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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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  • eileen64__UK
    eileen64__UK Amnesia3637

    Posted

    Hi Amnesia

    Its a fantastic feeling isnt it...I remember that feeling from my first THR.

    Just take it easy but its great to know you dont have to be so strict and can lie on your side

    Love

    Eileen

  • carole07703
    carole07703 Amnesia3637

    Posted

    6 week check-up went very well.  I can now officially drive, swim, cycle and sleep in whatever position I like!  He made me pick a bottle up from the floor to reassure me that nothing terrible would happen if I bent down to get it! Next appointment in 10 months time. Hubby picking me up tonight and I am going to drive home - yeehaa!
    • Amnesia3637
      Amnesia3637 carole07703

      Posted

      Brilliant! Feels good to be free of the shackles and getting on with life. I have of course overdone it since being let off the leash on Monday and realised how tiring it is trying to be normal again. Be warned - the driving and newly walking without the crutches for the first walks wears you out!  Take it easier than you think and all the best of luck. I shall keep posting progress for a while and hope you will too.
    • carole07703
      carole07703 Amnesia3637

      Posted

      I have probably overdone it since day one, but can see light at the end of the tunnel.  Walked the dog today and drove home from work so feel like things are getting back to normal. Just want to be able to pick the grandchildren up and give them a big cuddle now!
  • Flossytwitter
    Flossytwitter Amnesia3637

    Posted

     I have tried the emergency stops at 6 weeks, yesterday, and it was great, perhaps euphoria in reality. Even as a passenger I have found the sides of the seats have caused more discomfort than anything else. I have driven just a 1mile or so, in total, to the local shop and the back of my thigh is really uncomfortable. Maybe too much too soon. I don't have my 6 week check till 8 weeks and I need to get back to work for my sanity, so will need to find an alternative way I think. I love driving and really miss the independence it gives. 
    • Amnesia3637
      Amnesia3637 Flossytwitter

      Posted

      The sides of the car seats hurt my wound site too as they dig in just on the wrong bit. I bought one of those foam kitchen chair cushions (really cheap - just the foam pad) which is about 1.5 " in depth from Dunelm and with a pillow case on it and a plastic bin bag for swivelling on top it works a treat. Takes the seat height up just enough to take the pressure off. I also adjusted the seat travel slightly and put the backrest further forward so I'm comfortable driving. Only driven for two days but am fine with the above arrangement. Good luck with your seats whatever you do to them!
    • Flossytwitter
      Flossytwitter Amnesia3637

      Posted

      Thanks for this. I'll get a seat pad tomorrow and try it. I wonder if the pressure of the 2 emergency stops was just a bit ambitious. I've said on here before that I have 'hare' tendencies, when I really need to be a tortoise. Thanks again. 
    • eileen64__UK
      eileen64__UK Flossytwitter

      Posted

      Hi

      I dont know if you saw my post. I got a cushion from the OT. A nice thick one which she said i could use for driving or for under {or on top } of my chair.....its never got as far as the chair LOL Its great for driving. I just asked could I have another one....4 years after my first THR as it was starting to sag a bit.....no problem...got a new one.  They cost nothing!!

      Love

      Eileen

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