Drive Manual Steering After Sternotomy

So I had a sternotomy on 7/14 for a huge mass in my chest. All clear, but not the point. Dr has answered normal life questions about recovery and range of motion/strength. However there is jack squat about driving with a manual gear box. I'm 57, and otherwise healthy and trying to decide if I should pull the trigger on power steering (with help) or just wait because it won't be more than a year.

I'm looking for experienced opinion, not medical advice. Dr says, when it stops hurting. Which is BS, I always hurt somewhere.

I have a side loading garage on my house and the bay I park my old cars in requires a 3-point turn to get into the garage. It’s not too bad parking my manual steering Corvette or ERA Cobra - but, my 66 Satellite with bigger 15” radials was another whole issue. I’m 74 but I exercise and I’m in good physical shape but it still quite a battle getting in there or getting back out of it. So last winter I had finally collected all the parts necessary to do an OEM change over to power steering. Man, what a difference not having to tug and tug on that damn wheel to get out of the garage and back in again. Even just cruising down the road is much better with faster steering ratio and tighter feel. Based on that I would not hesitate to recommend dumping that truck-like steering and going with power.

I would say anything that keeps you driving and enjoying your car is worth while. Call Peter at Bergman Auto Craft. He should have a complete kit with the Borgeson steering box.

I parted with two manual steering GTXs a few years back. I’ve still got good upper body strength at 71, but I get a lot more driving pleasure with power steering at this stage of the game. In my case, hand controls make it the realistic choice.

Thanks for the comments but I'm more focused on the sternotomy recovery time and any experience folks might have with that. My 72 has power steering but my 38 does not.