Hi hippies, my six week appointment to see the surgeon actually takes place in eight and a half weeks. My question to you all - has anybody been told at their six week review that they CAN'T drive? I desperately want to go and see my 96 year old mother after I see the surgeon, but she is over 100 miles away. I'm just hoping he will say I can drive. I should add, it's an automatic car (right leg though was operated on) and it's nearly all motorway driving.
Thanks to you all. Madeleine.
Hi Madeline
i wouldn't have thought 100 mile drive was a great start after your op ☹️ Even now I haven't driven more than 40 miles and then I'm sore and worn out with concentrating!
however, everyone is different and your surgeon/GP are the best people to speak to.
I can understand you miss your mum, just take it easy if you do go- take lots of breaks and a nice soft cushion!!😀
Take care, love and hugs xxxx
I had my 6 weeks consultation with my surgeon two days ago and he gave me full clearance for driving--no restrictions. I've already driven around my immediate area with no problms and today I'll be doing an hours drive there and back to pick up our grand children form school.
He also said there was no need to notify my car insurance company--I live in the UK.
In fact, he said the only thing I must avoid is playing golf for a further 6 weeks. Something to do with a full swing!
Hi Madeleine,
when I saw my consultant after 2 weeks following my left hybrid THR (posterior) he said that I could drive after 4 weeks post op if I have an automatic and 6 weeks if manual. This is because of DVLA stipulations being able to do an emergency stop! He is very relaxed about restrictions, I have to add and everyone is different. I was naughty and started driving after 4 weeks in my manual car. I have had no problems.
Not sure if this is helpful.
Kind regards
Ruth
Hi Madeline,
Just a thought, but to be discharged from hospital, it seemed to the the phsio department, that gave the OK.. Can you get a physio just to check your progress??
but I can feel how anxious you must be , I'm only into 9 days PO and miss driving. I am also right leg, so am awaiting to hear comments... but guess I would just do it, take breaks when achy , pain killers and if you have "cruise control " use it which I do all the time.
Good Luck xx
We were told 6 weeks. I left it till I saw surgeon at 7.5 weeks. Then drove around the block testing my energency stop.
I didnt drive more than 30 mins for a while.
My first time of driving an hour. I had to stop around 45 mins and get out of car to move around as it was uncomfortable.
If you are visiting your mum I would suggest staying over as it would be too much in one day for your hip.
I am a year RTHR now and can drive long distances without a problem. X
Hi Madeleine I went out day before yesterday
and drove every time I changed gear it was very uncomfy like( I no this sounds silly ) there was
bone /rocks pushing into my thigh and pain shooting down to knee,I drove for about 45 minutes,
needless to say hubby drove back ,but yesterday
did I pay for it the pain in my left operated side
my hip ,pelvis knee and back was really bad so
had rest for day feel a bit easier this morning
I think I'll leave driving a while and speak to G P
So good luck hope things work out .Hugs xxx
Hi there, I'm just over six weeks since my right THR. Was told I could drive after about six weeks when I felt comfortable. Been driving about 3 days now, only short journeys and it still feels a bit strange. I don't think I'm ready for a long trip just yet. We all heal/repair at different rates. There's no one more keen to get behind the wheel than me, but for now I'm staying local. Good luck with your healing process.
I am 5.5 weeks post Bi-lateral THR and started to drive last week short distances only. I have an automatic car which is great as not sure I would be able to do clutch change.
Like anything try, but would say sitting that long might be painful, you would need plenty of breaks.
Hi, I am five weeks post right hip replacement drove car today for first time fine but only went to bus stop half a mile away. Good luck, for you to get to see your mum. I do not intend to do long journeys for several weeks only up to twenty five miles.
YES !
I was told that he would not let me drive until I could walk into the hospital without sticks (canes). He said it's not so much the pressure that you can exert on the pedals (although that is important), it's the time taken to het the foot ONTO the pedals (reaction time) that he was concerned about.
Graham
Take it easy to start with, very short journeys, with someone else who can take over from you.
I used a narrow cushion on the seat to get over the problem of the seat sides rubbing my posterior scar area.
Obviously it's easier with an automatic, but check that you can brake adequately - try an emergency stop in a safe place. I started at just after 6 weeks after my second hip operation.
Hello Madeleine.
I am 5 weeks post op today and had my 6 week check up yesterday as my surgeon is having a hip replacement very soon so seeing patients early. He told me I could drive as soon as I felt ready and to inform my insurance company he has given me the all clear. Much as I want to drive, my car is very low and I'm not ready to sink down so far and feel a cushion may slip if I have to do an emergency stop. I drove at 6 weeks following my lefy hip op 3 years ago but not so sure about this time. However I went out with my sister and brother in law last week and am convinced I did about 100 emergency breaking actions in the passenger seat!!! Good luck and take things steady as others have said. You may be fine driving but there are a lot of thoughtless drivers on the road.
best wishes
Liz
Wait for the ok from your dr. He will X-ray the leg to check the heeling .
ask for another driver to help you if driving that long. It's sitting that long that is difficult on the hip join so soon,
All the literature says you can drive after 6 weeks. If you are feeling fit, and your swelling has gone, why don't you try little journeys first, before you have your appointment. Take care getting in and out, and practise with the pedals first. I drove at 6 and a half weeks, and felt absolutely fine. Good luck with your long journey.
Thank you everybody for your excellent advice and good wishes. I knew I could rely on you all to help me decide what to do. I will attempt a short journey at six weeks and see how I get on, plus book a motel half way to my mother so I don't do it in one long haul.
Madeleine.
Hi Madaleine
They tell you 6 week not to drive but with both my hip replacements l was driving at 4 weeks post op. Before l drove anywhere l checked l was able to do an emergancy stop. And when l told my Dr at my 6 week appointment that l.has been driving he was totally fine. He said peoole heal faster thanźàothers. If l were you l would give it a wee try and see how you feel.
I did it for the same reason my mum took not.well and she stayed in the next town not far and l wanted to see her. I am glad l did as it turns out she has cancer so l have had plenty of time see her.
Good luck
Laura x
Madeleine, I don't understand why you have to wait so long to drive I was driving and back at work by 3 weeks. The biggest obstacle is getting in and out of vehicle without hurting yourself. I was careful and moved slowly, but I really needed to get back to work. Maybe not smart but all is good at 8 weeks.
Hi Madeleine,
So many different comments ...
This is my story : my 6 weeks follow up appointment with surgeon was moved to 9 weeks This freaked me out as I too was eager to drive again -
Then I was told by secretary that The Surgeon would not authorize driving, ever - The 6 weeks or follow up appointment is used to check the hardware and ROM -
Surgeon can not be held responsible in case you get in to an accident later on -
ULtimately you are the one who makes the decision -
My physical therapist checked how I got in and out of my car and do emergency stop ...
If you feel fit enough and confident, go for it darling ...
big warm hug and please let us know how you are getting on ....
renee
I haven't had mine yet, but my consultant told me that he wouldn't make that decision either. He said it was my legal responsibility to decide whether I could safely drive and whether I could perform an unerring emregency stop. But he also said that I must check with my insurance company because many have clauses that say you mustn't drive until 8 weeks and you aren't insured if you do. I checked - mine does, and I have to phone them first before I start driving again to satisfy them that I can drive safely again.