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driving after THR

Posted , 10 users are following.

amanda12547
amanda12547

just wanted to hear peoples experiences of driving post op. can't see me being able to wait 6 weeks!can you get round it?mine was left hip. i've even considered buying an automatic.Mandy

0 likes, 28 replies

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  • renee01952
    renee01952 amanda12547

    Posted

    hi amanda,

    Kaye is right - we are the responsible - 

    it is a misunderstanding that you need the surgeon's approval to go back to driving - usually at the 6 weeks post-op follow up appointment, new xray will be taken and reviewed by surgeon - range of motion etc.will be checked and when everything looks good on x-ray and you don't have any complaints your self, you can ease up on restrictions (w/ posterior THR) and go back to driving - 

    however, when you feel confident, are not on heavy medication, can safely do an emergency stop and getting in and out of the car, you can drive - 

    how are you doing otherwise?

    big warm hug

    ?renee

    • auntiebeanie
      auntiebeanie renee01952

      Posted

      Renee it is not a misunderstanding that you need your surgeons approval to drive. The surgeon will lift restrictions and tell you to drive when you are able to do an emergency stop and feel comfortable driving. Each surgeon is different and we all comment from our own experience.
    • renee01952
      renee01952 auntiebeanie

      Posted

      so true, auntiebeanie -

      My follow up appointment was postponed - instead of 6 weeks it became 8 weeks, so I mentioned the driving to secretary -- she told me that I did not need the surgeon to authorize driving - doing so would make him a responsible party in case of an accident - 

      however, knowing that he/she has reviewed your progress ( on x-ray and physical exam) and found it all good is important ...

      I found it a logical explanation - my physical therapist showed me how to get in and out of car and some additional  exercises - 

      I have a tiny, low seated car, stick shift - a bigger car and automatic transmission is a whole different ball game ...

      angel blessings 

       

  • Saltspringer48
    Saltspringer48 amanda12547

    Posted

    I did buy an automatic and one with a higher seat profile. I was driving after 6 weeks. I am now over 6 months and honestly wouldn't know i had a replacement except for the wee scar. I will probably always use the foam wedge. Definitely makes for a comfortable ride. Being able to have a quick response is key. I was able to practice as we live on a small island.....

    • johnygail
      johnygail Saltspringer48

      Posted

      Which car did you buy? I have an automatic but is quite low and what foam wedge ?
    • Saltspringer48
      Saltspringer48 johnygail

      Posted

      I bought a Nissan Versa. First automatic I've owned in over 30 years. I'm in British Columbia. The wedge foam pillows can be purchased readily at a foam shop. Mine is 4" at the back and slims down toward the front. It fits into the car seat so that you are sitting quite level. Better for the hip!

  • ptolemy
    ptolemy amanda12547

    Posted

    Your insurance will not accept you driving again until your surgeon has OKed it.
  • Rocketman_SG6UK
    Rocketman_SG6UK amanda12547

    Posted

    I was told by my surgeon that he would NOT allow me to drive before I could walk with no sticks at all.  The problem he explained was not the pressure you can put on the pedal, but the speed that you can move the foot from pedal to pedal.  If you do drive before your surgeon gives the all-clear, you do risk invalidating your insurance.

    See my website for tips, the 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 - 🚀💃 🤸 🚗

    • amanda12547
      amanda12547 Rocketman_SG6UK

      Posted

      Hi. you must have been in contact with your surgeon. i've not actually seen mine only at an appointment way before the op. but i would probably check with my gp.

      thank you for info.

    • ptolemy
      ptolemy amanda12547

      Posted

      Hi Mandy, are you saying you have had no follow up check organised since your op?
    • amanda12547
      amanda12547 ptolemy

      Posted

      i have one on the 2nd of august which will be 6 and a half weeks post op.
    • judith12644
      judith12644 amanda12547

      Posted

      My appointment with the surgeon was at almost 7 weeks because he was away until then. I was off crutches by then, and drove after that. It was easier for me though, because I live in North London, and I was able to get out on public transport on my crutches. Good luck, Judith
  • Fernlady
    Fernlady amanda12547

    Posted

    Hi Amanda,

    I had my THR last June. My surgeon advised me not to drive until I could perform an emergency stop. He said some people were able to drive after 3 weeks & others it took a lot longer. There are no laws at all, it's when you feel able. I drove after 5 weeks just around the estate where I live & practiced a few emergency stops. I was absolutely fine & drove myself to hospital for my 6 weekly check up x

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