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The Long Drive Home?

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I had Bilateral THR (Feb 2008) and the toughest part for me was getting into the car (going home from the hospital) without violating the 90 degree rule. After several failed and almost catastrophic attempts at the front seat (Almost dislocated the left side)...I ended up laying across the rear seat for the 40 mile ride home. It was easier after that.

I too had a spinal block, and even with the described "sedation", I heard everything...all the heavy construction down there was a bit daunting. I could not feel it...but knowing what was going on...I wish I had been under in hindsight. Makes for a good story though. Really freaks people out when I tell them. Best wishes... I hit one year post op yesterday and it is awesome!
 
Congratulations on the one year newwheels.
My Honda CRV was a lifesaver as there is no way I could have made it into my husbands Audi.
Judy
 
Congrats, Newwheel! Great acievement! I always used to tease my OS about having to carry a protractor around with the 90 degree rule! Hope you are feeling good! :)
 
Newwheels-thanks for the post, though I am a bit concerned. I think I'm gonna give it a shot and if I can't do it, I'll stay another day or so. the SUV I have is not that big and I am 6 ' 2" so we'll see.
 
TBONE said:
Newwheels-thanks for the post, though I am a bit concerned. I think I'm gonna give it a shot and if I can't do it, I'll stay another day or so. the SUV I have is not that big and I am 6 ' 2" so we'll see.
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Tom,

Newwheels comments perfectly reflect the reason for my suggestion for the SUV. For comparison, I'm 5'10" (6'2" with the afro) and my "SUV" is a Honda Element. It is a breeze to avoid breaking the 90 degree rule in that car. I think it's the captain chair thing. Toyota RAV, Honda CRV, Isuzu (sp?) Trooper, Tahoe, etc. are the same deal. I think a mini-van could work well, also. On the other hand a Toyota Tacoma or 4-runner may be more difficult. You could always rent. . .
 
Tom
Can you get in now without breaking the 90 degree rule? Are you having a posterior incision?

Judy
 
Sewell and Dave--I think I can get in it OK and, with care, not break 90 degrees. I'll put the front seat way back. It's a Lexus 330 or 350 SUV and it's more like a car than an SUV. It has more of a car feel. I have a Suburban, and that has the greatest captain chairs, but it's old and my wife hates to drive it because it's so big. Especially in the city where the surgery is, it'll be a bear to park.
I'll figure it out, but your comments have all been very helpful and have put me at ease for now. Thank you all.
 
Tom
You should not even have the 90 degree restriction then.
The surburban should work fine, except it will need to be parked!!!

I'm not sure what the Lexus looks like, but if it is easy enough to get into it should work ok too.
I'll be attempting a plane trip across country on March 25th and flying back April 1st. I surely will be thinking and praying for you.
Judy
 
T Bone,,,,,,practice getting into the passenger side of both vehivles,,,,very cautiously BEFORE your surgery,,,,,That might help! Don't scootch with the black trash bag yet,,,but it might just help if you have it taped on the seat when you're ready to leave the hospital or rehab after surgery! Good luck! :)
 
T-bone ... here's another nickel. My ride home, after 3 nights, was about 40 minutes. It was so difficult to get into the car, that the ride seemed to go quickly. I then began to worry about getting out, and down a few short steps to my house (thankfully, one level). It was scary, but I made it. Haven't thought about this until you question, but upon reflection I may have worried it into a larger concern than necessary. Good luck.

Don
 
Hey TBone,
Don't think you will have any restrictions from day one, unless you have extenuating circumstances.
I am amazed at the number of people that get to hear what's going on. I would have loved too. I asked if I could watch. I had the spinal and " the little something to relax you". Ha! the last thing I remember was the male nurse in front of me saying lean forward and drape your arms around my shoulders. Which I thought was odd but then when I saw him the next day I teased hem and asked how many people he had dropped before developing that technique. ;) I was most concerned about the spinal as the last one I had was NOT fun. I didn't even feel the needle. The Catheter fairy must have visited after that point also - just to put your mind at ease.;)

Donna
 
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