Need some advice if possible. I ma about five months now and need to make a 525 mile round trip over twenty four hours. I am extermely worried as last time (as a passenger) I was ill for over a week afterward. This time I am the driver and I have no choice as to making the trip. Any advice??
Hi Catrin
Greetings from Exeter!
Well, as also at 5 months I did a similar trip recently, and was amazed how easy it was compared to me at 8 weeks...healing going well andour buying a bigger car, a Renault CAPTUR, helped too!.
I know you're good at your exercises, so as long as you split it up with breaks say every 90 mins, I imagine you'll be fine.
mic
xx
PS Take chocolate too!
Hi Catrin
I'm 9 weeks post op today and last week (at 8 weeks) I had a 6.5 hour journey to a music festival, towing a caravan for the first time with my 17 year old son and his girlfriend (both non-drivers) in the back. I had 3x 12 hour days walking around very uneven ground (used one crutch) and had to drive another 6 hours back again. I think I should have been certified for undertaking this, but I had booked the tickets last year before I had hip problems. It actually became a goal for me to get well enough to go, but I seriously doubted I could do it. Especially as the journey should only take 3.5 hours, but traffic jams extended it. My operated leg was aching for the last 2 hours, but I was stuck in traffic and couldn't move! When we stopped on the way back for a comfort break/lunch, I was stiff for a few minutes until I'd walked it off.
You are much further down the line from me and only you know how much stamina you have and how you feel after driving. Going was a mad idea, but I was able to feel "normal" for the first time in months. So it was worth it for me. All I would say is that if you can plan lots of rest stops on the journey, it will help - just to be able to change position and move around a bit. It helps if you can have something to look forward to once you're there - sounds like a duty visit you are making? I'd also make sure you tryand have a few clear days when you get back, when you don't have any commitments, so you can just flop and do what you want (i.e.sleep!)
I've had a couple of days at home and now I'm off on a 140 miler ound trip to see my 91 year old mum, who is in a nursing home. I'm the only one left now, so it is very much down to me to visit and try to cheer her up. So no rest for the wicked!
All the best for your trip - it sounds daunting, but break it down into little chunks and it will be so much more achievable.
regards
Cheryl
Hi catrin
I'm 9 months post op and drive mainly in my job we've recently been to Devon on holiday from the north west which is 6 hours driving we stopped a couple of times on route so I could stretch a bit, and whist I'm working I'm in and out of my car which helps, I think if you sit for a long period of time it becomes a problem. I've also found a cushion on my driving seat to bring your bottom up so your not sitting with your kness higher than your bottom when driving helps(if you can understand my description😁) unless you have one of the new cars where you can alter the driving seat electronically,. I still find driving uncomfortable and I cycle, swim, and go walking etc I just think it's the position of the seat, good luck not something I'd like to do that's a lot of miles
Regards
Vicki😀
Hi Victoria,
Awww, you didn't come and see me for a cream tea when in Devon!
I've learnt that in Devon its the cream first by the way, and in cornwall its the jam first!
mic
x
Yes your right mic and tasty they were too😀 just a first time long haul jaunt with our caravan what a lovely part of the country but oh... Your lanes are narrow, but I'm sure it won't stop us visiting again, can't be too soon though not good for asides weight those cream teas😁
Keep well
Vicki
Should read a ladies predictive text😁
Hi Catrin,
you are very brave to undertake a 525 mile trip!! but on the other hand you are 5months post. which hip did you have replaced? mine was the left and I emediatley sold my stick shift for an all singing all dancing auto. the seat thing is the problem on lonf drives, so I made sure i spoiled myself, my seats are electronically adjusted, also have heat and massage function, it's a dream to drive , the heat really feels good on the hips, so if you don't have an auto, then take many breaks to walk around, if your seat is too low, take a gel cushion with you, good luck, have a safe trip,
Lynne
Hi Lynne,
i had my right done so an automatic wouldn't be any help. We have a fairly new Ford Focus. I am worried but have no choice so hoping for the best. On another note (cos I saw you had teeth issues) I had a crown broke last week and it can't be replaced so I have to have a denture!!! And have the remaining root surgically removed. I'm frankly terrified. Anyway will worry about that next week. Hope all goes well with you
cafrin
Thanks for the advice everyone.
that is a long haul ... do you have to drive it in one day or can you maybe overnight somewhere ... I know, it will be more expensive that way ...how many hours is it and what are the road conditions?
are you by your self or someone going with you? are you comfortable and confident enough about driving ?
If I would not feel confident enough to drive such a distance and hours on end, I would postpone the trip until I do ....It would just be too stressfull for me ....
I am sure you will make the right decision dear Catrin ...
warm hug
Could you save up and have an implant instead of a denture? My hubby had one and is chuffed with it.
Life not fair!!
The dentist seems to think there is an issue with long term bone density so may no be possible. 😓
No I will be staying overnight. 275 tomorrow and 275 Saturday. I have to be here (in London) Sunday so no choice. I will have m elderly mother with me on way there it alone on way back. Husband went to fetch her but has to work this weekend and she has to go home. I'm confident with he drive as been doing it for 35 years or more but not sure I'm comfortable, however, no choice unfortunately.
How far out is your THR
21 weeks tomorrow so five months essentially
Good morning Catrin,
I want to wish you a safe journey - take your time and make regular stops - try to relax behind the wheel ... I know that I have a tendency to tighten up my body while driving - hands cramped around the steering wheel, legs, back etc ... once in while check on your breathing ...
warm hug and let us know how you did