Annie,

We have a friend who had hip surgery - so once she was up and around she had
an issue with getting herself into the driver's seat. Her solution (much
like a suggestion you already received) was to use a sturdy step stool to
get hereself in. Then, the best part - she would use her cane to reach down
and hook the stool and haul it into the bus.

Now I know you're situation is different and you probably aren't using a
cane - but you might be able to do something similar - as long as whatever
you use to hoist the stool in is long enough that you don't have to bend.

Not sure it will workout for you but it could be something to tey. Good luck
and heal up quick!

--
Thanks,

Jeff
'85 GL (Gertie)
'90 Carat (Grover - the noble parts donor)
'86 (We call this one Scrap)
'78 Bus (Melissa) Patty's Bus