Am looking to buy another car as mine is just not suitable post surgery. Very interested to hear from people who've had spinal surgery who can shed some light on which cars you have found to be really supportive seat wise which may give me an idea of which makes to look at first. Thanks.
2013: L5/S1 fusion, disectomy, facectomy, lumbar decompression.
Make sure you get one with a lumbar support that you can alter, also height of seat and position. Lots of cars have these functions, but most are near the top of the range so perhaps narrow it down to what type of car you want first? Are you on motability?
From my experience, one that is not low-slung with the seats not too close to the ground. Also enough height to get out of the car without contorting the back. As Cassie says an adjustable lumbar support is helpful but cushions that can be moved around as needed can be helpful too. There are lumbar support cushions available especially for the car.
Nic
Hi NIC
I can be very specific with this. Before surgery I sold my car as I wasnt able to drive I had such pain and after the surgery I was concerned for money. Now I am fairly well off but im not stupid and didnt know if i could support myself fully in the year after surgery. My point is i wanted cheap. Secondly I tried a friends car 2 months after surgery and the clutch destroyed me so i knew i needed an automatic. Finally I needed supportive seats and good door width to minimise me bunching up when exiting and entering the car.
Anyway I went with a Renault megane 1.9 priviledge. The type with the squared off back. Its done me well, its economic and being automatic im not irritating the nerve stretching back and forth. Also has cruise control so the constant use of one leg on the motorway doesnt cause the hips to over work on the one side.
Hope this gives you an idea of what to look for
Hi All,
Thanks very much for all the handy info. All helps me think about it all.
That's exacty how I have been microsuccess before I had the op - the driving would kill my leg/lower back and felt it especially later on that evening, I have thought about an automatic too and discussed with a friend funnily enough this weekend but all my problems have been down the right side which is frustrating!
Will def take a look at a Renault though.
Thanks again, Nic
Hi All,
Thanks very much for all the handy info. All helps me think about it all.That's exacty how I have been microsuccess before I had the op - the driving would kill my leg/lower back and felt it especially later on that evening, I have thought about an automatic too and discussed with a friend funnily enough this weekend but all my problems have been down the right side which is frustrating!
Will def take a look at a Renault though.
Thanks again, Nic
Am looking to buy another car as mine is just not suitable post surgery. Very interested to hear from people who've had spinal surgery who can shed some light on which cars you have found to be really supportive seat wise which may give me an idea of which makes to look at first. Thanks.
2013: L5/S1 fusion, disectomy, facectomy, lumbar decompression.
Hiya Nic!
I recommend a good look at a Renault Scenic, from 2010 onwards with adjustable drivers seat and automatic drive! I have had 3 Scenics over the period of my illness, but now have a Vauxhall Zafira, I could not have driven this car between 2004 - 2010!
Reasons for buying scenic:
1) door frame does not require you to bend down as you enter. I'm 5ft 10in.
2) seat height is level and allows you to just slid in.
3) seat width is wide with soft edges and is near to door, making sliding easy.
4) gear stick is within easy reach and steering very light. Auto might be better!
5 ride is very soft, so takes out most of the road bumps.
6 good visibility!
Hope this helps!
SPINELF
I have a stupid problem with my new(ish) car got all the right lumbar supports and adjustments and seat height, but the new car door is so blinking stiff I cannot lean over/out to close the door on my own! I need to use a stick to get it lol!
I have a stupid problem with my new(ish) car got all the right lumbar supports and adjustments and seat height, but the new car door is so blinking stiff I cannot lean over/out to close the door on my own! I need to use a stick to get it lol!
Oil Dear, Oil!! LOL!!!!
XXXXXX