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Driving after THR

Posted , 8 users are following.

christine78455
christine78455

I have been told that I can drive after 6 weeks THR.  Last time I had my other hip done I couldnt drive until about 8 or 9 weeks because of the swelling but i am hoping this time it will be different.  My question is how long do you have to observe precautions getting in the car for as leaning forward to pull the car seat forward involves bending past the 90 degree mark and do I need a cusion. Also I want to drive a long distance about 2.5 hours drive to see my son and will obviously stop a couple of times on route - should I wait a week or so before I do this? Or will it be ok as soon as I can drive on the motorway.  (I am in UK)

0 likes, 12 replies

12 Replies

  • sandra67350
    sandra67350 christine78455

    Posted

    Hi Christine

    Definitely wait the six weeks to drive but need to see how you feel in yourself as to if you feel safe driving. Length of drive will be test and see. I wouldn't do 2.5hrs until I'd driven a lot for varying shorter distances. If you make the trip and find you struggle it will ruin your time there thinking about the drive back.

    As you say mobility will also be a decider. It's more difficult to get into drivin seat than passenger seat. Adjusting your seat, I moved my bum forward to edge of seat as I found the angle wasn't as bad.

    Sandra x

    • christine78455
      christine78455 sandra67350

      Posted

      Thanks Sandra, I was hoping to go before I go back to work and as I am recovering very well I dont think that will be too long.  However Im not going back to work until I feel I am ready.  I must admit I dont like getting in the car, it is much easier on the bus.  I will ask the surgeon for his advice.
  • RichardKen
    RichardKen christine78455

    Posted

    Dear Christine

    How long is a piece of string?   Obviously the longer you can avoid breaking the 90 degree rule the better and I would think since we all recover at different rates and are all different levels of fitness that nobody can say exactly how long to wait.    I suggest that if you are concerned with making the seat adjustment that you ask someone to do this for you.

    As for a lengthy drive on a motorway provided that you feel comfortable in and with the car obviously it is up to you to decide but I would have been fine to drive 2.5 hours without stopping at eight weeks, perhaps not at six weeks but we are all very different.   

    Cheers

    Richard

    • christine78455
      christine78455 RichardKen

      Posted

      Thanks Richard.  I could get someone to adjust the seat but if i stop on route at a motorway service station then I will have to move seat back again.  Maybe it is best to ask surgeon when I see him for my 6 week check. I was planning on staying overnight to avoid driving back same day and also leaving very early in the morning at the weekend when there is little traffic.  Thanks for your advice.
  • ray14428
    ray14428 christine78455

    Posted

    Hi Christine.  I was told 8 weeks by the surgeon after my hip replacement last year, but to check with my insurer as a growing number of insurance companies are extending the period.  I drive pool cars for company business for my employer.  When I returned to work at the 8 week point, I phoned our insurer & was advised they were not happy for my to drive on the company policy until 13 weeks after the surgery.  Our legal department advised that the insurer has every right to do this.  I'm glad I did check though.  Check with your insurer to be on the safe side.  best of success to you.  Ray

    • christine78455
      christine78455 ray14428

      Posted

      Dear Ray

      I've just worked it out that my consultant appointment is 7.5 weeks after my THR and it is the following weekend that I am planning my trip which is in fact 8 weeks after surgery, so that is a bit better.  That should give me 2 weeks to 'practice'!  Thanks for your advise.

  • Rocketman_SG6UK
    Rocketman_SG6UK christine78455

    Posted

    You have some good advice above. 

    I also used an old carrier bag to be able to swivel in and out of the seat, and purchased a square cushion to help with comfort.

    Do try out short runs first before your epic 2.5 hour trip, and take it steady.

    Good luck

    Graham

    • christine78455
      christine78455 Rocketman_SG6UK

      Posted

      Thank you Graham, I will try driving to my consultant appointment and see how I get on.  I will also try out several shorter runs. My insurers said that as long as doctor says its ok then its nothing to do with them.  Many thanks,
  • lynne2521
    lynne2521 christine78455

    Posted

    Hello Christine..i,m now 4 weeks post op ....doing quite well I feel ....not bending as yet past the 90 degree . Honestly do,nt think I could . Does it just come back to you naturally as you naturally heal. Just worried about my muscles getting tight in my back, and then causing pain when I try to bend fully .
  • christine78455
    christine78455

    Posted

    Yes driving was not a problem to me last time I had THR once I could bend my knee. My concern is bending too much so I think a small cushion should be put on the seat.  My THR was on the left his time which is better as the right leg is needed for the brake. 
  • renee01952
    renee01952 christine78455

    Posted

    Hi Christine, 

    It sounds like you are doing really well ...

    I understand that your follow up appointment is at 71/2 weeks post op - Probably an x-ray will be taken and range of motion etc. will be checked .. Based on the outcome, your doctor will let you know if restrictions can be lifted ... in my case the 90 degree rule was extended for an additional 2 weeks .. 

    I was able to drive prior to follow up appointment by physical therapist - I have a small, low seated car and getting in and out was challenging - the car inside too so driving was not comfortable for me ...

    What kind of a car do you drive?  To be honest, long distance driving I still have not done yet - nothing over one hour - 

    It is really up to you - how you feel physically and mentally - one can become tired easily - again, not only physically bit also mentally ... keep that in mind okay ...

    how are you doing otherwise ?

    big warm hug

    renee

     

    • christine78455
      christine78455 renee01952

      Posted

      I have started driving last Wednesday which was 6 weeks post op. It was a bit strange getting in the car at first and my hip ached a bit afterwards.  On the friday I attempted the motorway 10 miles each way and on the saturday I actually drove the 130 miles to see my son.  I stopped once on route but coming back the next day there was no traffic so I didnt bother to stop.  I found I was a bit stiff so made sure I went for  a walk afterwards. I think Im doing quite well but the phyiotherapist said my operated hip is still a bit weak so has given me some more exercies.  Thanks
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