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Which car is best for double hip operation?

Posted , 14 users are following.

noon19868
noon19868

I'm looking to hire a car so my mother is comfortable on her journey from the hospital and in the first week when she'll have a long journey but i'm struggling to find information about car seat heights etc and i don't want a car to be too high or too low (sounds like goldilocks).  I've watched some youtube videos aout getting in and out of the car but they're all with one hip replacement not 2 and the OT wasn't really sure what would be best.  anyone experienced it and could recommend what might be best?

0 likes, 23 replies

23 Replies

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  • sarah1996
    sarah1996 noon19868

    Posted

    There probably isnt a car tbh. But it would be best for it to be high enough to sit without having to lower herself or hop. And the seats ahould be pusjed back as far as possible. Its incredibly hard to get into the car after a thr so make sure you have medical staff on hand to help. Although i found getting out a lot easier than getting in. Sorry, that probably wasnt very helpful. But i advise lots of leg room, resonable height and stick some cushions in too. They were my life savers on car journeys to either sit on, put behind back or under my thighs x
    • noon19868
      noon19868 sarah1996

      Posted

      that does help thank you....at least it makes me feel better that there isnt a right or wrong option! they're all wrong.  will be taking cushions and plastic bags and crossing my fingers its as comfortable as possible or that her painkillers have kicked in to the right level.  Will make sure staff are around too to help, thanks again

    • sarah1996
      sarah1996 noon19868

      Posted

      Make sure you do have staff. I only had my mam and dad to help me in and my dad was terrified to even touch my legs incase he hurt me. Made getting in take forever aha xx
  • debbi1949
    debbi1949 noon19868

    Posted

    I don't know which car, but any car that is high enough and no bucket seats. I bought a "swivel seat" from Amazon that I use in the car. You just back in , someone holds your knees together and you just rotate without any effort. Really helps me get in.

  • helen2702
    helen2702 noon19868

    Posted

    Hi, I had bi-lateral hip replacement in Feb 2014. I found the Chrysler PT cruiser an ideal car & height to get in/out of. The seat is at the right height to sit on as it is level with your bottom & can the swing legs in with some assistance. You are then sat in the car as of sitting in a chair. Hope this helps.

    • noon19868
      noon19868 helen2702

      Posted

      thanks! couldn't find one of these to hire, but helpful to know as a base for height!

  • Rocketman_SG6UK
    Rocketman_SG6UK noon19868

    Posted

    Not sure what car - leg room and height are important.

    I was given a 'slider sheet'  - a tube of nylon - to aid getting in/out, but one or two plastic carrier bags would do equally well.

    Graham

  • kris1964
    kris1964 noon19868

    Posted

    You are so lovely to be so thoughtfull. Biggish car with seat set right back. Help to show her how to do it. Biggest no no is bucket seats. Nice flat seat is best. 

    I an sure she will be fine. Hope all goes well. 

    Kris. X

    • noon19868
      noon19868 kris1964

      Posted

      thanks kris, was kinda worried when the advice i got from the hospital mentioned the chance of dislocation but no actual answer to what was best to do. just a worrier when it comes to family being comfortable as we all are.  My head tells me it will be fine as so many people have them done and all the comments above have helped put me at ease so thanks to all smile

    • Rocketman_SG6UK
      Rocketman_SG6UK kris1964

      Posted

      Forgot the seat shape - even now I use a small cushion in the centre of the seat to counteract the sloping sides.

       

  • cathy21850
    cathy21850 noon19868

    Posted

    I would add that there isn't an deal car and I can't speak to double hip surgery but if you get a car where the seats can both go back far and you can put the top part back so she is not 90degrees. Also if the seat adjusts up and down that is great. We have a Hyundai Sonata which has all the above features as most cars do except unfortunately only the drivers seat does the lowering and raising motion-great for when you are driving post op. Yes, one backs into the seat and hangs onto the grab bar if possible to lower yourself and swivel over with help. Plastic on the seat is good  for sliding in and  out. I am using a borrowed custom made foam cushion which I take everywhere for going in the car and sitting on. 

    Best set of luck to your mom and to you.

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