I have now been back in the UK over 4 years and life has become much less chaotic. I am still living in my tiny studio flat (bedsit), but it is adequate for me - it is close to the train station for my regular appointments at a London hospital, close to my GP, dentist, and there is a local supermarket on the corner less than 100 metres away (though it has recently changed to being a convenience store so does not have much of what I need!). After selling my house in Brazil, still raising far less money than I needed to buy in the UK, I decided to see if I was able to drive - something I had assumed was beyond me with the limited use of my right arm. I had an allocated parking space with the flat, so started car hunting!
I knew it had to be automatic, and small, as I have simple needs, and finally decided on a Peugeot 107 - I had leased a Citroen C3 in the past, which is one of a trio (including the Toyota Aygo) of almost identical cars, all equipped with a 1000cc Toyota engine, so knew it was reliable and fast enough to handle motorway traffic, and, importantly, low annual tax, and ULEZ (ultra low emission zone) compliant! First I had to ensure I was able to drive! My consultant had raised no concerns, but I was still nervous, though had no reason to be, as once I had my right hand on the steering wheel I was able to control the car perfectly, even on the rare occasions I might need to remove my left hand. It is probably an expensive possession as insurance was/is high as I had to start from scratch after living abroad for 12 years, and running costs (insurance, MOT, annual service, fuel, etc,) relatively high for my annual motoring, but the freedom, and self-reliance, it has given me more than makes up for the cost.
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| My little car outside my flat |
Having the car meant visiting my daughter was no longer a 90 minute trip - to do 35 miles - including 2 bus journeys, and about 30 minutes walking each way, but could be achieved in little over half an hour, I could do all my shopping at the big supermarket at the end of the road, and, best of all, I could drive to my Stanmore appointments 3 times a year, instead of a 2 train, one bus and still a long walk at each end! I have even managed three motoring holidays around the UK, including a visit to Scotland, and never felt that my lack of right shoulderblade caused a hindrance or danger - though I have avoided multi-storey parking garages where I would have to reach out for the ticket machine!
