I have a doctors appointment on Thursday with my PC my dilemma is that the only person to help me out. I should first say It’s not the person she is a very good person.
My situation is her vehicle it is a SUV which is high for me to get into. Getting out shouldn’t be a problems as long as she is in front of me I can slide out.
The problem is getting in you see I can’t life up my leg my left foot I have foot drop and the leg basically is like dead weight. And my right foot is no better, I can stand on it. She said she has a stoll. she is bringing some one to help me.
I could just be getting nervous over nothing. But if any one has any ideas I am open to them.
Thank you
Sandra
Written by
ssdw1958
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My problem is that I no control with my legs I can stand there and want my legs to move but they don’t listen to me thank you. See I think stairs should be outlawed I have a ramp so that I can get into my home.
Hi, I have the same problem getting in and out of our SUV. I put my butt in first, kind of twist my self slightly to the left and then lift my left leg by putting both my hands under my thigh and lifting my leg. Other times I use my cane by turning it upside down, hooking the handle under my foot and lifting. Hope these might help. Good luck and let us know how you do.
Last time I got in a suv it was with my sister she had to lift up my left foot and put that in the suv then I had to pull my self up as she helped me with my right leg. It’s no going to look pretty lol
That description pretty much describes me getting in/out of our van. I could never accomplish this without my husbands help to lift my legs into the van after I put my butt on the seat and either hang onto the steering wheel or my seat arm to pull myself in and adjust. Not pretty for sure...I get anxious thinking about ever having to go anywhere as we don't have a wheelchair accessible van so I actually have to stand up out of my wheelchair and hope for the best...winter really scares me because of the slipping and sliding....but heat is also a downside...you just can't win with MS
mrsmike has got it right. A year ago I had a total hip joint replacement and the physical therapist had me turn my cane upside down and hook the handle under my foot the same way to get into my bed. Another thing that she also told me to do was use a sturdy belt in the same way by holding both ends and having your foot in the middle point as in a ‘V’ then guiding your leg into the vehicle. It might work better with the belt because of the small space you’re dealing with in a vehicle. I’m not sure if this is applicable but avoid wearing a dress or skirt 😉 (please disregard if not applicable).
I have much of the same issues as you, but I have no problem getting in and out of my Impala - yet. It is old and will need to be replaced. I too, have left foot drop, similar to you, however, my right leg is fine. As long as I have something to hang on to, I am fine. Sometimes, a walker does the trick, but getting it out of the car, by myself, is challenging. I have a Canada crutch (I kid you not), and find that more helpful than a cane.
So, a follow up question: Can anyone suggest an SUV that would be MS friendly?
You see we have a Honda Accord so getting in and out is easier with help but an suv I’m short so are my legs I know that goes with the deal lol 😝 thanks
Thank you for posting this I have exactly the same problem. Now I don't feel so inadequate. I have to lift my left leg with my hands and stay balanced. I know I must look ridiculous and I've been told I squeak like a mouse when getting in and out of a vehicle. Who knows I might graduate to a roar but for the moment I'll just continue to squeak.
I have the same problem. Thanks for all the suggestions.
We have a to wheel drive Chevy Tahoe. Large enough to put the walker in, etc. My husband had it lowered to help me get in and out. It is great, but there are still days when even that is difficult. A bit of an expensive assist, but it looks good too!
Also, the floor mats must be flat. Ones that are raised to catch all the water/snow and dirt get in the way ofr me trying to manuever my feet and legs into the car.
Like ssdw1958, I dread getting into anyone's vehicle I am not familiar with. Vehicles where you have to lift and lower your leg/feet into what I call a "bucket" are also difficult, especially lifting leg to get out. Ugh! I like the idea of using an upside down cane or belt.
I have a helper with me who helps me step onto the step with my butt facing the car. Then I slide my butt onto the seat. Then because I can't lift my leg in I use a dog leash to lift first the left leg and then the right leg into the vehicle. My sister and I can do this all in under 2 minutes. I find it the easiest for us and the least embarrassing. Hope this helps.
I can’t stand without help. Getting into a vehicle is a circus. I grab the roof and door of the car and my wife assists me to stand. Then the turn to face away from the car so I can put my butt in the seat. My wife then helps me lift my legs in. MS has paralyzed me from the waist down. Nothing works as far as getting into and out at the car. I ride a power wheelchair everywhere even in the house. It is absolutely frustrating.
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