My mother, who is 84, had the hip replacement operation just under two weeks ago. Posters here have previously told me she can travel in a car for about 30 minutes at a time. What does she need to do during those breaks? Does she need to get out and walk around for a bit, and for how long each time? She might have to do a trip of a little over an hour and a half. Thanks in advance.
Hi. 30 minutes at a time sounds right. It's pretty uncomfortable in car seats for the first few weeks however old you are and you need to be able to brace for the corners and have a pillow between the knees for comfort. Just getting out and into the car again is hard work so a little rest and a walk about for five minutes to loosen up would be great. One and a half hours isn't a huge journey in the scheme of things but your mum'll certainly need to have a break during that time. A plastic bag to sit on and swivel round on to get in and out is really helpful -one of those big, cheaper type black bin bags does really well- and you'll need to follow the physio instructions re the height of your car doors/sills etc. Hope your mother's well on the road to recovery. I'm twenty years younger and found the car bit the most difficult straight after the op so good luck to her.
Thanks Amnesia. That's useful info.
Definitely movement is the key. She can also, depending on the leg room available in the vehicle, pump her ankles up and down every 20 minutes or so. I am younger but have a blood clot history, so even at home while sitting typing this, I am pumping my ankles and stretching my legs out straight because lack of momement is the danger.
Hope all goes well!
Dawn