clutch control after discectomy

[Terri J]

Hello, not been around for a while!! Why because had my discectomy l4/l5 in February 08 and been fine since!!
But as usual when a problem crops up you come back online to ask advice!!
We had two cars, one manual, one automatic. I always drove the automatic as it was the nicest car (lol). Anyhow we sold that a few weeks ago and now I'm just driving manual cars with heavy clutches again. I now have a very, very irritated sciatic nerve. nothing to do with my back!! The discs are fine. Its from clutch control!! the agony I had when my disc ruptured was in my left leg and although the nerve healed to a certain extent (recovered from foot drop etc) its never been 100 per cent since.
My cousin who also had an l4/l5 discectomy has the same problem and always drives automatics now. Now obviously I can't dash out and buy a new car. But am wondering if anyone else has these problems too and if anything helps. Have been told to get a wedge cushion for in the car and also have to do gentle cobra stretches five or six times a day and not do anything like hamstring stretches which stretch the nerve until it all calms down - back at physio again next week!
Anyhow, any other advice or experiences would be great.

Best wishes
Phillipa

 

[mtnhotte]

Hi,

I can't drive anything but automatics now although I can get by on short journeys with a Mistubushi, its has a very light gearbox and for short runs it is fine. Tried everything but you are right the clutch is evil! lol.


Cassie

 

[Pompal 09.]

My main car now is a sports car with such a nasty clutch... agree clutches are so evil - spent the afternoon with my leg in spasms after getting caught in a traffic jam...

thanks again xx

 

[kseokuwpikailgeka]

Awww thats a pain! I would love a sports again, used to have a lovely soft top, wind in my hair, no cares, ahhh to be young again!

 

[? ? ? Baby Mumma ? ? ?]

Oh don't - my soft top is parked outside.......... just can't drive it!!

 

[salus]

Hi, Sometimes adjusting the seat helps, you may be a little to far away from the wheel, i had a client recently, by spending a short while with her adjusting her car seat, the symptoms have all but disappeared, so may be worth a try.

Therapist1960uk

 

[P3RF3CTLY FLAW3D]

Thanks for that, it is a good idea. I've tried all different positions, but unfortunately even though I'm not driving its getting worse so I'm back at the consultant's again later this week.... joy..... fingers crossed its nothing too major!
Thanks again

 

[lyssa]

Good Luck pippic

 

[Fruxulley]

Well its the clutch.... really, really relieved to hear that its nothing more sinister. My consultant has had an l4/l5 discectomy too which is why I value his opinion so much and he drives an automatic..... think I'm going to have to go car shopping.... thanks for so much help!!

 

[FldHckyBasktblALLSTAR]

Automatics can be great, not just for backs but shoulders too.(no more gear sticks to push) ...Well worth looking into!

 

[Aranterion]

Makes so much sense. Looking at Ford Focus autos at the moment. Boring but keep their value. Thanks again everyone!!