Driving post hip op

Bones, joints and muscles
1

Hi everyone

I'm 6 weeks post LTHR today and can't wait to be able to drive again. What are your experiences of this and when did you start driving?

Best

Jo X

2

I started at 6 weeks, and I didn't have any problems. I am still carefull how I sit in the car, sideways and then i turn around, if you know what I mean...this is how a lady shoud sit in a car if she is wearing a short skirt! Same thing when I come out of the car...It was such a relief to be able to drive again!!!!

All the best

Ella 

3

Hi Ella

Thank you very much, I've tried getting in and out of the car and it's as you say, sideways manoeuvre. Guess I just want to be sure I can react quickly enough, clutch n brake, if I need to?

Pleased to hear you've had no problems.

Jo X

4

Hi Jo,

I also got back in the driving seat at 6 weeks tho having a very low sports car the getting in/out was a challange so putting a plastic bag on the seat helps sliding into position.

For your first time its important to try an emergency stop, if you get someone to take you to an empty car park/open space and do it in 1st gear to make it safe. Once your feeling happy you can do it, enjoy driving again.

Best wishes,

Dot X

5

Thank you Dot! Very sensible advice.

Jo X

6

I was given the go ahead at my post op check, 7 weeks. Did not actually drive for another 2 as went on cruise! No problems, just needed to alter my seating position.

 

7

Hi Maggie

Wow, a cruise to complete your initial rehab! Good for you.

Thank you for your response, glad all was well when you started driving again.

Jo X

8

Driving at two weeks, Automatic car, LHTHR, no problems now at 10 weeks jumping in and out of car like I used too a few years ago, All good

9

Hi Joycy,

Started at 5 weeks, TLHR, automatic transmission. No problems whatsoever. With manual it's very wise to do as Dot said earlier - must be able to perform an emergency stop safely.

At the end of the day, everyone is different so best to judge for yourself when it's safe to be on the road.

Happy motoring, stay safe!

Alison

10

I was about 8 weeks after my first one but that was because it was snowing when 6 weeks were up and I didnt have the confidence  LOL

2nd one was a different matter

Love

Eileen UK

11

I was driving at 4 weeks, no problem it was my left hip and for two years prior I was lifting my leg in and out of the car. Good Luck!

12

Hi Joycy, I drove yesterday which I was only 1 week post op. I am sure that is not recommend but I am moving very well. I am very sore this morning. My buttocks are hurting!

13

hi

I was driving at 5 weeks. surgeon gave me go ahead and was my 5 week appointment with him do was very pleased.

didn't fund a problew

maggie

14

Well it was booked well before the op, which was delayed due to surgeons holiday. Went on using crutch and sometimes a stick. Came off walking unaided, plenty of long straight corridors to practice in. Should be prescribed!

15

Hi Dot,

I too have a very low sports car and when the consultant said I could drive I told him what I drove and he said not until 3 months post op as I would have to break the 90 degree rule getting in and out so last time I swapped cars with hubby who has a more 'normal' car although I hated not being able to get in my baby, especially on sunny days when I would normally have the roof down.

Did you manage it ok and did your consultant know what kind of car you drove when he gave you permission to get back behind the wheel?

Hope you are good this evening m'lady 😊

Ali xx

16

I was given the go ahead at 6 weeks and found it to be no problem.

I had a little drive up the street and tried an emergency stop which was fine so I drove regularly after that.

This time it's my right hip so an emergency stop will put more pressure on my new hip than the left one as obviously the left one only required using the clutch.

My follow up this time around is almost 8 weeks but I will be driving before that. I'm going to ring my consultant to make his permission at 6 weeks, providing I'm happy I can do an emergency stop in control and not in pain.

Good luck.

Ali xx

17

good morning Joyce ...

happy, independent days are upon you .... 

have a look at youtube re: getting in and out of the car ... my car is a low  seated, tiny Fiat and challenging to get in and out ... 

I am 19 days post-op 2nd THR and can't wait to drive ... have to wait another 4 weeks though before i see surgeon ...

driving it self was not a problem - the problem was, you guess it, getting in and out of the car - I could only do one stop (usually super market) in the beginning without being in pain afterwards ... a bigger. higher and automatic car probably would make a big difference ... 

so excited for you !!!!

big warm hug

renee

18

Hi Ali,

My consultant assumed that ladies of a certain age drive very sensible cars 😱 and as my major concern was about being able to ride horses which should have rang alarm bells, was thrown off track by an innocent smile 😉 little did she know that even my little tractor thinks it's a formula one car!

Everything "horse power" is my passion, in my younger days I rode a Norton commando 750, have driven in the RAC rally and now drive a beast and a half.............topless, nothing like a bit of topless driving my lovely friend and today is a perfect day for it so,

Heated seat on, top down and have a lovely day 🏁

Dot xx

19

Haha I guess your consultant doesn't take into account ladies of a certain age like us! I'd give anything to be able to go out topless as it's another beautiful day here! I have to just be patient!

I look at the pic below and have to make do with that for now as by the time I get back in the seat it'll be cold but yeah, heated seat on, hot air blowers so I might still get some topless driving in yet before the spring comes round again 😊

 

20

Lovely car, just think of the pleasure you will have driving it again, mine is the middle on in this pic (black one) taken over in NCL when visiting daughter xxx