I have to admit to not being the most patient of patients. I'm about five and a half weeks post-op on my right THR, and today went out for my first bike ride - rode about 45 minutes and felt pretty good - actually my rear end hurt more than my hip from not being in the saddle. Of course, not supposed to be doing that, at least until my follow up x-ray at the 7 week mark. But as the title says - bad patient. Then there was that matter of the driving - was not supposed to drive for a couple of weeks post-op, but did actually drive on the 8th day after, just to make a run to a store nearby to pick up a few things. But then, I live alone, so one does what one has to do. My sister did stay with me that first night home (only one night in the hospital at the Wildwood Orthopaedic Hospital here in Ohio), but then I told her I would be fine on my own after that.
Moral of the story I guess - do listen to your doctor's orders, but also to your body, and what seems reasonable as to what you can do or not do as you go through recovery.
I can see myself as a bad patient too Alan. Day 6 and was doing push-ups this morning - I reckon I will be joining you for a ride by week 5. Do take care but I can understand you completely.
Good for you and I agree listen to your body but don't moan when it starts to go wrong 
Warning to UK patients. Right THR, my insurance co has a blanket ban on driving for 6 weeks and left THR automatics only. They said they wanted medical clearance to begin driving. They were less restrictive on my left TKR with an automatic. If you drive when your insurance company considers you medically unfit then you run the risk of the insurance company refusing to pay after an accident and the police charging you with driving without insurance. The US has different rules over this one.
Hi
The USA will have different rules
I was told {UK} not to drive before 6 weeks was up and i had had my 6 week check up with the consultant.
The consultant had to say yes or no.
Otherwise the insurance wouldnt have been valid.......so be careful when reading posts because so many different countries and so many different rule LOL
Good Luck
Love
Eileen {UK}
In the UK the answer to when one can drive is that one must 'phone one's car insurer & establish their position. I'd been told by NHS staff that my insurance would be invalid for at least 6 weeks post op. When I got home (8 days post op) I 'phoned my large, well-known insurer & was told by the rep (who also had had a left THR!!) that they were OK with my driving straight away(!?). But others have told me their insurance indeed was suspended for at least 6 wks.
I am one of the lucky ones ~ left THR and a rusting old automatic Merc; but even so I didn't drive until 3 wks post op, & then only 6 miles into town to the supermarket.
The bottom line (in the UK): check with your insurer & obey whatever they tell you.
Hi
UK again LOL Hospital said 6 weeks. I checked with the physio when I was there and he said he was happy enough but ring the insurance company. Raang the insurance company and theysaid they were happy enough but to check with the consultant ...he had the final say so....He said Yes so I was fit to go LOL
Love
Eileen
Thank you all for responding and bringing out some important points to consider, especially about checking with your insurance as well as the differences between the UK and the U.S. Upon more reflection, the smart course would be to follow doctor's orders, not to metion the legal guidelines as well. As I said, just me being a bad patient, and also the fact that I live alone and always have been very independent. Should add that my Sis was more than happy to here to help in any way. Maybe should have relied on her a bit more, but that's just me. Thank you again for your important comments.