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-   -   When is driving a Boxster no fun at all? (http://986forum.com/forums/boxster-general-discussions/55263-when-driving-boxster-no-fun-all.html)

Timco 01-01-2015 05:39 AM

When is driving a Boxster no fun at all?
 
When you have a significant back injury.

Oh, man. I'm driving the work truck home to sit straight up and climb up into it, not down.

This is terrible. Can't take any time off. Lots to do today.

Muzzle of Bees 01-01-2015 06:05 AM

Too bad about your back, but I never let work impact my health. I used to be dedicated and learned early that work did not give a rats ass about me, despite my dedication.

kjc2050 01-01-2015 06:57 AM

I'm pretty sure Tim owns his own business...

amitmishra4 01-01-2015 07:07 AM

Feel better Tim. How bad is the injury? Is it a bad muscle pull perhaps? Try seea doctor, yet? Maybe a relaxant is what you need.

BIGJake111 01-01-2015 08:14 AM

Goodluck with the back, whenever I drive around those that are not as articulate as the younger crowd they just flop in sort of.

For me even in traffic in the manual, I'm glad I'm in the boxster and not something else. You have the ergonomic cockpit to keep you occupied.

steved0x 01-01-2015 08:27 AM

I have take my wallet out of my back right pocket in the boxster only or it gives me a lot of trouble. Hope you feel better.

jsceash 01-01-2015 08:53 AM

In 2007 I had a serious fall at work. I Broke my left elbow and 2 ribs which were diagnosed. Unfortunately because of the pain and stiffness they missed 2 cracked Lamina on L4 and L5 vertebrae. In 2010 the bones had calcified to pinch the nerves that pass through the openings to the point I could not bare to do almost anything. Surgery in 2011 removing bone and calcification relieved the main problems. I could ride/drive in the Boxster no problem but entering and exiting were painful. After riding a friends Cayman, I replaced the seats ++++ Recaro Pole Position Leather. Best money I ever spent. I Still get a pinch sitting down and standing out of the seats, but the ride is comfortable. I believe in part the way they wrap at the hips and around my lower back area to eliminate jostling so that I don't bounce or move while driving at high speed or even at lower start stop traffic speeds.

Chuck W. 01-01-2015 09:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Timco (Post 430271)
When you have a significant back injury.

Ugh.... Hang in there. I've had a chronic back problem for 7 years as a result of work. It's an ass kicker. Too many procedures to list with no help at all.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Muzzle of Bees (Post 430274)
Too bad about your back, but I never let work impact my health. I used to be dedicated and learned early that work did not give a rats ass about me, despite my dedication.

You are so right. I worked same employer for 35 years before retiring. In the 1970's & 80s there were no HIPA laws. When you turned your paperwork in for a transfer you had to include a copy of your sick / injured history. Needless to say if you wanted to go anywhere you didn't take a sick day or get hurt on the job. In 35 years I took one sick day and when I hurt my back I didn't take any time off. Big mistake.

Quote:

Originally Posted by jsceash (Post 430302)
After riding a friends Cayman, I replaced the seats ++++ Recaro Pole Position Leather. Best money I ever spent.

Very interesting. Were they plug and play?

I ordered the Boxster with the Comfort Package which includes seats with electrical height, length and backrest adjustment, left and right; driver's side memory function and adjustable lumbar support (a $2,090 option), Heated Seats Package (a $400 option) and Porsche Crest in Headrest (a $210 option). I could lose the head crest but the Comfort Package and heated seats are a must. I wonder if I could find Cayman seats with the Comfort Package features?

rick3000 01-01-2015 09:37 AM

I have had some back issues, after pretty serious car accident a few years ago. (not in the 986)

I find sheepskin seat covers help a lot, I also have one of these, for some lumbar support: Universal Inflatable In Seat Lumbar Air Bladder and take your wallet out of your back pocket. Best! :cheers:

jsceash 01-01-2015 09:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chuck W. (Post 430303)
Very interesting. Were they plug and play?

I ordered the Boxster with the Comfort Package which includes seats with electrical height, length and backrest adjustment, left and right; driver's side memory function and adjustable lumbar support (a $2,090 option), Heated Seats Package (a $400 option) and Porsche Crest in Headrest (a $210 option). I could lose the head crest but the Comfort Package and heated seats are a must. I wonder if I could find Cayman seats with the Comfort Package features?

Not actually and it took almost a whole day. Lost Heat, and adjustment up, down, and tilt. I reused the sliders but had to move the release lever. I was able to lower and recline the FIXED seat to a good angle for me.

This increased my head clearance, (broomstick rule) knee clearance, while sitting closer to the steering wheel and improving my arm control angle (Eblow to hands are more vertical) giving more control on wheel in tighter turning. Allows 5-6 point harness for tracking.

I have driven Harrisburg PA to Greensboro NC and back home in the same day and was comfortable the entire trip.

Mark_T 01-01-2015 09:54 AM

Sorry to hear about the back pain Tim. I got hit from behind by a car when I was eleven and put up with brutal back pain for years until I found the right chiropractor. I still have trouble hoisting myself up out of the Boxster some days.

jsceash 01-01-2015 10:04 AM

I never wear my wallet in my back pocket any longer.
I changed the style or size of pants and jeans since surgery .
I have used a air pad like "rick300" at time in other cars My Wife's Honda is awful over 2 hours. and my Colorado past an hour. Both with fully adjustable heated bucket seats.

mountainman 01-01-2015 10:18 AM

After 71 years of abusing my back, a couple of injuries in Vietnam, 30 years of riding in a police car and lots of construction, my back is pretty much totaled out, but the 04 boxster S special edition with the sports seats is the most comfortable ride I have had. We routinely do 8 and 9 hours in it. The other 2 Porsches, not bad, but not as good. I still appreciate my inversion machine and an occasional visit to the chiropractor of course.

coreseller 01-01-2015 10:20 AM

I too have been thinking about aftermarket seats, the Pole Positions were at the top of the list, until a couple of weeks ago. They are starting to find some are cracking near the front mounting location, you could imagine the consequences of an accident if the seat sheared.

https://www.recaro-automotive.com/us/press/news/news-view/article/voluntary-field-measure-for-recaro-pole-position-spg-fia-and-recaro-furious-spg-fia.html

I also wear cargo pants to keep wallet / cell phone up front in the thigh pockets, it helps a lot. If you've experienced severe back pain it's a horrible way to go through the day, it's also why I purchased a SUV for a daily driver, big difference getting in and out.

Porsche9 01-01-2015 11:10 AM

It's always fun.

Fortunately my back has been behaving for a couple years (accident at 17 did a number). I dread the day that my back or some other ailment would prevent me from driving my ride of choice.

BIGJake111 01-01-2015 12:27 PM

If it makes everyone feel better, I once saw a boxster for sale with the ad saying "must sell the car I am too sun burnt to drive it." So at least you are not that guy.

jotoole 01-01-2015 01:33 PM

That's a big help.
Once, in my 20's while leaning over the bathroom sink brushing my teeth, I coughed, and that threw my back out.
Next A.M. I could not straighten up enough to even get out of bed. Had to roll over the side of the bed and drop to my hands and knees. Hurt like hell. Was in excellent shape at the time, lifting weights and loading trucks for UPS.
Also did a tour in Vietnam, Army, for what that's worth, just sayin', because sometimes you just have to take an R&R.

Joe B 01-01-2015 01:45 PM

On ice, with summer tires :rolleyes:!

78F350 01-01-2015 02:21 PM

This:
Quote:

I find sheepskin seat covers help a lot, I also have one of these, for some lumbar support: Universal Inflatable In Seat Lumbar Air Bladder and take your wallet out of your back pocket. Best!
I did do a couple million dollars worth of damage to an aircraft about 20 years ago and have 'not been right' since. I hate taking opiate pain meds and NSAIDs almost killed me by taking them too much, too long.

What works for me now is lots of stretching, keeping in decent shape, careful positioning for standing/sitting/lifting/driving, and heat pads when I push it too far. When I don't take glucosamine-chondroitin the chronic pain is worse, so I decided it helps.

One thing that I have really grown to love about working on the Boxsters is that so much of the work can be done from underneath (laying down) instead of bending over for long periods.

jotoole 01-01-2015 03:00 PM

back when I was in 'nam
 
..........

Retroman1969 01-01-2015 09:01 PM

I totally feel for you, seriously.
I've lived with mild scoliosis since birth which has resulted in a weak lower back in the onset of middle-age. If not careful, I can land myself in the hospital for weeks. Fortunately rarely happens. Oddly, it doesn't seem to be affected by the seating position of the Boxster. The seats are firm enough with good lateral support and efficient positioning.
Getting in and out while recovering from an "episode" can be challenging, but I just grab the roof and A-pillar for support and turn sideways to get in or out.
By contrast: The tall upright seats of my Jeep don't help in the face of the bouncy ride pummeling my back into hamburger, and the seats of a big sedan are usually too flat and soft to give proper support.
Hopefully you'll be able to find a comfort zone with your Boxster until you have recovered.

Retroman1969 01-01-2015 09:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 78F350 (Post 430347)
What works for me now is lots of stretching, keeping in decent shape, careful positioning for standing/sitting/lifting/driving, and heat pads when I push it too far.

PS: This makes all the difference. Anything that keeps the back muscles strong and limber help overcome bad or injured backs immensely. I only develop a serious problem when I ignore any of the above.

randy7601 01-01-2015 09:51 PM

I feel for you. Like many others, I've had back pain and surgery for a broken vertebrate.

Be careful, heal well.

Jamesp 01-03-2015 06:00 PM

Wishing you the best Timco - Hope you get past your back problems and return to normal as soon as possible. - Jim

Timco 01-04-2015 02:37 PM

Thanks, fellas.

I've never hurt my back and have no idea what item did it, but I regularly lift the snow blower into the truck and so on...the worst part was not being able to reach my feet, and not because of my weight! I assigned myself light-duty and am back in the Porsche. With help from vitamin I, I was able to work through this.

My pinched C-5/6 is the next issue...

Porsche Chick 01-05-2015 12:17 PM

Yeah, I've had that, about 3 times. Once it happens, it tends to happen again. For me, it's usually a pulled muscle and then the whole back starts to spasm. A pulled muscle takes a full month to heal. It sucks.

A physical therapist will help a LOT, try to find a Doctor of PT, they know what they're doing. They can relieve the pain in about a half hour, then repeated sessions will keep it from returning. They will also show you movements to relieve the pain.

Or a hot bath and a lot of Sangria. That works too. The idea is to relax your muscles, because when you think about it, it makes you tense, the more you tense, the more it spasms/hurts. The more it hurts, the tenser you get, the more it spasms. Repeat. So, to break the vicious pain cycle, you need to get rid of the tension.

That's where the Sangria comes in. ;)

jb92563 01-05-2015 03:47 PM

Its not fun to drive it when you feel like it is unreliable and could fail at any moment.

Since my AOS blow out and computer replacement last May 2014 I only put 20 miles on it. I need to take it on a long drive to re-establish trust so I can start driving all the time again.

It is my second car so its no bother to drive something else but I do miss it and have been post-phoning taking it to a dealer to reset the locking in the computer so the doors will lock again. It also has the beginning of a rear vinyl window tear, but I coincidentally just bought some waterproof wetsuit repair glue that should be a great temporary repair so I can drive in the moisture.


Getting older is all about knowing your body, staying toned and controlling pain. Some days you have to plan ahead and take a pain killer along with the Porsche Keys.

I am taking up Kitsurfing this year and it ought get me more toned, tanned and fit which in the short term will hurt a bit using muscles for new kinds of things, but in the long term will improve everything and reduce the chances of lazy sprains, pulls and such.

The Kitesurfing should prove interesting as some of the equipment terminology is a little concerning; "Impact/Flotation vest", "Oh Sh it handles", "Iron Heart Safety Release", "Suicide Mode safety defeat", getting lofted, getting yarded, Stingray barbed in the shallows, "Body Dragging" ...

Any Kite Boarders or wanabe's here?

I'm taking lessons at Belmont Shores, CA in the spring. Strangely enough I do know a Kiteboarder/986 driver in my general area, I wonder about the connection.

Jamesp 01-05-2015 04:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jb92563 (Post 430809)
Its not fun to drive it when you feel like it is unreliable and could fail at any moment.

Absolutely! Mine is a hobby and after an engine rebuild I have slowly been giving it more responsibility. First it was just driving around (with a AAA card), then back and forth to work (1 mile each way) then (take a breath) picking someone up from the airport. The engine mechanicals are rock solid, but all the ancillary bits are suspect, will the clutch switch allow the car to start?, how about the ignition switch, or the light switch, or the alternator? I won't even mention the wheel bearings.

So what's the therapy? Change the parts that bug you even if they are good (yes, that's a tip of the hat to the bearing that must not be named). Some folks find this a waste of money, but for me it's peace of mind while driving.

When you get a new car, all of the parts are new and have plenty of run time before they fail. With a decade old car, maybe some of those parts need replacement even if they are still functional (for now).

Every car I've owned has been over ten years old. I figure out what fails first and carpet bomb the car with new parts. This includes everything on the engine that always spins when the engine is running as well as the braking system. It costs more up front but keeps things simple.

I've followed that philosophy with my current box and have been driving more and more. I'm actually beginning to trust it for long distance trips. I also occasionally drive with everything but the engine off just listening to the mechanical sound just to make sure everything is cool. So far, it sounds solid so it's time for more driving, except the horn recently stopped working...

antny 03-05-2015 07:18 AM

I have 4 bulged discs since 2005 when I was a turret gunner in a Humvee that hit an IED and flew six feet in the air. I just have a high pain tolerance in general and when I am in the car for any long periods I make sure I stretch and don't stay seated for too long in one position.

CoBeerToad 03-05-2015 07:50 AM

It's not fun when I hear a noise. It may not have come from my car, but if I hear a noise, the next half hour is me trying to duplicate the noise so I can figure out what caused it.

M4SGK1986 03-05-2015 01:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rick3000 (Post 430305)
I have had some back issues, after pretty serious car accident a few years ago. (not in the 986)

I find sheepskin seat covers help a lot, I also have one of these, for some lumbar support: Universal Inflatable In Seat Lumbar Air Bladder and take your wallet out of your back pocket. Best! :cheers:

The inflatable lumbar bladder sounds like a good addition. I always get lower back ache when i have been driving the Boxster on a long trip. Sounds like a wise purchase.

Hope the back feels better soon Timco!

Steve.

landrovered 03-05-2015 02:07 PM

In a city in stop and go traffic with potholes and crappy pavement.

bobbeck 03-05-2015 02:57 PM

I had this done 3 years ago this October. I had two work related injuries that ruined 2 discs. This made driving impossible prior to surgery. Before I got my Boxster I had a 2007 SLK. Even post surgery 2 hours in that car was all I could stand without a break. The Boxster is much easier on the "new" back and the new back is pretty much trouble free as long as you streatch every day. It's amazing how the titanium and lego pieces work.

http://986forum.com/forums/uploads01...1425599779.jpg

AndyA6 03-06-2015 05:40 PM

Tim, please, do yourself a favor and visit the U of U orthopedic center!!!!!!!

Trust me, best thing I ever did. My back gave out 3 times (3rd time I drove myself in the Boxster to the U), the docs there know their sh$t, diagnosis was spot on (raptured disc), right therapy right there (ask for Carter), 100%success, never a problem again. This after ER visits, 1st time, chiropractor quacks (2nd time).

I know back pain, it was so bad... Let me put it this way, if my kids would not have picked me up from the kitchen floor I still would lie there crying and peeing in my pants, not gonna lie here!

Again my man, U of U, they do all the ball players, Olympic athletes and so on, works!

Pm me for details if you like, I can even give you my phone number so we can talk.

Later,
Andy


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