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Driving after TKR

Posted , 4 users are following.

eileen15268
eileen15268

I am 7 weeks post op, I don't know if I will have caused yet another sleepless night. I have a manual car but my right knee is the operated one. I did  drive @ the courtyard last week to get the feel of the car ,but hardly any distance, today I drove  @ 20 minutes. Leg is sore  but then it always seems to be , nights are not much better. Having said that I do have the occasional pain free time.am I too keen ? They say we can drive after 6 weeks . 

1 like, 9 replies

9 Replies

  • Eizie
    Eizie eileen15268

    Posted

    I have been driving since 6 weeks post op. I have an automatic so really have no problems but I have noticed after PT day and whenever I increase my exercise, I am guaranteed a sleepless night bc of throbbing.
    • eileen15268
      eileen15268 Eizie

      Posted

      Hi eizie , yes automatic is nice, but as mine is right leg it is easier than the left, I haven't had a good night since surgery the most sleep I have had at a time is 3 hours with the heat & throbbing, guess it has improved a bit. Doubt if I'll do much driving yet but it's nice to know if I really need to. I'm the main driver & most of my friends have given up now or never driven. 

  • chrisa306driver
    chrisa306driver eileen15268

    Posted

    I drove at 2 weeks.  During the day and not on pain pills.  Had no problems.  I had sleepless nights for about 2 months.  I am almost 7 months post op.  Totally back to normal.  Working out regularly.. No problems
  • marilyn10235
    marilyn10235 eileen15268

    Posted

    Hi Eileen

    I didn't actually drive until January, had my operation in October.

    Mainly because I still had some numbness at 6 weeks & didn't feel I could execute an emergency stop quickly.

    More of a personal thing I think.

    TBH once you are capable of doing an emergency stop there's no reason not to drive.

    For insurance purposes it always used to be 6 weeks after major surgery, but maybe it's changed??

    Marilyn

    XX

    • eileen15268
      eileen15268 marilyn10235

      Posted

      Hi Marilyn, yes I thought it was 6 weeks. I'd be ok with an emergency stop now. The only thing is whatever I seem to do my knee feels hot & painful. I've been doing the right things exercising resting etc but it still painful, only thing is I did stop taking painkillers during the dayafter 6 weeks as I could cope but at night it's awful. I'm seeing the doctor on Thursday to get advice with tablets,

    • marilyn10235
      marilyn10235 eileen15268

      Posted

      Yes, it seems that when you think things are getting better, you find the heat & swelling are still there. Just keep on doing what you're doing, it does get better but with time!

      Good luck at doctors Thursday.

      Marilyn

      XX

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