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Driving 6 weeks post op

Posted , 9 users are following.

Amnesia3637
Amnesia3637

Hi All. Have been away from forum for a while and hoping you can, as usual, give me the advice I need. Seeing consultant tomorrow for 6 wk check R uncemented ceramic THR. Been doing absolutely great and am ready to do more now. Am really hoping I'll be told I can drive as on Monday week I want to drive about 100 miles to a friend's 60th. Obviously I won't be able to do that sort of distance straight off from tomorrow but if I have a week of doing progressively longer trips is there a chance I'll hold up long enough to do the journey?? Anyone else done this sort of thing? Have practised sitting in the car and pushing the pedals - a bit uncomfortable to lift foot to start with but got easier. Scar feels a bit tender but sports seat digs in just on wound site! Fairly sure I can't do hip any major damage but advise please. Obviously will listen to surgeon but you guys out there actually go through this physically -he hasn't. Huge thanks in advance as always.

1 like, 41 replies

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  • hope4cure
    hope4cure Amnesia3637

    Posted

    Lucky you go.....woop it up... It's time...

    I understand it's a delemma for sure I drove after six weeks but sitting that long at one time in the same position is another issue. I could not even sit on a airplane for longer than a couple of hrs..then my dr wrote a note to get put of jury duty hours of sitting..it was all to soon for me .only 60 miles take a rest along the way stop for a lunch break...

     Then as time passed and more mobility and healing siting wasn't a problem for me 7 months out I was walking thru Disney World. No problem with rest breaks along the way of course. Being with family and out & away from the hip reminders was a magical trip. And a 7 hr plane ride.. & Walking thru airports. It all comes back really I want to encourage u and everyone. Our lives do get back to normal again.. I Promise...

    We r all individuals heal at different rates. So many different issues for healing for each of us.

    If u want to drive to UR friends house go for it...We only turn 60 once u will be glad u did. It's not going to undo any progress just feeling of stiffness. Take asprin for UR trip it really helps, no pain meds while driving...careful drive slowly till u get back in the swing of things. U will be glad u went ,even though it could be uncomfortable. Rest when u arrive at UR friends house and take it easy. I know seeing UR friends and just party will be the best thing ever... So go gives u something to look foreword too! This hip rehab gets so old I know a party and people will be a great break from the constant daily hip rehab grind...

     Take a few small pillows to change positions, back, butt , knees, sides practice that too.,small rice packs and iceacks..practicing in ur car is a good idea. Then UR good to go. Have a margarita for me! Dance and party till the cows come home!

    CHEERE

    • patricis
      patricis hope4cure

      Posted

      Hope, just being nosey here, but you went to disney, is that the one in florida...I've been there like 7 times in the last l2 years I JUST love it, so clean and truly magical, everyone is sooooooooo nice....had to stop taking my son because of my hip, but will be going back once I'm up and running!!!! 
    • hope4cure
      hope4cure patricis

      Posted

      Not a bit nosey I have put a lot of things on this forum ,no problem.

      Yes it is the Disny in FLORIDA. 

      Now u can rent buz light elec wheel chair. Go straight to the front of the line.. U need to cary UR hip replacrment card for proof now.. A lot of people rent them for the only purpose of going to the front of the line.

      So when UR up and running hit the go button and have a great time! biggrin

  • hope4cure
    hope4cure Amnesia3637

    Posted

    I mean 100 miles not 60 it's the 60th birthday party.. Go.. Take breaks along the ways it soo worth the fun times waiting ahead.. Break it up to a 50/50 mile drive stay at a hotel . U have stamina that is a 2hr drive ? Check on google maps to see the time and set UR pace accordingly...

    We all will be with u even at the party! In the long run seriously, only u can judge if u r ready. U GO GIRL!

    CHEERS

    • Amnesia3637
      Amnesia3637 hope4cure

      Posted

      You're so positive thank you! I know this journey well and will, I promise, be very careful and have long coffee breaks. I wouldn't miss my closest friend's 60th for anything and we're all meeting up in Wales where we all frequently go on holiday. They'll all be there to help and I have full recovery service on the car if anything should break down, including me!
    • hope4cure
      hope4cure Amnesia3637

      Posted

       U made me giggle.. That's the girl Go for It..

      Have a great time get those happy hormones going . The power of healing just being with friends.. Yaa...hoooo!

       U will always remember this and be very happy u did!

      CHEERS

  • eileen64__UK
    eileen64__UK Amnesia3637

    Posted

    Hi

    Yes......A lot of stops......I still have stops even as a pasenger..Perfect excuse for coffeewink But you will need stops. Just leave yourself extra time

    Listen to your body and like its been said we all recover at different rates.

    Love

    Eileen

    • hope4cure
      hope4cure eileen64__UK

      Posted

      I carry those folding chairs so light in back pack.. At fairs or shopping when seating is at a premium..  Lol

      CHEERS biggrin

  • carmen56984
    carmen56984 Amnesia3637

    Posted

    Hi Amnesia.

    I could get into a car( with a driver) i could not drive as the leg was very heavy at 6 weeks, it was only for a short while not for long. i find that my leg need to streach and to help with the circulation of the blood into my leg.

    Listen to your body, everyone can do things at a different time. You'll know what's best for you.

    6 Weeks is still very early don't over do it.

    Have a safe journey.

  • carole07703
    carole07703 Amnesia3637

    Posted

    Hi, good to hear from you again.  I am also at the consultants tomorrow for the 6 week check.  I am also hoping to drive after this - well, I AM going to drive!  I have been back at work for a few weeks now, but finding life very frustrating as I am usually going at a hundred miles an hour and am now going at a snails pace! I am almost pain free so I am just hoping the consultant gives me the go ahead to speed up a bit! Hope your check goes well.
    • Amnesia3637
      Amnesia3637 carole07703

      Posted

      Hi Carol and everyone who's replied with all the advice and encouragement. Thanks to you all as ever. Seeing consultant today so mitts crossed as,like Carol, I am used to doing 60 things at once and am wanting to get on and do. I know I've got to be sensible and I am but I'm really well, no pain (haven't had any at all all through) and just need the restrictions to be eased off a tad so I can feel less disabled! Will post results of appointment.
    • hope4cure
      hope4cure Amnesia3637

      Posted

      Can't wait to hear the good news.. U should be proud of all the healing tasks u have achieved. U have come sooo far.. We all know it's not easy.. Each step is for now the next step is for UR future...keep it movin....biggrin
    • hope4cure
      hope4cure carole07703

      Posted

      Hi Carol..

      ur ur back at work and that says volumes about UR journey thru THR..

      I could not help but notice .UR back to work . .when UR healing UR best friend is urself..& attitude.. Great  Job !!!

      So next time I need support  I hope I could call on u.. As a healing trainer of sorts.. LOL

       

    • Amnesia3637
      Amnesia3637 hope4cure

      Posted

      Hi Hope and all Hippies. Had six week check yesterday. Can ditch the sticks, walk fully weight bearing, lie on both sides and drive! Phew. Still must observe the 90 degree rule for the next three months at least and not launch myself at life like a mad thing but was so thrilled I squeaked all the way home. Have a slight leg length discrepancy due to soft bones after 25 years of steroids and RA and the stem had to be set slightly lower but hey, if that's all to complain about I'm happy. Hope Carol who went yesterday for her check had such a good result. Am off to be normal now - in a careful sort of a way. 
    • carole07703
      carole07703 Amnesia3637

      Posted

      Fantastic!!  Well done you and well done Oswestry! Hope I get such a good result today (appt this afternoon).  Stay in touch, won't you.
    • Amnesia3637
      Amnesia3637 carole07703

      Posted

      Fingers crossed for you today. Let us know how you got on. Good luck!
    • hope4cure
      hope4cure Amnesia3637

      Posted

      Hey that's is the best news I've heard all day..

      UR life will be sooo much more peaceful. 

      RA is a nasty disease I sincerely wish u the very best thru the rest of UR recovery. Now healing will fly by!

      THR are all different. They are like snowflakes no two are alike.

      Keep in touch. Now get out there and enjoy!

      CHEERS

       

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