RH Hip Replacement--Can You Get In and OUT?

[tgonyaw]

Hello All,

This may be under the wrong heading, But :

Just got my RH hip replaced 4-29-19. Have averaged 2.2 miles walking per day since. Start PT tomorrow. Have been cleared and have driven a few slow miles in town using our daily Honda Accord and the 2002 VW Cabrio.

In about 3 weeks I was going hook up the battery in the Z and go for a drive. I wanted to hear from some of you about how you approached getting in and out with out going out of spec with the hip bending rules. I had the robotic Anterior surgery which explains my quicker recovery. Not sure about getting out from that low seat, even if I can park and get the door wide open!!

Thanks for any insights and response,
Terry Gonyaw
91Z 1838
Gainesville, VA.

[XfireZ51]

I didn’t have a hip replacement but I did fracture my Femur in a road cycling crash nearly 4 years ago. I continue to ride. The ortho pinned it w 3 titanium bolts. Lifting the thigh and entire leg takes work, but driving the ZR provides the motivation to keep at it. At the beginning its not easy to get in or out. And w a traumatic injury like that, the muscle wants to contract thereby diminishing your flexibility. Important to stretch. A good sports PT is a huge help in rehabbing.

[Young1]

RH hip , communuted acertabulam with fractured iliac crest. 2011. Femur ok. 6 month recovery to 80 percent
LH hip, ORIF of femur ball 2007
I have changed my style how I get into any car. You can do it. Exercise and stay loose. Hips get sore with narrow seat bolsters. No way can do a 90 seat.

[DRM500RUBYZR-1]

Had LEFT Hip replaced.
Very little issue dropping down into the car, and getting up to exit.
However, when I enter the passenger side of nearly any car, I do have a little bit of an issue pivoting upon entry. Cannot get into the passenger side of a C1 due to the wrap around dash.
In summary, you should be fine with your ZR-1.
Marty

[Paul Workman]

Good to know all this. "Replacing ball joints": I have a scheduled RH hip replacement for June 11th. Wish me luck! (The LH to follow. I'll let y'all know how a DUAL hip replacement goes.:dontknow:)

[tgonyaw]

Thanks for the responses!
I guess old parts are old parts where ever they are found.
Sounds like if I stick with PT-keep flexing and moving, I will be able to get in and out!
Will see how narrow the 91 seat feels after I get there. About 5-7 and 180; so that should help.
Good luck Paul,
Keep moving; the lady at Reston Hosp. here had me walk from the recovery room bed in the hall to my overnight bed at the Hospital. They are big on pain management and just walking using a walker to get your correct gait and posture back! I still must remind myself to stand up straight. Such a strange and good feeling!
Thanks again,
Terry

[aafc]

I drove for Hertz for about 5 years, and they said the correct way to get into any car is to sit down ,then turn and bring one leg in at a time. This was also told to me by PT when i had may total right shoulder replaced.
Hope this helps
John
1990 white/black #2546
one of a few auto Eq 4l8OE ZR-1's

[Ccmano]

Good to know all this. "Replacing ball joints": I have a scheduled RH hip replacement for June 11th. Wish me luck! (The LH to follow. I'll let y'all know how a DUAL hip replacement goes.:dontknow:)

Wishing you all the best Paul! I’d say break a leg but that’s probably not appropriate.

Hoping to stay away from that stuff myself.
H
:cheers:

[lfalzarano]

I would suggest that you remove the top. Place your left foot in first, then left hand on the frame rail nearest the back of the seat. Lean in and put your right hand on your console glove compartment and hoist yourself in tucking the right leg.

Getting out is always the hardest. Open the door wide open. Left hand on the door sill frame rail and bring your left leg out and on the ground. Lean out to your left and place your right hand on the console compartment. Lift up with both hands and slide onto the frame rail. Bring your lead foot out and around on the ground. Lean forward with your right hand on the steering wheel or windshield puller and stand up.

If the last part is still difficult, if you are in your garage, you can suspend a rope with and attached triangle and use that to hoist yourself out.

This technique is useful for any aging C4 driver[emoji41]


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[32valvZ]

Im scheduled for RH hip total replacement end of July beginning of August. I've been worried that Id have to get a Z06.... I just got back into a ZR-1 just a year ago now.... I really want to stay in it! Im not even the right age to be needing this yet.... too many years of drywall work I guess...

[DRM500RUBYZR-1]

An Important Tip:


When entering or exiting the vehicle DO NOT grab the steering wheel!
The wheel has a universal joint to permit the up and down tilt functions.
It was not designed for lateral stress, and if done repeatedly, you will begin to notice that the wheel begins to move from side to side, and the u joint will eventually fail. While repairable, it takes time, and therefore may become an expensive repair.


Instead of grabbing the wheel, grab the A post (windshield pillar) instead.
It actually provides better leverage, and there is nothing that can be easily broken.


I also while using the A post, jam my left shoulder/arm into the rear door jamb area and push forward with my upper arm while holding the a post with my right.


It also helps to have the rear part of the bottom seat raised when getting in or out.


I rarely have a problem getting in or out EXCEPT if the door cannot be fully opened, which then limits swinging your leg and foot in.


Good luck to all with their "replacements".
Marty

[tgonyaw]

Great posts full of advice and insights based on practical, hands on applications.
Hard to beat a "seasoned professional" in the real world!!!
Thanks to all

[FU]

You old guy's have a lot of problems.

[Vetman]

I have had both knees replaced. I do likewise using the A pillar with left hand, right foot in, swing butt in using right hand on upper right bolster and plop😆😆. Never use the steering column or console door.

[Paul Workman]

Well, I have two things going for me (I hope):

First: Back when I bought my Z in 2007, the first mod was to get rid of the sport seats and replaced them with standard seats out of a 95 C4. Best mod I ever did - far as comfort/drivability goes!!

Second: This hip crap hid me suddenly just 2 years ago: hit me like a hammer. So, I've been sitting and spinning (or dragging) my legs in for 2 years now. Got that maneuver down purdy good!

But, really... getting rid of those hideous "sport seats" was the best thing I ever did, far as enjoyment of the car goes.

[HAWAIIZR-1]

Best wishes for a full recovery. I don’t know my input will help, but since I replaced my steering wheel with a quick release aftermarket wheel it is much easier to get in and out. Since there is no steering wheel in the way it just seem so for me. I don’t have bad hips and only bad knees. I also won’t ever be able to use or lean on the steering wheel to mess that up. My 90Z column had the messed up joint mention from previous owners using it to get in/out I assume.

Having said this, most folks won’t want to remove the air bag. Me, I fear that damn thing more and take my chances figuring if I had my old 68 Camaro Z/28 I would be driving around without an air bag anyway.


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[32valvesftw]

Hips are ok but, 4 abdominal surgeries has taken their toll. I do the "sit and spin" as Paul puts it.

[XfireZ51]

The D shaped wheel also helps when tilted full up.