sensitive to car ride - Spinal Cord Disorders Message Board

Icaaa · 07-27-2003, 08:54 PM

9 days post-op from C6-7 ruptured disk retreved 14 fragments bone graph and titanium plate. Staples instead of stiches. I see the NS tomorrow and they come out. I can't imagine how he will get them out with ou ripping me open? Can u tell I am a little nervous?

My husband took our daughter and me to Red Lobster. 1st outing in my beautiful collar. I was so surprised at how I felt in a car. I could not believe how sensitive I was to the motion of the car. I told them it was like I was so aware of keeping my own balance. Any body else experience this?
He is a very good driver but I could sense even the slightest acceleration. Just surprised me at being this senstive. Notice I am refusing to say I am weak.

My head must weigh a thousand pounds.

I could not wait to get home and take the collar off and sit in my lazy boy chair and rest my head.

Carla

DebbieMc · 07-27-2003, 09:00 PM

Hi Carla,

I'm 27 days post-op now and still very leary of car rides (unless I'm driving of course.) I say that because if I'm driving, I can anticipate all the moves, acceleration and I'm a lot more aware of the bumps in the road. I keep a small pillow in my car. You know, like a couch or chair pillow. When someone else is driving, I always wear my collar and keep that pillow behind my head. It cushions any sudden accelerations or bumps in the road and keeps my neck and head stable. Like I said, I'm 27 days post-op but I still use my collar for that. I only had to wear it for 10 days. Definitely keep a pillow in the car for a headrest. You'll be glad you did.

DebbieMc

Icaaa · 07-27-2003, 09:03 PM

Great idea, Debbie

The NS office is in the next town so I am grabbing the pillow for the car ride tomorrow.

Thankx,
Carla

DebbieMc · 07-27-2003, 09:12 PM

I'm telling ya! The first time my husband accelerated on my ride home from the hospital I screamed STOP!!! It doesn't help much to have a supercharged car in a case like this, but luckily, since I live in Colorado, I always keep a coat/jacket in my car. (Rocky Mountain weather is so unpredictable) I made him stop, fold up my jacket and put it behind my head before we even left the parking lot. The next time we went somewhere, I grabbed a small pillow. It helps A LOT. You'll be glad you did it

I also recline my seat a little more than normal...that keeps me from falling forward if he has to brake suddenly.

Good Luck and be careful on the road.

DebbieMc

magtize · 07-27-2003, 09:58 PM

I haven't had surgery yet but have had problems also riding in car. We live 30 35 miles from any shopping mall and by the time we got there was hurting to much to go shopping Wonderful friend bought me this pillow at Wal Mart called the Bone and what a life saver It looks just like a dog bone and was only around 10 dollars. I strongly suggest it.Not sure how it will work for someone with collar on but I do know that where ever I go it goes.
Elaine