Driving

Bones, joints and muscles
1

How long do you think it is best to wait until I can drive again after my THR? I am 8 days in and walking with 1 crutch now and my car is automatic.

Cheers. J

2

Hi Julie, Glad you  are doing wel!  It may depend on what hip you had replaced? I had my left, saw my surgeon after two weeks I was cleared to drive, had to watch the meds for pain though.  I didn't drive other than one time, wasn't getting around good enough to want to go out at that time.  Best of luck, you may want to call your Dr and ask.

Annette

3

I think after my 2nd operation, which was on my right leg but an anterior approach so no restrictions that would affect driving, I was driving after about 3 weeks (maybe less).  

4

I had to wait at least the six weeks, then I choose not to because my leg and ankle wes so swollen I was unable to switch between pedals,

 

5

Wow Julie hold your horses ! I'm not allowed to drive for at least 8 weeks (I'm in England..). Maybe more -depends on consultant at 8 week review.

What did your medics suggest?

Rob..

6

Here in UK it is mandatory 6 weeks by law I believe

7

It is my left hip that got replaced and since I drive an automatic car I thought it might be ok.

Thanks for your reply. 👍

8

Hey Rob.

The medics haven't said anything about how long I have to wait before driving. The booklet I got did say 6 weeks, but I thought it was maybe for people who drive manual as you need 2 feet for that.

Maybe I do need to wait. I am just amazed at how quickly I am recovering now, the only pain I have is in my scar and when I do the lift slides.

9

Thanks Hazel.

10

In order to communicate the thought that SOME questions may not be reliably answered by us poeple out here in the world, I will answer your question by saying "I have no earthly idea".  I know in my case I stopped driving about a year ago because my mind --not my body so much-- was not , in my jusgment , up to the subtle and challenging task of driving. You seem to be leaning to wanting an answer in the affirmative--When you say that your car is automatic, that seems to suggest you want an early time to drive.  Be cautious. Good luck.

11

I sent you a reply --at least I THOUGHT I did--but I don't know whether it "went through "  I basically said "be careful" .  Now will this cmment materializ einto a n actual message that gets legs?

12

hi julie, 

really depends -- did you have the anterior approach ? If so, restrictions might be a lot less than with posterior - to be on the safe side, ask your surgeon ... 

we are not medicalpeople here and our responses are based on personal experience -

it is not only the driving but also getting in and out of car --- so early in recovery the risk of dislocation is higher than later on ...

let us know how you are getting on otherwise, okay

big warm hug

renee