All fellow car drivers

i am 5 weeks post and similarly wondering. Think it is generally six weeks but my surgeon said it depends how you feel

Check with your insurance company as you have to be able to make an emergency stop. Speak with your surgeon, through their secretary, if you can't get to speak in person.

I had a THP, right side and was able to drive at 3 weeks as I was back at work then.It made it alot easier since I didnt have to find someone to take me back and forth to work as my husband is a truck driver and not home much!! Best of luck on your recovery!!

Depends on your surgeons say so also what type of surgery. US seems be earlier as arterial surgery seems less invasive and also they have more automatic cars. UK mostly posterial approach and we tend to drive more manuals. 6 weeks is average, some longer, you need to prove you can do an emergency stop, as has been commented on before, insurance companies appear to be a bit vague. When do you have your check up? Then is the time to ask, don't think a telephone call will cut it as you need to prove you can walk quite well

I had RTHR and I started driving after 4 weeks.

I started to drive at 2 weeks post op. I had an automatic and it was my left hip so no problem. I have sporty seats and they did put a little pressure on my scar area but otherwise no problems at all.

You need to check with your surgeon and the insurance company. I had no problem after six weeks RTHR and I have a manual gear change. I could probably have driven earlier but was told six weeks.

hi Cazy....im in Scotland in case it differs and was 5 weeks post op on Sunday past....seen my surgeon on Monday (3 days ago) and he happy with my recovery and advised was happy for me to drive now as long as i could perform an emergency stop.....i took car out on Tuesday snd managed to do it then i took car out short drive......i woukdnt go too far yet snd i also wouldnt drive without my surgeon permission xxxx

hi Cazy....im in Scotland in case it differs and was 5 weeks post op on Sunday past....seen my surgeon on Monday (3 days ago) and he happy with my recovery and advised was happy for me to drive now as long as i could perform an emergency stop.....i took car out on Tuesday snd managed to do it then i took car out short drive......i woukdnt go too far yet snd i also wouldnt drive without my surgeon permission xxxx

I waited until my checkup at six weeks.

Hi Cazy, I was able to drive 4.5 weeks post op for my LTHR (the day after I saw my surgeon).

I've been told 6-8 weeks post op for my recent RTHP (I am 3 weeks today). They also reminded me that they will not release you if you are still taking narcotics for pain.

Best of luck!

Hi Caz

I had LTHR and drive an automatic so surgeon said as soon as I felt happy that I could control the car I was OK to drive. I started about 2 weeks post op. However if I'd had a manual car then my guess is that it would have been closer to 8 weeks before my operated leg was strong enough and flexible enough to operate the clutch comfortably.

My main issue was parking - I had to find spaces in car parks where I could get the door wide open to get in and out easily. Usually that meant a space at the end of a row to avoid being blocked by vehicles parking too close.

You say your husband is disabled so I guess you'll have a permit to access the wider disabled parking spaces. I only wish our UK local authorities would consider a temporary "blue badge" for us recovering hippies. It would make life a lot easier

It depends on your surgeon (you need his clearance), and your insurance company (read the small print), and sometimes the driver licensing authority in your country.

Usually you will get clearance at 6 weeks.