1. Community
  2. Operations and surgical procedures
  3. Hip Replacement

Driving

Posted , 6 users are following.

julie90197
julie90197

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

0 likes, 11 replies

11 Replies

  • Annette1234
    Annette1234 julie90197

    Posted

    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

    • julie90197
      julie90197 Annette1234

      Posted

      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. 👍

  • michelb
    michelb julie90197

    Posted

    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).  
  • sheila72530
    sheila72530 julie90197

    Posted

    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,

     

  • rob.nic29
    rob.nic29 julie90197

    Posted

    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..

    • julie90197
      julie90197 rob.nic29

      Posted

      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.

  • active74513
    active74513 julie90197

    Posted

    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.

  • active74513
    active74513 julie90197

    Posted

    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?

  • renee01952
    renee01952 julie90197

    Posted

    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

Back to top

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.