Update - long car trip, new struts, MAJOR comfort increase

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cherish1

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Hi all - we made a house hunting trip this weekend and while the drive was 3.5 hours one way, I was still dreading it. Car trips just KILL me. After getting advice from those of you on this board and others, I had hubby put in brand new Toyota struts in our 2002 Avalon. He knew we needed to get them soon, but didn't realize how much it would help my back.

Well, I am happy to report that I am in MUCH less back pain!! The ride was much smoother, obviously, but for a spiney, it was very noticeable!! Maybe imperceptible to someone else, but not to me!

We not only drove over and back, but spent the majority of the time in the car looking at houses as well. I just can't believe how well I am doing this morning. Normally, I would have been laid out the entire day after coming home, and while not great, I am functioning and not dying of pain.

So, I highly recommend anyone dealing with long car trips to check to see if your vehicle has high quality struts/shocks. It may just help!
 
glad it worked out :)

Ill be replacing the shocks in my jeep cherokee soon with softer ones, the thing rides like it has rocks for wheels now.
 
Cherir, is it difficult getting into the Avalon with your back. I would think it would be to low to the ground. Just curious because it is time for us to purchase a new vehicle.

Pray that you are having a good day and thank you for the other night. :angel:
 
SUVs seem to be pretty good for us back problem folks because they are fairly high and usually have "grab bars" inside near the roof you can hang onto getting in and out. they also promote better sitting as your feet are more at the proper right angle (IE bent down more at the knee due to higher seats) than low slung sedans.

throw some nice soft shocks on one and theyre even better.

bout the only thing that sucks about them is gas mileage, although some get pretty good MPG.
 
Cherir,
I agree with you, nothing worse than to be in pain while in a car and next day practically can't move.
I found that SUV cars are the best for me to get in and out. My daughter has Toyota Highlander (SUV) and i have no problem to get in or out. On the other hand my Infinity sedan is such a pain in a neck. I had never problem with it until i got spinal surgeries and realized how hard this for me: takes forever to get out and with so much pain.
My next car definitely will be SUV for this matter even though I will never be able to drive due to droped foot, but as a passenger I will be very happy with it.

Glad you made it and no pain for you today!!!:jester:
 
Yes, getting in and out of the Avalon isn't the easiest, but the ride is worth it. Very smooth and comfy. Also, tons of leg room in the backseat which I've always preferred.

We have had vehicles higher off the ground, and are considering if we should get another one since I am going more downhill than uphill on pain and recovery. We LOVED our Ford Excursion, but more for car sick issues. RAB2 and I are serious motion sick people and have to be really careful what vehicles we ride in, etc. We never got sick in the Excursion, I guess so high off the ground. But did not love the gas mileage!

Had a Chevy Trailblazer but it was too floaty and didn't enjoy. Have had quite a few min-vans, but had hoped to "graduate" from those when the boys got older. Still might be a smart vehicle, though, for me.

Hmmm, what to buy. We are leaning toward getting a cheaper type car that will pass to RAB2 shortly, but just not sure.

OHHH, and the nuraber one thing I love about the Avalon is heated seats AND dual temperature control. I can keep my side on 62 and DH can turn his to 78. lol
 
Thank you for the information. Cherir, I am sorry I did not mean to ask a question and for the thread to change directions.
 
Yes, the SUV is the best for riding/driving. The heated seats are a necessity..and I am spoiled. It depenRAB on the distance...I still wind up in bed the next day .... depenRAB on how long I drive/ride. Last weekend...I drove only 138 miles on Fri. and was in bed all day Sat. This is not good for someone who drives 600 miles at a time....world is getting smaller. I have driven/riden in soft slippers..and that makes my feet happy.. ALSO..the heat patches can be a big help...even if you have heated seats..I think it's the constant thing of heat. Good luck to you..hope you feel better. (my suv gets about 22 mpg on the highway.... We bought it because it has that 8/4 cyl. engine..also has flex fuel option...but hey, where is the flex fuel???? We tried to be "green" but have not seen that fuel anywhere in the south...or eastern seaboard... )

Sage
 
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