Driving after hip replacement

Hi Jeanette.  So good to hear you're feeling much better.  I promise you will feel better still as time goes on.  6 weeks does seem the norm, but you do need to check with your insurer as some differ on that timing.  keep going well girl.  Ray

Hi Jeanette glad yr feeling better.

Its normally 6 weeks but I believe yr surgeon has to give you the all clear when you go first yr check up, at least this is what my surgeon did.

Julie-Ann x

Hello, I started to drive having had a bilateral replacement at 5 weeks, but my car is an automatic.    I did a short journey first just to check I was able to brake if needed. 

?I think it is how you feel and if you are comfortable and confident just go for it.

?There are no guidelines and when I saw my consultant he said each person is different, and because I had not had a GA then around 4 weeks is about right.

 

?It took a few weeks to do a longer journey as just sitting for a long period was not comfortable so only did local journey's until I was around 8 weeks when I drove for an hour, was stiff when I went to get out but no pain.

?Good luck

Elaine

hi jeanette, 

great that you feel so much better - very encouraging for fellow hippies here on the forum ...

I agree with previous posts that 6 weeks seems to be norm - I think it is more because  follow up appointment is around that time ... 

depending on the x-ray and outcome of visit, some restrictions (if not all) are lifted, including driving -

However, surgeon is NOT the one who will clear you ... you are the only one responsible .. getting in and out of your car, stick shift and emergency stop you need to be comfortable with ... my friend had THR surgery and was driving 3 weeks post-op, but he lives in the US and had automatic ...

Good video's on how to get in- and out of cazr on you tube ...

good luck and keep us informed

big warm hug

renee

Thanks for the responses folks. My insurance company is fine as long as I get the ok from the surgeon, which I'm waiting for. My follow-up with him is at 6wk 2 days post op and I have to do a longer drive to get to that (no other way to get there), so no matter what, I'll have to have started on shorter journeys before then (journies??? what?!).

I'm not in pain and not on meds, and the clutch action in my car is quite soft and easy on my leg. I suppose I just wondered if driving a little earlier would increase pain after driving. 

Anyway I'll start with short trips and see where I am afer a few days.

Thanks all!

I am two weeks post op and I am driving and back to work already.  As long as you are comfotable you can control the pedals you are fine.