getting into car using walker - Knee & Hip Problems Message Board

Silver Swan · 01-03-2008, 08:42 AM

Hi Everyone:

I am still using a walker and next week have to drive to the clinic. I am cleared to drive! I am wondering how to stow the walker. I have a four door Focus and there of course is the shift bump in the front seat. Do I somehow fold up the walker and stow it in the front seat, or what? I see this as a very difficult operation and wonder if any of you have suggestions?

Shirley H.

Marie5656 · 01-03-2008, 09:05 AM

Does it fold? If so, then it would be easy enough to slide it into the back seat, if you are able to get yourself into the front by bracing yourself on the car. I have never seen the inside of a Focus, but maybe if it does not fold try just laying it sideways and pushing it into the back seat.
If it folds, you may also be able to fit it up front.
Let me know what works...I am going to have to deal with getting one into a PT Cruiser!!

Silver Swan · 01-03-2008, 10:22 AM

Hi Marie:

Thank you for your swift response. It helps!

Yes, the walker folds. I am kind of picturing standing in front of the open front door of the Focus, folding the walker, and bracing myself with my left hand on the door frame and hoisting the folded walker into the front seat passenger side with my right hand. Sounds like Super Woman to me.

This sounds to me like it would be hard. I should probably go down to the heated underground parking garage and practice. I always do things mentally before actually trying them.

Getting a hold on the folded walker might be tricky when getting out and standing in the door opening. I wish us both luck in this maneuver. Will let you know how my practise goes. Opening the Focus trunk might be a better way to go. I am going to think about that one. This would require walking around the car and hanging on to the side. I don't know how that would work. Maybe have my walking stick in the trunk to go back to driver seat?

I think we have a hard one here.

I have to psych myself up for a couple of days before I start practising this.

Shirley H.

Marie5656 · 01-03-2008, 10:34 AM

In my experiences, the walkers I have dealt with are bulky, but not really heavy. But I guess it is a matter of perspective. I have not had experiences with the newer walkers out these days, with the seat and all.
Guess you are right to practice. Also depends on whether you can walk a step or two without it, so long as you can brace yourself on your car. I know with me and the cane, it depends on the day and how I am feeling. Sometimes I can walk around the house without the cane, other times my legs just will not co-operate with me. Especially if I have been sitting too long.

Silver Swan · 01-03-2008, 11:45 AM

Hi Marie:

My walker does not have a seat and it is not terribly heavy but not exactly light, either.

Are you yet to have hip replacement? You are using a cane now and that sounds like me before having the surgery.

Yes, sitting for too long can make walking harder. Being in any postion too long makes arthritis worse they say. Mine is osteoarthritis. The other hip needs replacing too, but I am not about to have that done real soon! I have to get over this one first. It hasn't been all that bad, but not exactly a day in the country. The first few days in the hospital after the surgery have faded from my mind. Must be the meds. Have wonderful hospital with food service that was gourmet quality, with servers in restaurant - like black vests and white shirts, bow ties. All of us who were in that hospital agreed the food was out of this world special. It was elegant.

The hardest part for me is having to sleep on my back. Can't seem to get much sleep at night. I hope that after a while I will be cleared to sleep on my side again. I sleep on my right side and the presently involved hip is the right one.

Shirley H.