Hi all, just to ask when did you all start driving? I'ts going to vary and that's what I'm interested in. I went for my six week check up yesterday, it's slightly over actually and I will be seven weeks post op tomorrow.
They said I could start to drive so long as I was confident I could do an emergency stop. In truth, when I sit in my car behind the wheel I don't feel comfortable. With that I don't want to try yet. What are your thoughts guys? When did you all get back behind the wheel?
Thanks in advance
Cindy x
Hi. I'm 7 weeks post op tomorrow too!
I had my check at 4 weeks and was told I could drive and walk without crutches but to take a fold up stick with me in case I needed it. I didn't feel ready for either !
I sat in car every few days but knew I wasn't ready. I actually started driving a few days ago and it's fine now. Do you have someone who could go with you the first time?
I have been walking without aids for weeks whilst at home but somehow being outside feels daunting. I'm taking one crutch but know that I'm about ready to give that up.
You'll know when you're ready. Good luck!! X
Hello, I live in Southern California-car country. I drive an automatic and had LHR. I started driving again at three weeks. I had been off the pain medication for a 1 1/2 weeks and felt fine. I didn't really ask anyone, but my PT agreed that I was well enough to drive.
Six weeks on the dot. I used a wedge cushion in the car which meant the seat edges didn't rub on my scar. The biggest problem for me was actually getting into the car - it's very high, so I had to use a little step with a bit of string tied round it so I could lift it into the car once I was in. I was nervous to begin with, but took it slow and practised on quiet roads for a bit before facing traffic and I avoided stop-start type city driving for a while.
Around 9 weeks, I went fora cruise from weeks 7 and 8. I did move the car a couple of times just after 6 weeks and got my husband to take me to a large quiet car park one evening to practice an emergency stop. That over with I was quite happy after my holiday, but needs to alter driving position slightly as my whole posture, even sitting had changed. Go for it when you are ready
Yes I'm going to aks my daughter to come with me when I do eventually get in the car. I think you're right and I don't feel right in the car at the moment. Will give it another week and see what that brings. Thanks for you input 😘
Hi Cindy,
Congratulations on "passing" the 6 weeks follow up appointment -
I agree with Carol -
As long as you are not comfortable, for whatever reason, do not drive ... and please have someone with you the first (couple of) time(s) --- don't allow anybody to force you and don't feel you need to defend your self --
I have a tiny, low seated, manual shift Fiat - after first THR I was more courageous and started driving at 5 weeks post-op . flt confident enough and could do the emergency stop ..
However, with 2nd THR it was a different story - I felt uncomfortable, did not trust my self and postponed the driving until week 9 and at times still did not drive for a couple of days ...
Trust your instinct Cindy ...
I lived in Los Angeles for 35 years and so miss my comfortable smooth driving automatic ...
big warm hug and let us know how you are getting on
big warm hug
renee
Thanks everyone for your input so far. I just don't feel right at the moment and will give it another week and try again xx
Hi , i am 4 weeks post op tomorrow and was able to drive last week ..its more difficult getting in car but as i van lift my right leg and brake etc i am fine , though only driving short small journeys , i am also walking without frame stick etc ...again small walks i had posteria TRHR...everyone heals different ...i have been lucky with plain etc
Amanda
I was 2 weeks out but I use my right foot and my left hip was replaced.
Morning Cindybud. When I was given the ok to start driving, first I kind of just got in and out of vehicle a couple of days, then my husband drove us to an empty parking lot and I took the wheel and just got the feel of just how much pressure to put on the gas pedal and brake. Unfortunately for me it was a little over 2 months before I started to drive as I dislocated my first hip replacement and had to have a total hip revision 3 weeks later and was 6 weeks non weight bearing. But once I was able to drive it was no problem. Best of luck to you. Hugs Linda
I saw my consultant at six weeks and he said I needed two more weeks before he would clear me to drive and also return to work
I felt ready after four weeks but my insurance company said they were only happy for me to drive if my consultant was.
Should I have had an accident before being cleared I would not have been covered, so I obviously didn't take the risk as a ban for uninsured driving would have lost me my job - and no doubt a lot of money!
Hun Cindy, I had my checkup similar stage to you. I live in a cul de sac so practiced emergency stop. My hubby took me to work for a week when I returned at 8 weeks. I drove short distances for around 6-8 weeks before I undertook a longer journey as I didn't feel comfortable. Almost two years post op now. X
Hi Cindy, I had a right anterior hip replacement on June 6th and went back to work on July 19th. To this day I still have some assist with my right leg ..
To add to all the differing experiences, I drove for the first time to my 6 week check up. Neither my consultant or my insurance company were in the least bit interested in whether I was driving or not. Neither had any opinions on the subject. I then returned to work the next day and did my usual busy half hour drive through the traffic to work. I felt a bit sore for a couple of days but then forgot about it.
If you don't feel comfortable and you are not under pressure to return to work, relax and leave it a bit longer.
Hope it all goes well for you.
If you don't feel comfortable I would not drive. Sit in the car to get a feel for it. The insurance will not be very happy if you drive when you are not absolutely confident. Take a friend when you first do go out. Good luck.
Gosh Linda you have been through the mill. I hope things are ok for you now and thanks for the in put x
Hi Sylvia no rush for me as I am retired, live on a great bus route and have good friends and family. I don't baby my self and am pleased with what I have achieved so far but I just don't feel ready where the car is concerned. Glad you are doing so well, long may it last. Xx