his condition

changes.? This

> may be the last one he gets and he uses " zero force " now.? We?have a

friend

> (young man early 30's with? SMA 2 also in Tampa) that uses a joy

stick only

> and has never used a traditional steering wheel.? We both have purchased

> Braun Entervans because the ramp is better?(more reliable) than a lift

> system.???

> Good Luck!

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Thank you so much! I just have a few more questions (since we are both

in Florida). Where did your husband go to receive lessons for driving?

Did he start with a traditional steering wheel? I don't know of any

places here that would offer me driving lessons (around the Space

Coast area).

>

> The state vocational rehabiliation department (we are in

Florida)?paid for my husband's adaptive driving equipment and lift

(almost 30K).? He has SMA 3 but uses a power chair.? We had to buy the

van (new) but there were rebates for vans used for disabled drivers so

check into that too!? Also, if you need " driving lessons " to use the

equipment, they (state voc rehab) pays for that after you have a

" driver evaluation " to figure out what type of equipment will work

best for you.? Major hospitals with rehab departments?usually

have?occupational or physical therapists who have trained extra to

teach adaptive driving.??Since this was his third van (he's 50!)

they?just change the equipment for him as his condition changes.? This

may be the last one he gets and he uses " zero force " now.? We?have a

friend (young man early 30's with? SMA 2 also in Tampa) that uses a

joy stick only and has never used a traditional steering wheel.? We

both have purchased Braun Entervans because the ramp is better?(more

reliable) than a lift system.???

> Good Luck!

>

>

> Driving

>

>

>

>

>

>

> I am a 19 year old with SMA 2/3, and I would love to be driving right

> now to get around, rather than rely on my parents to take me everywhere.

> I don't know how to get the process rolling (ha ha) though. Is anyone

> in here a driver, and if so, can you respond with your experience of

> testing and learning how to drive a van on your own?

>

> Thanks!

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Vocational Rehabilitation will only pay for care while one is working

towards a vocational goal. This may or may not be what Amy has in

mind.

> >

> > Hi,

> >

> >

> >

> > I am planning to relocate to Florida, and, based on research I've

> done, the

> > services seem very similar to those in Illinois. My biggest

> question, if you

> > wouldn't mind offering your expertise, is in regards to PA care

and

> > services. How is that aspect of health care handled? In Illinois,

the

> > funding is provided through the Division of Rehab Services, via

the Home

> > Services Department. Is it similar in the Southeast? Are the PAs

hired

> > through an agency, or are the clients responsible for the

recruitment,

> > hiring, and training of PAs? Do you know the maximum hours

available to

> > clients receiving services? I am now allotted 450 hours per month,

> and a cut

> > in hours would wreak havoc on my health.

> >

> >

> >

> > Thanks for any help you can give...

> >

> > Amy M. Marquez

> >

> >

> >

> > " You can go on living, or you can go on dying.the choice is

yours! "

> >

> >

> >

> > Re: Driving

> >

> > The state vocational rehabiliation department (we are in

> Florida)?paid for

> > my husband's adaptive driving equipment and lift (almost 30K).? He

> has SMA 3

> > but uses a power chair.? We had to buy the van (new) but there

were

> rebates

> > for vans used for disabled drivers so check into that too!? Also,

if you

> > need " driving lessons " to use the equipment, they (state voc

rehab)

> pays for

> > that after you have a " driver evaluation " to figure out what type

of

> > equipment will work best for you.? Major hospitals with rehab

> > departments?usually have?occupational or physical therapists who

have

> > trained extra to teach adaptive driving.??Since this was his third

> van (he's

> > 50!) they?just change the equipment for him as his condition

> changes.? This

> > may be the last one he gets and he uses " zero force " now.? We?

have a

> friend

> > (young man early 30's with? SMA 2 also in Tampa) that uses a joy

> stick only

> > and has never used a traditional steering wheel.? We both have

purchased

> > Braun Entervans because the ramp is better?(more reliable) than a

lift

> > system.???

> > Good Luck!

> >

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Of course!

Betty Lynch

Bilateral Freedom

In a message dated 4/19/2009 4:39:10 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,

booksdavid@... writes:

Question: Do deaf people in the States drive with a normal license?

**************Access 350+ FREE radio stations anytime from anywhere on the

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[Guest guest]

Yes, Randell - we drive with the same license. The only thing specified,

in my state, anyway, is that the car being driven has a rear view on the

outside on BOTH sides of the car. Many years ago lots of cars only had a driver

side mirror. HTH (Hope this helps) Jackie )

**************A Good Credit Score is 700 or Above. See yours in just 2 easy

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hmpgID%3D62%26bcd%3DAprilfooter419NO62)

[Guest guest]

Yes:)

On Apr 19, 2009, at 4:20 PM, Randall wrote:

>

>

> Question: Do deaf people in the States drive with a normal license?

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

We sure do. I was even an over the road truck driver at one time.

People ask how I can drive and be aware of emergency vehicles. Well,

gosh, that's why they have LIGHTS on them. And if everyone else is

pulling over to the side of the road, there's a reason. Either a HUGE

sale at one of the stores, or an emergency vehicle coming down the road.

Since I live within 3 blocks of a fire dept, there are LOTS of fire

engines around.

I can hear the sirens with my CI, but cannot locate the source of sound.

So when I hear the sirens, I look for the flashing lights.

____________________________________________________________

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[Guest guest]

Hi ,

So many of us have had these negative attitudes from our family. They are scared and don't know how to react when then can't manipulate you into their way of things. They just don't get it. Do what you have planned to do. I have never driven there, but I had seen quite a few people on this site who have driven home and they were just fine. If you aren't feeling well enough to drive I have heard that Dr. Aceves will let you stay at the hospital a few days more. You can also park your car in his secure parking lot.

Do what is right for you not your family. They lady in the grocery store was pretty uneducated in the type of surgery you are having and if your Mom wants to believe it then let her. In time you will show her and be prepared she may never admit you were right and she was wrong. Do what is going to make you healthy and NO one else.

Suzanne

In a message dated 1/8/2010 10:33:28 A.M. Pacific Standard Time, daugherty.sarah@... writes:

I'm getting the sleeve done on Monday and I'm debating on driving myself. My mom was going to take me but she is strongly opposed to me getting the surgery......She initially supported me but apparently she spoke to a woman in the grocery store who told her it was a bad idea (I'm shaking my head). Anyway, long story short, she is not going with me now. Is it realistic of me to think that I can drive myself? Has anyone else done it? I am about 3 hours away. I can probably find someone else to take me but I'm just done with everyone being so unsupportive. My brother told me that he doesn't condone what I am doing and that he won't be calling me until after I am back. He told me that I should join a gym and save my money, etc. I am so surprised and hurt by their negative attitudes.

[Guest guest]

The only thing about driving is crossing the border - we were just there and it took 2 1/2 hours of sitting, sitting and sitting ... that could be problem because I remember Dr. A saying he wanted us to move around (I had the lapband).

I'm SOOO sorry that your family isn't supportive. Know that the people here on this board understand where you're coming from and are so supportive and will rally behind you

trish

In a message dated 1/8/2010 12:26:00 P.M. Pacific Standard Time, kimmies_mommy@... writes:

Wow!! I am so sorry that your family has taken this stand against you. I think it's sad that they can't see that this will help you. I haven't had the surgery, so I don't know about your driving question. Sorry

From: daugherty.sarahgmailDate: Fri, 8 Jan 2010 03:59:33 +0000Subject: Driving

I'm getting the sleeve done on Monday and I'm debating on driving myself. My mom was going to take me but she is strongly opposed to me getting the surgery......She initially supported me but apparently she spoke to a woman in the grocery store who told her it was a bad idea (I'm shaking my head). Anyway, long story short, she is not going with me now. Is it realistic of me to think that I can drive myself? Has anyone else done it? I am about 3 hours away. I can probably find someone else to take me but I'm just done with everyone being so unsupportive. My brother told me that he doesn't condone what I am doing and that he won't be calling me until after I am back. He told me that I should join a gym and save my money, etc. I am so surprised and hurt by their negative attitudes.

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[Guest guest]

Anon,

Im really sorry about your family's reaction... thats really sad and a bummer

for you. Just try and see it from their side, they are probably worried about

you, havent educated themselves enough on the entire situation, and don't REALLY

live the daily struggles you do- that brought you to this decision.

As far as the driving goes, I have a few things to say. #1 when I was there, a

husband and wife did do it, and had no problems at all, however, if you've never

dealt with the border, or driven in MX (which I haven't) then it seems pretty

overwhelming and even a little nerve wracking- we sat in an hour of stopped

traffic on the Mexico side, dealing with street vendors, window washers

bothering you, etc. Having Ernesto (the driver) deal with all of that was nice!

If I were driving with my husband I would have felt fine, but not alone- but

again, thats me personally!

If you feel confident in yourself, and youv'e handled the border before, then go

for it.

However, there is another option to consider, which a woman did when I was there

also. She drove to ALMOST the border, paid to park her car (Im assuming set up

thru Dr. As office) at a little parking lot with nice men working it, who were

friendly with Ernesto. She parked there, and took the ride back and forth over

the border with Ernesto... that way she didnt have the stress of driving,

language barrier, getting lost etc.

At the end of the day, whatever makes you comfortable is what you should do!

You'll do great! Good luck!

Shae

267/193/165?

>

> I'm getting the sleeve done on Monday and I'm debating on driving myself. My

mom was going to take me but she is strongly opposed to me getting the

surgery......She initially supported me but apparently she spoke to a woman in

the grocery store who told her it was a bad idea (I'm shaking my head). Anyway,

long story short, she is not going with me now. Is it realistic of me to think

that I can drive myself? Has anyone else done it? I am about 3 hours away. I can

probably find someone else to take me but I'm just done with everyone being so

unsupportive.

>

> My brother told me that he doesn't condone what I am doing and that he won't

be calling me until after I am back. He told me that I should join a gym and

save my money, etc. I am so surprised and hurt by their negative attitudes.

>

[Guest guest]

I had a revision from band to sleeve and I drove myself there and back with no problem, about a 3.5 hour drive.On Thu, Jan 7, 2010 at 8:59 PM, anon <daugherty.sarah@...> wrote:

 

I'm getting the sleeve done on Monday and I'm debating on driving myself. My mom was going to take me but she is strongly opposed to me getting the surgery......She initially supported me but apparently she spoke to a woman in the grocery store who told her it was a bad idea (I'm shaking my head). Anyway, long story short, she is not going with me now. Is it realistic of me to think that I can drive myself? Has anyone else done it? I am about 3 hours away. I can probably find someone else to take me but I'm just done with everyone being so unsupportive.

My brother told me that he doesn't condone what I am doing and that he won't be calling me until after I am back. He told me that I should join a gym and save my money, etc. I am so surprised and hurt by their negative attitudes.

[Guest guest]

First, congratulations on making the wise decision to have the surgery. Your family is soooo wrong and misguided and it won't be until you lose your weight that they will finally admit it was a smart move on your part. They will come around when they see how much weight lose and keep off forever. Count on more negative talk from them after the surgery when you have to stick to the diet for a few weeks. Just be confident you've done the smart thing and ignore them. If you need someone supportive to talk to, come back to this forum. Everyone here is for you, believe me.

You asked about driving. I don't know if you're concerned about driving down or back but I'll give you my thoughts. I live in Carlsbad (San Diego county) and have a home in San Felipe, Mexico, about 120

miles so. of Mexicali. I drove myself which was easy even though I hate driving thru Mexicali. Dr. A. allowed me to park my car at the hospital which is in a guarded lot. I had my surgery on a Tues. and even though I could have left on Fri. I asked Dr. A. if I could pay for an extra day. I was driving to my home in San Felipe to recuperate by myself for a month. If something had gone wrong then, I would have died (not much medical help in that city). Even though I felt great after the surgery, I just didn't want to take a chance. Dr. A. said no problem, no charge and I was welcome to stay an extra day in the hospital (Try that in the U.S.!). Since you have a long drive, too, you should ask to stay an extra day just to make sure you're strong enough. My car was in the guarded lot for 5 days, no charge. Be sure and tip the guard at the kiosk.

p.s. I didn't tell my family about my surgery and just recently told my daughter. She is supportive now and said she would have been had I told her (like hell). I also went to the gym almost daily and have had a personal trainer for years. It isn't about more exercise. You know that. Keep us posted.

From: anon <daugherty.sarah@...> Sent: Thu, January 7, 2010 7:59:33 PMSubject: Driving

I'm getting the sleeve done on Monday and I'm debating on driving myself. My mom was going to take me but she is strongly opposed to me getting the surgery..... .She initially supported me but apparently she spoke to a woman in the grocery store who told her it was a bad idea (I'm shaking my head). Anyway, long story short, she is not going with me now. Is it realistic of me to think that I can drive myself? Has anyone else done it? I am about 3 hours away. I can probably find someone else to take me but I'm just done with everyone being so unsupportive. My brother told me that he doesn't condone what I am doing and that he won't be calling me until after I am back. He told me that I should join a gym and save my money, etc. I am so surprised and hurt by their negative attitudes.

[Guest guest]

Hi, Anon

Me, again. I just wrote you re. my driving experience but have to comment on this letter. This writer has come up with an even better idea and that is parking on the other side of the border and having Ernesto do the driving. She is so right about the traffic, the border lines and the hassle. You MUST get Mexican insurance if you're driving into Mexico. If you get into an accident and you don't have insurance, they will assume it is your fault and, especially in Mexicali, the Police WILL confiscate your car. In and out insurance though is about $40. tops which you can get in Calexico. I travel thru Mexicali several times a year and grit my teeth everytime. It wasn't difficult to find my way to the hospital but Ernesto had me follow him to the street which goes to San Felipe. I'd never have found it otherwise. I was so happy to park my car at the hospital and have him take me to and from the hotel. Even that would

not have been easy and remember, I drive there frequently.....in fact, I just came back a few days ago. If Dr. A's office can help you, park your car on the other side of the border.

From: missshanaackles <missshanaackles@...> Sent: Fri, January 8, 2010 10:51:46 AMSubject: Re: Driving

Anon,Im really sorry about your family's reaction... thats really sad and a bummer for you. Just try and see it from their side, they are probably worried about you, havent educated themselves enough on the entire situation, and don't REALLY live the daily struggles you do- that brought you to this decision.As far as the driving goes, I have a few things to say. #1 when I was there, a husband and wife did do it, and had no problems at all, however, if you've never dealt with the border, or driven in MX (which I haven't) then it seems pretty overwhelming and even a little nerve wracking- we sat in an hour of stopped traffic on the Mexico side, dealing with street vendors, window washers bothering you, etc. Having Ernesto (the driver) deal with all of that was nice! If I were driving with my husband I would have felt fine, but not alone- but again, thats me personally!If you feel confident in yourself, and youv'e handled the

border before, then go for it. However, there is another option to consider, which a woman did when I was there also. She drove to ALMOST the border, paid to park her car (Im assuming set up thru Dr. As office) at a little parking lot with nice men working it, who were friendly with Ernesto. She parked there, and took the ride back and forth over the border with Ernesto... that way she didnt have the stress of driving, language barrier, getting lost etc.At the end of the day, whatever makes you comfortable is what you should do! You'll do great! Good luck!Shae267/193/165?>> I'm getting the sleeve done on Monday and I'm debating on driving myself. My mom was going to take me but

she is strongly opposed to me getting the surgery..... .She initially supported me but apparently she spoke to a woman in the grocery store who told her it was a bad idea (I'm shaking my head). Anyway, long story short, she is not going with me now. Is it realistic of me to think that I can drive myself? Has anyone else done it? I am about 3 hours away. I can probably find someone else to take me but I'm just done with everyone being so unsupportive. > > My brother told me that he doesn't condone what I am doing and that he won't be calling me until after I am back. He told me that I should join a gym and save my money, etc. I am so surprised and hurt by their negative attitudes.>