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Cars best suited to us wonky spine folk?!!
Topic Started: 1 Jul 2013, 08:05 AM (613 Views)
curlyshirl56
Advanced Member
[ *  *  *  *  * ]
Hi Everyone,

I hope the reason for the forum being quiet of late is that you are all feeling reasonably comfortable?
I haven't posted for a while as I'm probably at that 'its as good as its going to get' stage. Those of you who know me will know that I had a pretty horrible surgery on my shoulder April '12 and had my scapula fused to 4 ribs. I spent nearly four months in a huge cast around my upper body and right arm. My 'I'm a ittle teapot' pose :D I'm particularly enjoying the sunshine at the moment having had to hide from it all last summer B)

I am still delighted with my M6L - the horrific sciatic pain I experienced has gone but I do get quite a lot of pretty niggly back pain - facets I think.
Ribs are pretty painful - residual intercostal neuralgia but neck is improved as a result of shouder surgery. My shoulder was literally hanging from my neck prior to it - nasty :angry:

I'm still in pain - still a regular at the Chronic Pain Unit, thats a forever situation unfortunately but I'm taking a positive approach to it (most days!!) and focussing on what I can do. I'll be qualified with a Dipoma in Counselling Supervision in July having completed a 6 month training. So I can work as a Counsellor and a Supervisor until I'm a very old lady hopefully - just wheel me in in a comfy chair!!!! All part of my 'Onwards and Upwards Year'

The litigation since RTA september '09 has finally been settled. The sum is a total insult - the problem with having a pre existing condition :( Its a really dirty business and I'm so relieved it is finally done.

So.......... the purpose of this post, apart from an update is to ask advice from you guys on cars. I will be changing my 13 year old car for a newer one and would appreciate feedback on any make / model you have found which is suited to our wonky bodies?? I'm thinking automatic?? I need steering to be as light as possible re lack of use of right arm / neck issues.

Really hope all is as bright as it can be for everyone on here. I am so appreciatve of this forum - thanks so much to Alastair and all of you for being such a constant support. No one else really gets it do they?!

Shirley
xx
2014 Mini micro discectomy L3/4 and L4/5 prolapse
Ongoing Pain Management
Plaster body cast for 12 weeks post surgery, readmission for rehab
Thoroscapular Fusion at RNOH 12/4/12 to stabilise shoulder.
Loss of muscle use re Brachial Neuritis- shoulder dropped, winged scapula.
Developed Brachial Neuritis immediately post op
L5/S1 Spinal Kinetics M6 Implant, Mr Gavin Marsh, Croydon
RTA Severe whiplash Sep 2009
L4/5 IDET 2005
C5/6 Fusion + Titanium cage 2002
C4/5 Fusion 1987
RTA aged 18
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Alastair
Member Avatar
Alastair
[ *  *  *  *  * ]
You need to be driving an automatic car, I'm driving a Jaguar XJ 6 automatic 2009 at the moment
Founder of this board 24th February 2007
Slow and Steady Wins This Race
Over 23 Years experience and research into spine surgery and over 2500 surgeries discussed and recorded

ADR L5/S1 Surgery with Dr Zeegers 26th July 2002 in Munich
8 facet joint ablations 28 – 8 – 12 with Dr Baranidharan and Jake Timothy in Leeds Diagnosed Forestiers disease
Your Best Asset Is Your Health
I live in West Yorkshire aged 81 now

Knowledge is power
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patriotspyke
Member Avatar
Full Member
[ *  *  * ]
Well I have had L5/S1 fusion and C5/6 ADR so need a car that helps top and bottom. I changed car 4 times until I was happy. I had a nice BMW 1 series and the seats were perfect.. but the hard suspension did not help, same with others I had. Also a lot of cars were just so low down!. I have changed to a KIA Sportage 4x4. Its so high you just walk in, so no bending. As with most 4x4's the steering is very light, bumps I don't feel at all and it comes with heated seats as standard which in winter will be a god send. Never thought I would be driving a Kia but I am very happy with the Sportage!
ADR at C5/6 & plif l5 s1

April 2012 - l5 s1 PLIF (Spire Bristol)
Jan 2012 - Facet & Nerve root blocks L5/S1 - L4/5
Nov 2011 - Facet Injections L5/S1
Sep 2011 - Nerve root block L5/S1
Jan 2011 - Discogram L5/S1
14/10/10 - Nerve Root Blocks L5/S1
15/05/10 - ADR C5/6
02/01/10 - Nerve root blocks C5/6
08/12/09 - MRI shows C5/6 & possibly C7 herniated
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ajj1001
Advanced Member
[ *  *  *  *  * ]
A higher up car with good lumbar support, i have had success (when I am able to drive!) with a renault modus (same as a nissan note) and a peugeot 3008 (very similar to the kia sportage and nissan qashqai). Heated seats are also a real boon. Couldn't get in and out of anything like the jag or bmw!! A friend has a Citroen Picasso which she takes me out in successfully. Go to try out at the showroom or where you are buying from on a bad day so you are realistic as to whether the car is do-able.
Std Meds Gabapentin, MR Tramadol, Paracetemol, Laxatives
2011 Sept PLIF L4 - S1
2010 May Discogram L2/L3 & L3/L4 both looking ok.
2009 May PLG Fusion L5/S1 Charite in situ
April Dismissed
2008 Caudal Epidural failed to work
2007 Deterioration L5/S1 Facet arthritis, Loss of disc height.
2004 Returned to Work
2002 Aug - physio
March 2 level ADR Charite L4/5, L5/S1
2000 Broadbased disc prolapses L4/5, L5/S1
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dreamer
Full Member
[ *  *  * ]
Try as many as you can but it sounds like auto, and maybe high up and comfy. It also depends on budget but a lot of the big luxo cars depreciate like a rock so you can get then a lot cheaper when they are a few years old. Could you look at one of those knobs that go on the wheel to assist with steering ?

Maybe also automatic handbrake which a lot of newer cars have so no need to be pulling on a handle?

Heated seats are fab too, but often it's just what is comfy for you. I second alasatair - jags are very comfortable!
April 2010 - microdiscectomy L4/5
January 2012 - anterior fusion L4/5. Independence Cage (Globus Medical) and Actifuse ABX.
ADR not possible due to poor condition of vertebral plates (lots of holes) and lack of facet on left side
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Alastair
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Alastair
[ *  *  *  *  * ]
And second hand Jags are cheap for what they are
Founder of this board 24th February 2007
Slow and Steady Wins This Race
Over 23 Years experience and research into spine surgery and over 2500 surgeries discussed and recorded

ADR L5/S1 Surgery with Dr Zeegers 26th July 2002 in Munich
8 facet joint ablations 28 – 8 – 12 with Dr Baranidharan and Jake Timothy in Leeds Diagnosed Forestiers disease
Your Best Asset Is Your Health
I live in West Yorkshire aged 81 now

Knowledge is power
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curlyshirl56
Advanced Member
[ *  *  *  *  * ]
Thanks everyone for your advice - they all seem such big cars!! My brain goes into meltdown trying to decide and this seems to be going into the 'too hard' category!!!

Me in a Jag...........hmmmmmm :D


I'll keep you posted, hoping you are all comfortable and enjoying this sunshine

Take care

Shirley
2014 Mini micro discectomy L3/4 and L4/5 prolapse
Ongoing Pain Management
Plaster body cast for 12 weeks post surgery, readmission for rehab
Thoroscapular Fusion at RNOH 12/4/12 to stabilise shoulder.
Loss of muscle use re Brachial Neuritis- shoulder dropped, winged scapula.
Developed Brachial Neuritis immediately post op
L5/S1 Spinal Kinetics M6 Implant, Mr Gavin Marsh, Croydon
RTA Severe whiplash Sep 2009
L4/5 IDET 2005
C5/6 Fusion + Titanium cage 2002
C4/5 Fusion 1987
RTA aged 18
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Alastair
Member Avatar
Alastair
[ *  *  *  *  * ]
Big cars have long wheelbases which make them a smoother ride :D
Founder of this board 24th February 2007
Slow and Steady Wins This Race
Over 23 Years experience and research into spine surgery and over 2500 surgeries discussed and recorded

ADR L5/S1 Surgery with Dr Zeegers 26th July 2002 in Munich
8 facet joint ablations 28 – 8 – 12 with Dr Baranidharan and Jake Timothy in Leeds Diagnosed Forestiers disease
Your Best Asset Is Your Health
I live in West Yorkshire aged 81 now

Knowledge is power
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
curlyshirl56
Advanced Member
[ *  *  *  *  * ]
I appreciate that Alastair, its the fuel ( and to be honest the parking ) that concerns me :huh: I have significant limitation in my arm so parking tricky and frequently bad pain days that affect neck and back.

How are you doing after your facet joint ablations?

take very good care
S
xx
2014 Mini micro discectomy L3/4 and L4/5 prolapse
Ongoing Pain Management
Plaster body cast for 12 weeks post surgery, readmission for rehab
Thoroscapular Fusion at RNOH 12/4/12 to stabilise shoulder.
Loss of muscle use re Brachial Neuritis- shoulder dropped, winged scapula.
Developed Brachial Neuritis immediately post op
L5/S1 Spinal Kinetics M6 Implant, Mr Gavin Marsh, Croydon
RTA Severe whiplash Sep 2009
L4/5 IDET 2005
C5/6 Fusion + Titanium cage 2002
C4/5 Fusion 1987
RTA aged 18
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patriotspyke
Member Avatar
Full Member
[ *  *  * ]
To be honest, most big cars now are quite economical now. I moved from my small bmw 1 series at 27 mpg average to my Kia Sportage 4x4 and average 35-40 mpg. Parking is actually easier as you are very high up so easy view and the power steering you can turn the wheel with one finger. A used bigger car can be brought for a pretty good price, I got my 4x4 for under 5k, it has been the best change I have made. Not quite as nice to look at as my BMW, but then I guess wonky folk cannot be choosy!
ADR at C5/6 & plif l5 s1

April 2012 - l5 s1 PLIF (Spire Bristol)
Jan 2012 - Facet & Nerve root blocks L5/S1 - L4/5
Nov 2011 - Facet Injections L5/S1
Sep 2011 - Nerve root block L5/S1
Jan 2011 - Discogram L5/S1
14/10/10 - Nerve Root Blocks L5/S1
15/05/10 - ADR C5/6
02/01/10 - Nerve root blocks C5/6
08/12/09 - MRI shows C5/6 & possibly C7 herniated
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Alastair
Member Avatar
Alastair
[ *  *  *  *  * ]
Hi Shirley :D

You should be looking at

http://www.disabledmotoring.org/

Loads of help with motoring problems and information I`m a life member :D :D :D

Bestest
Alastair :D
Founder of this board 24th February 2007
Slow and Steady Wins This Race
Over 23 Years experience and research into spine surgery and over 2500 surgeries discussed and recorded

ADR L5/S1 Surgery with Dr Zeegers 26th July 2002 in Munich
8 facet joint ablations 28 – 8 – 12 with Dr Baranidharan and Jake Timothy in Leeds Diagnosed Forestiers disease
Your Best Asset Is Your Health
I live in West Yorkshire aged 81 now

Knowledge is power
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
ajj1001
Advanced Member
[ *  *  *  *  * ]
patriotspyke,Jul 8 2013
07:34 AM
To be honest, most big cars now are quite economical now. I moved from my small bmw 1 series at 27 mpg average to my Kia Sportage 4x4 and average 35-40 mpg. Parking is actually easier as you are very high up so easy view and the power steering you can turn the wheel with one finger. A used bigger car can be brought for a pretty good price, I got my 4x4 for under 5k, it has been the best change I have made. Not quite as nice to look at as my BMW, but then I guess wonky folk cannot be choosy!

The rear parking sensors on our 3008 are brilliant, no turning round needed!
Std Meds Gabapentin, MR Tramadol, Paracetemol, Laxatives
2011 Sept PLIF L4 - S1
2010 May Discogram L2/L3 & L3/L4 both looking ok.
2009 May PLG Fusion L5/S1 Charite in situ
April Dismissed
2008 Caudal Epidural failed to work
2007 Deterioration L5/S1 Facet arthritis, Loss of disc height.
2004 Returned to Work
2002 Aug - physio
March 2 level ADR Charite L4/5, L5/S1
2000 Broadbased disc prolapses L4/5, L5/S1
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
patriotspyke
Member Avatar
Full Member
[ *  *  * ]
second the rear parking sensors, they are a god send! you could look at a Honda CRV, some in the range have a rear camera so you can see what is behind you!
ADR at C5/6 & plif l5 s1

April 2012 - l5 s1 PLIF (Spire Bristol)
Jan 2012 - Facet & Nerve root blocks L5/S1 - L4/5
Nov 2011 - Facet Injections L5/S1
Sep 2011 - Nerve root block L5/S1
Jan 2011 - Discogram L5/S1
14/10/10 - Nerve Root Blocks L5/S1
15/05/10 - ADR C5/6
02/01/10 - Nerve root blocks C5/6
08/12/09 - MRI shows C5/6 & possibly C7 herniated
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
ajj1001
Advanced Member
[ *  *  *  *  * ]
my wish list for a car was - high so i could get in and out, heated seats, grab rails to help me move around inside, reclining seats that went a long way back so i can rest feet on a bag/box, rear parking sensors for when i was able to drive it, air con so i could stay comfy whatever the temp .... not much really!
Std Meds Gabapentin, MR Tramadol, Paracetemol, Laxatives
2011 Sept PLIF L4 - S1
2010 May Discogram L2/L3 & L3/L4 both looking ok.
2009 May PLG Fusion L5/S1 Charite in situ
April Dismissed
2008 Caudal Epidural failed to work
2007 Deterioration L5/S1 Facet arthritis, Loss of disc height.
2004 Returned to Work
2002 Aug - physio
March 2 level ADR Charite L4/5, L5/S1
2000 Broadbased disc prolapses L4/5, L5/S1
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
curlyshirl56
Advanced Member
[ *  *  *  *  * ]
Thanks everyone for all the great advice - I'm still waiting for the money to come through from the insurance company (Admiral - grrrrrrrrrrrrrrhhhh :( ) even though settlement was 14th June. They literally are adding insult to injury. Its been such an appaling process.

However, when it arrives I'll have all your helpful pointers. :D

Thanks all
x
2014 Mini micro discectomy L3/4 and L4/5 prolapse
Ongoing Pain Management
Plaster body cast for 12 weeks post surgery, readmission for rehab
Thoroscapular Fusion at RNOH 12/4/12 to stabilise shoulder.
Loss of muscle use re Brachial Neuritis- shoulder dropped, winged scapula.
Developed Brachial Neuritis immediately post op
L5/S1 Spinal Kinetics M6 Implant, Mr Gavin Marsh, Croydon
RTA Severe whiplash Sep 2009
L4/5 IDET 2005
C5/6 Fusion + Titanium cage 2002
C4/5 Fusion 1987
RTA aged 18
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
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