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Back to driving ???

Posted , 4 users are following.

nadine41705
nadine41705

Hi all, reading posts and pleased to hear that most are getting on well.

I am 4 weeks post op and feel I am doing well, walking with one crutch inside and out.  I have my check up with consultant in just over 2 weeks and am just a bit worried that the movement in my right leg (lifting up and down whilst seated) is not good, even though I do exercises and that I will not be able to drive my car again after check up.  Really hoping for a vast improvement over the next couple of weeks in that area.  Would love to hear from anyone who went back to driving at 6 weeks and how it was please.

I am sleeping better now aswell, although I do have back ache in the mornings.

All in all I don't know what I was so frightened about before the op as up to now (touch wood) the recovery rate has exceeded my expectations.

Love to all

Nadine x

1 like, 12 replies

12 Replies

  • ann19982
    ann19982 nadine41705

    Posted

    Hello Nadine I drove for the first time today but I was on an 8 week programme.  Muscles ache tonight but then i did do lots of new things today.  Still not sleeping but then i have not slept since 2011 so cannot blame the hip, i had a compression fracture of lower vertebrae then.  You will probably come on in leaps and bounds over the next two weeks I did between week 6 and 8

    Good luck

    • nadine41705
      nadine41705 ann19982

      Posted

      Thanks Ann, that is reassuring.  I have been so lost not being able to drive lol, so looking forward to getting in that driving seat again.  Scheduled to start looking after my 2 year old grandaughter one day a week by the time I am 10 weeks post op, so hope I am up to that aswell.

      Well done Ann on driving today.

      Thanks

      Nadine x

  • Hailea
    Hailea nadine41705

    Posted

    Hi nadine.

    It is recomended not to try driving till at least week 6. But it also depends on what meds you are taking for pain. So I would advise you against it till you have had your week 6 check and you have checked to see if your pain killers will afecrt your driving.

    • nadine41705
      nadine41705 Hailea

      Posted

      Hi Hailea, I arent taking any painkillers and havent really since week 2 as my tummy can't tolerate anything other than paracetomol.  I wont attempt driving until I am given the all clear by the consultant, just getting itchy feet and because of limited movement in right leg up and down was hoping this would improve enough to drive at 6 weeks. 

      Love

      Nadine x

      P.S.  May sit in car and practice pushing pedals in another week lol

    • Hailea
      Hailea nadine41705

      Posted

      Oh that is ok then. I wish you luck and hope you aree driving again soon. biggrin
  • christine69594
    christine69594 nadine41705

    Posted

    Hi Nadine I started driving again at 6 weeks, I live in the city so went out at first at quiet times but drove through middle of city to other side with no probs, just a bit of aching in my leg. I have a manual car. The first time I drove in the dark 53 miles I was a bit panicky but all fine now. At nearly 16 weeks i drive every day in the city in rush hour to work and back. I think its like everything else we do for the first time post op, a bit worrying, but we get over it as we do it more. Good luck with your recovery.
    • nadine41705
      nadine41705 christine69594

      Posted

      Thanks Christine, that is very reassuring, it is one of the things I am most worried about.  Glad to hear you are doing well.

      Love Nadine x

  • renee01952
    renee01952 nadine41705

    Posted

    hi nadine .... I had my following up visit yesterday after 8 weeks post-op - all clear on the drinving but I already started in week 7 .. couldn't stand being cooped up any longer ... I have a small, low seat car with stick shift (Fiat ?) - I got good tips and advice from this forum, especially about gettin in and out - the driving itself is okay and I think I was more of a hazard before surgery ... someone told me to get on you tube to watch a video about the getting in and out -- I was doing it all wrong !!! I have pillow wrapped in trashbag on my seat and like evrythong else, take my time to be seated ... In the beginning I could only do one stop and am happy to say that I graduated to 2 stops yesterday  ... I was a little bit too optimistic but so happy to be independent again .... trips are short though - can't be away from home too long because of the urge to use the loo withing 30 minutes (big sigh)wink-
    • nadine41705
      nadine41705 renee01952

      Posted

      Great to hear you are doing so well.  My car is fairly high up, would love to hear tips on getting in and out of drivers side as obviously only been a passenger for the last few weeks.  During next week I am going to sit in the drivers seat and practice doing the pedals, as its my right hip.  Just started walking around the house today without using a crutch aswell, so feel I am getting there lol

      Love Nadine x

  • jason42777
    jason42777 nadine41705

    Posted

    Hi nadine, i had left hip done, so clutch control was my worry, but managed from week 6.5 tho i must say actually lifting foot up off the car mat to put it on the pedal was a task n half at first.

    Go Steady and practice -yes, would be my advice smile

    All the best Jay.

    • nadine41705
      nadine41705 jason42777

      Posted

      Thats good to hear Jason, since posting this I am finding it easier to lift my right foot/leg, so fingers crossed by 6 weeks or just after I will too be driving.  I will definately practice the pedals before that too.

      All the best to you too

      Love

      Nadine x

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