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Hip replacement and driving sports car.

Posted , 9 users are following.

helen40134
helen40134

Needing hip replacement but own a sports car. Can I use heavy thick cushions to continue being passenger until I can drive?   

0 likes, 16 replies

16 Replies

  • Gasparilla
    Gasparilla helen40134

    Posted

    You may be able to do this for the passenger side. Try it out and have someone make sure you are not breaking the 90 degree rule. To get in: butt first, then swivel you legs together.

    You won’t be able to drive like that. Steering wheel will be in the way. You will have the 90 degree rule for quite awhile, so either you’ll need to be passenger only for a long time, or find another vehicle to use.

    • helen40134
      helen40134 Gasparilla

      Posted

      Thank you for your reply - when the time comes I will have to " allow" my Husband to drive my car lol   will try with a couple of thicker type cushions in the passenger seat. smile 

    • doughammer
      doughammer helen40134

      Posted

      Also whilst still a passenger, recline the seat back as far as it will go.
  • vanessa24815
    vanessa24815 helen40134

    Posted

    Unless you have a high seated car you’ll not be able to drive for a while. I’m 6 weeks post op dynamic hip screw and I can’t get in the driving seat and my car is not a sports car, just a fiesta. With a padded support cushion I can get in and out of the passenger seat but I expect it to be another couple of weeks at least before I’m bendy enough to drive. 
    • helen40134
      helen40134 vanessa24815

      Posted

      Thank you for your answer.  Padded cushions in passenger seat it is then ! good luck getting "bendy" !

       

  • anniepaint
    anniepaint helen40134

    Posted

    I’m 8 months post op and only just starting to drive my Mini Cooper S again with a cushion to try and raise the bucket seat. I love that car but there’s no way I could drive it post op. Even now it’s not really suitable for anything but short distances. I had a very boring but comfortable Ford B max post op. It’s nice and high with plenty of room to swing in and out. Good luck

    Ann

    • helen40134
      helen40134 anniepaint

      Posted

      Thank you for your answer Ann - I remember when I was young and would see "older people" driving sports cars, I would ask myself re knee and hip problems when older, what a car to choose !  now I am there and I really do not want to give my car up !   cushions and my private driver it will have to be then !! smile  

       

  • Rocketman_SG6UK
    Rocketman_SG6UK helen40134

    Posted

    Depends on how low it is, if it's a Lotus or something similar, I'd say no as you'll break the 90 degree rule for sure.

  • philip20437
    philip20437 helen40134

    Posted

    Hi Helen

    On discharge 3 days after my THR I VOICED my concerns to my consultant about the journey home in my car (wife drove) as it also has low seats but with a cushion, but he wasn't concerned as long as I got in the car the correct way, and after my 6 week appt he gave me clearance to drive normally without the cushion. And last week at 8 week post op drove the 350 mile trip to Cornwall with no discomfort at all. Obviously we are all different so it's whatever you feel comfortable with, but 8 weeks ago I would have laughed if somebody had said in 8 weeks you'll drive such a distance. Also before my op I did wonder if I should change cars, So glad I didn't, so don't think there should be any need to go down that road.

    • helen40134
      helen40134 philip20437

      Posted

      Hi Philip,

      I am so pleased to read your answer - thank you.  I really do not wish to get rid of my car as there is too much sentimental value attached to it.  Deep cushions and allowing my Husband to drive my car it is then !! 

      Many thanks

  • michael11283
    michael11283 helen40134

    Posted

    Helen

    I imagine that if you own a sports car you are reasonably fit and flexible. I am 6'5 and although I don't own a sports car my wife has a mini. Two door cars are generally easier to get into because of the bigger doors. To avoid breaking the 90 deg rule you need to stick your operated leg out in front of you and just use the other leg to lower yourself into the vehicle. If you can get your other leg in without bending the hip too much you will be fine. Having the seat fully back and the back reclined and possibly sitting half on the brake help.

    Try this out now before your op.

    If your operated leg is on the outside it will also be easier.

    Though if your sports car is a Ferrari it may not be possible biggrin

    Mike

    • helen40134
      helen40134 michael11283

      Posted

      Hi Michael,

      Thank you for your very helpful comments - will remember them ! biggrin

    • ptolemy
      ptolemy michael11283

      Posted

      I was told I should sit on the edge of the seat facing outwards and then swing both legs into the car and try and keep my legs together. I was told not to stick the operated leg out as you suggest. Were you told to get into a car that way? I must admit it was the way I always did get into a car in the good old days. 
    • michael11283
      michael11283 ptolemy

      Posted

      Ptolomy

      I didn't have any advice about getting in and out of cars. But that was the way I fould easiest. I don't know about putting both legs in together. I liked being able to brace my good leg (in first as it was right and I'm in the UK) and push myself back so as to have more room for my bad leg. But then my legs are a bit longer than average. Strangely my wife got my neighbor to come and collect me in her crew cab pickup after my revision 1st stage and I really struggled to get the bad leg in as the doors were small and the leg was still quite painful.

      By comparison after I got the 2nd stage new joint it was easy.

      I'm not even sure I can get into a car two legs together now though it may just be habit

      cheers

      Mike

    • ptolemy
      ptolemy michael11283

      Posted

      Interestingly enough that is the one thing they went on about, I think they were worried about dislocation. I would much prefer to do it your way as that is what I am used to and I am rubbish at getting in and out of cars the way I was told!
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