Driving after hip replacement
Posted , 14 users are following.
Hi
Looking for a little advice...before surgery i didnt think about asking asking as i thought i would have had a 6 week check up...well i have a 11 week check up was 9 weeks then got cancelled..so i thought i would see someone to tell me i was fit for driving...did call hospital..waited so long on the phone for the person not to listen properly and returned my call that i couldnt take leave a message and just couldnt be bothered calling back...can my doctor confirm it with me...i honestly feel fine the now after only 3 1/2 weeks was thinking about making an appointment at just over 5 weeks..i can move my leg better than i have been able to in along time..still do what i have been told..steps ect..i cant believe the diffrence...getting up with no pain other than my back being stiff from lying on my back.
Thanks Leanne
1 like, 20 replies
Rocketman_SG6UK leanne73643
Posted
Leanne, See my website page "When can I do that", my website address is in my personal info here ...
https://patient.info/forums/profiles/rocketman-sg6uk-907025
and at the bottom of the moderator's "useful resources" page at
https://patient.info/forums/discuss/thr-useful-resources-487147
Best wishes
Graham - 🚀💃 🤸 ¯\_(?)_/¯
peggy15811 leanne73643
Posted
Usually restrictions are lifted at 8 weeks, with no complications. However it really depends on your leg and hip strength and which hip it was if you are driving an automatic. My neighbor tried driving to the hairdresser, a very short distance at exactly 9 weeks, it had been her right hip and she drove an automatic. It sounded safe as she would not be driving over 35mph and about ½ mile. Well she ran into a truck in the parking lot as it was pulling out fast and she could not get her right leg to the brake fast enough. Nobody was hurt, but since she hit the back of them it was counted against her insurance. Now if it was your left hip and you drive an automatic it should be no problem. My doctor told me I could drive with my left hip replacement at 3 weeks, but I was not ready to get in and out of car and do walking once I got somewhere. I waited the full 8 weeks. You can never drive on pain meds either and because of an inflammation of my IT band, I had to take narcotics longer so could not drive. If it is your right hip, I would suggest someone taking you to practice using brakes in a parking lot somewhere.Practice hitting your brakes fast as that is the hardest. Good luck.
william81563 leanne73643
Posted
Leanne,
I'm certainly not the norm; but I believe in telling it like it is. On each of my THRs, spent one full day and 2 nights, so probably in the hospital about 35 hours. Only used the pain pump twice during the first 12 hours and no drugs after that. Checked out of hospital and wife drove around the corner, then I took over and been driving every since. ---Just be sure that you are drug free before doing such a thing. Both of my surgeons pushed the concept of doing virtually anything you felt like doing, and to listen to your body. On the way home from the first THR, we stopped at SAM'S Club and did a little shopping. I used a walker, no wheel chairs for me. As I said, I'm not the norm (almost 82 years old and still going). Good luck with your THR.
Nicki52 leanne73643
Posted
sharon34333 leanne73643
Posted
Hi leanne
I am 11 week's post op had the all clear to drive. On my 8 week check up at the hospital. I was a bit worried because I drive a manual but my consultant said that's fine. But I have a cushion on my seat which felt a bit strange at first. But I've got used to it now and to be honest I probably will keep it all the time iam driving hope this has helped.
Regards Sharon