Hip Replacements & C5's---Do they mix???
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 3,123
Likes: 3
From: Orland Park Illinois
St. Jude Donor '06-'07
Hip Replacements & C5's---Do they mix???
Greetings to all. Have been away for a few weeks. Had a total left hip replacement 2 weeks ago today (ouch). Currently, I'm in rehab and will probably be out of action the entire summer. Everything went well and I'm progressing normally.
My question is this----are there any members out there who have had the same surgery and are able to get in and out of your C5 without any abnormal discomfort? My car is a A4, so using a clutch is a non issue. The major concern is dislocating (popping out) the new hip when you move your left leg to a improper angle getting in or out of the vehicle. It would be most painful if I had to get rid of the C5 because I could have more serious health problems down the road. Anyway, I just thought I'd throw this out to you guys/gals and see what your thoughts might be. Have a nice day...
Bob
My question is this----are there any members out there who have had the same surgery and are able to get in and out of your C5 without any abnormal discomfort? My car is a A4, so using a clutch is a non issue. The major concern is dislocating (popping out) the new hip when you move your left leg to a improper angle getting in or out of the vehicle. It would be most painful if I had to get rid of the C5 because I could have more serious health problems down the road. Anyway, I just thought I'd throw this out to you guys/gals and see what your thoughts might be. Have a nice day...
Bob
USAFVET
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 179
Likes: 0
From: Huntsville AL
Hip Replacement
Had Major back surgery in March, not the same but key point, make it work.
I finally figured it out and literally had to back myself in & out. Looks funny but where there's a will, there's a way.
Making love to your wife/girlfriend or what ever, you're not going to give that up RU??
So get on with the strengthing exercises & good luck.
I finally figured it out and literally had to back myself in & out. Looks funny but where there's a will, there's a way.
Making love to your wife/girlfriend or what ever, you're not going to give that up RU??
So get on with the strengthing exercises & good luck.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,510
Likes: 3
From: Life moves pretty fast... if you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it!
CI 6-8-9 Veteran
Total hip nine years ago at age 45. Not a single problem with the Vette or anything else. After a while, you don't even know you have it. I work out every day, but have substituted mountain biking for running (althought I do run a bit, nothing major). No problems getting in or out, driving long trips, working on it, etc. I know at the point where you are now that it seems hard to believe, but I'm here to tell you it's true. Good luck with your rehab and see you on the road! Zuti
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 3,775
Likes: 0
From: St Marys GA
No hips, but two knee replacements on a 61 y/o 6-2 290 guy driving an MN6. You have to develop your own technique, but should easily do it. I just hope that there's no one around with a camera to document my technique.
DBD
DBD
Pro
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 669
Likes: 0
From: CA
I had my left hip replaced in 1992 at age 57. They used the interference fit instead of the glued in pin. They tell you horror stories about it popping out of joint unless you are very careful. I worried about this for about 6 months, and then forgot about it. I treat my left hip exactly as I do my right now. I have trouble lifting it as high as my right though, so here's how I enter my car. I sit down and back my butt into the seat and swing in my right leg, then I help my left leg in with my left arm. Works great. I have never had a problem with the warning about a more than 90 degree bend that they tell you about. I can travel as long as anybody else in our club with no discomfort at all. I am careful not to carry anything in my left back pocket as this can creat some discomfort in or out of the car. Don't rush the rehab time and you shouldn't have any trouble returning to a normal use of your hip.
My vett is an A4 also.
My vett is an A4 also.
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 121
Likes: 4
From: Atlanta Georgia
Wife had right hip replaced 6 months ago. It came out twice two weeks after surgery, ouch! Since then, no problems. About a month ago she decided to drive the vette, I wasn't home. Everything is OK, she's just careful. Our car is an A4, which makes things easier. Good luck, just don't rush it.
Advanced
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 78
Likes: 0
From: SoCal
Not quite the same procedure, but I had a partial right hip replacement and pelvic rebuild back in 1988 (result of a bad accident). I suffer absolutely no ill effects or range of motion problems.
Good luck, and don't skimp on the physical therapy.
Good luck, and don't skimp on the physical therapy.
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Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 3,123
Likes: 3
From: Orland Park Illinois
St. Jude Donor '06-'07
I thank all of you for your very helpful words of encouragement. It appears, according to a few members, with some work, I'll be able to continue driving my C5.. That surely sounds good to me.....Well. they're calling me for another therapy session so I better get going.... Once again, thats for the great information. Have a good day... Bob
That surely sounds good to me.....Well. they're calling me for another therapy session so I better get going.... Once again, thats for the great information. Have a good day... Bob
Intermediate
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
From: Hamilton NJ
Hip Replacement- No problems operating C5
Left hip replaced in Dec 2005. Hip rehab uneventful. Don't remember when I took my first drive in my 04 automatic, but now it is great! I'm 76.
Don't sweat it.
Don't sweat it.
Pro
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 667
Likes: 0
From: Galveston Indiana
Originally Posted by LowFlight
FYI...this thread has been linked at other Ford enthusiast websites to make fun of Corvette Drivers
Actually, just be sure to wait the prescribed amount of time before bending that new hip more than a 30 degree angle or whatever your surgeon tells you. You will eventually be able to get in and out, but it's imperative that you not do it too soon. I've taken care of popped out hips and it's not something you want to mess with.
Racer
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 297
Likes: 0
From: Miami FL
Guy in our club has a total hip. Had a C5, and about a year ago bought a brand new C6. And a 6 speed manual to boot. No problems driving it whatsoever.
Truth be told, I didn't even know he had had his hip replaced. The way I found out was a couple guys were remarking how well he drives the car with the hip.
Truth be told, I didn't even know he had had his hip replaced. The way I found out was a couple guys were remarking how well he drives the car with the hip.
Last edited by CBB; Jul 12, 2006 at 04:46 PM.
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 4,454
Likes: 1
From: The Surgeon General has warned that it's ok to smoke mustangs!
St. Jude Donor '06-'07
I wish I could offer you some solid advice, but instead I offer you wishes for a speedy recovery and hope that all works out soon and to your advantage. I know it would be very difficult and painful to part with a vette.
Good luck and hope you accomplish your rehab with full success!
Good luck and hope you accomplish your rehab with full success!
Drifting
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 1,712
Likes: 1
From: Seekonk MA / RI border
Since getting up from a vette seat can be a chore...should someone with hip replacement consider having their vette raised a little? Instead of the lowering that many people do.
I'll probably need a left hip someday in the future.
I'll probably need a left hip someday in the future.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 3,123
Likes: 3
From: Orland Park Illinois
St. Jude Donor '06-'07
Finally made it home two days ago . My goal will be to walk w/o a walker or cane by 9/1 and hopefully, be able to drive the C5 B/4 the winter. Thanks again to all of you who have offered some really good advice and thoughts. Bob
. My goal will be to walk w/o a walker or cane by 9/1 and hopefully, be able to drive the C5 B/4 the winter. Thanks again to all of you who have offered some really good advice and thoughts. Bob
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 3,024
Likes: 18
From: DFW Texas
I sure am GLAD someone brought this up. I too am facing a THP on left side, then right side (AVN), and in discussions with surgeons, that has been my first question? How long till I can drive my 6 speed vette again? They say 2-3 months afterwards is realistic. BAH- can't wait that long.
I've fantasized or thought of using an engine hoist and some sort of butt sling, take the top off and lower myself into it - these cars are addicting... I can't imagine not being able to drive mine for 2 to 3 months. I'll continue to hobble around on the the bad hip until they have to throw a hey hook and drag me to surgery!!
Did any of you guys have the 'new' MIS or MIS2 procedure, or was it 'conventional' 8 -10 inch slit?
PM or Email if more discretion is applicable.
I've fantasized or thought of using an engine hoist and some sort of butt sling, take the top off and lower myself into it - these cars are addicting... I can't imagine not being able to drive mine for 2 to 3 months. I'll continue to hobble around on the the bad hip until they have to throw a hey hook and drag me to surgery!!
Did any of you guys have the 'new' MIS or MIS2 procedure, or was it 'conventional' 8 -10 inch slit?
PM or Email if more discretion is applicable.
Pro
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 669
Likes: 0
From: CA
diyguy, Mine was the 8" curved slit. The MIS proceedures were not available back then. The only word of caution on the newer proceedures is that there could be a slightly greater risk of misalignment with the MIS. The old way they pulled out the leg bone to cut the joint off, and had a better view of the pin alignment. I tried to watch the proceedure on TV one night, but when the bone came out, that was enough for me! The therapy time afterwords is important, and should not be rushed. An extra month or two of healing time is well worth it. You'll still have years of seat time left. In fact, hip replacement is a simplier surgery than knee replacement. The hip is a simple swivel joint, the knee is much more complicated.