Been feeling very upbeat and positive until today - now suddenly having a down day. However putting the title on this post just made me realise it is only 24 days! Still using 2 sticks - feel I should only be using one - but if I do I limp. Think it may be to do with the arthritis in the in operated leg. Can however walk across the room with no sticks - so guess doing o.k. haven't been able to go out much - except into the garden- as live on a steep hill and drive is also a steep slope making getting into the car difficult - but hope to start getting out more from next week. Wanted to ask did you all wait for your consultants clearance before driving? I have been signed off for 6 weeks but don' t see my consultant till week 7. Have to drive 15 miles to and fro work. Guess I will wait and see how I feel but thinking maybe I' all need to get my gp to sign me off for another week?
Hi Shirley
I'm 60 days post op and and I sympathise as I know how you are feeling as like most of us Hippies we have good days and bad days. Sometimes you don't even know why a day is bad ŷou just feel a bit low. Indulge yourself a little on a bad day, you may need a bit more rest or just a bit of tlc. You'll feel much better tomorrow.
The thing to remember is that the bad days get fewer and fewer as the days pass post op. I have very few bad days now. I've been for a walk this morning with the husband and dog 😀, driven the car (hooray!) and I'm now going to go in the garden to have a go at painting the back fence. I'm only telling you all this so you can see that it gets better as far as what you can do (fence painting optional!)
take care and hope you soon feel brighter
Linnet x
Shirley
Whatever you do, don't drive without formal clearance, as your insurance will be invalid.
Sorry Shirley having read edarlingb comment. Didn't mean you can drive now - I got clearance from my surgeon first at just over 7 weeks.
Linnet x
i also got signedoff for 6 weeks but e-mailed HR to tell them that i wont know when i can drive or return to work until i see my consultant (end of week 5 for me) and they were fine about it, i guess it depends where you work but dont rush to go back i have a feeling we will all be exhausted when we start back at work!
Good question. The Exeter hip advisory booklet says tis ok to drive at six weeks. I am due to get my post op consultation at 8 weeks tho, so will probably start driving at 6 weeks as per booklet. At 22 days I feel all our journeys are different...and this chat room realy helpful too!
I was told not to even get in the car as a passenger until the 6 weeks was up, so I didn't, actually it was 6 weeks to the day when I got in the car as a passenger. Better to be safe than sorry.
I really wouldn't asvise doing that. A leaflet doesn't constitute authorisation and you really would be invalidating your insurance.
Have this on good authority from insurance advisor.
How did you get home from hospital? I had to go to my GP to get dressing changed, clips removed and start my physio no other way except in a car.
Thanks guys. Will wait till after seeing the consultant to be on the safe side. Did tell my boss I would be off 6-8 weeks so will either ask to be signed off for another week or try to get a lift in depending on how I feel in 3 weeks time. Bit wary of driving 30 miles a day straight away any way.
I was wondering that too!
Linnet x
If you feel wary maybe you should listen to your feelings. Was your thr on the side you use for gas & brakes? If so then I would practice shorter distances to gauge how it feels ; 30 miles of driving the first couple outings may not feel very good.
wishing you the best with your driving