Driving - not as soon as hoped

Posted , 5 users are following.

I'd been told that I'd be able to drive again once the pin is removed from my 2nd toe (25th November, can't wait). Thought I'd check with physio as I guessed my foot would be pretty stiff, given that I'm only allowed to heel-walk until pin removed and then need to wait a week for my first physio session. I was told that it would be more like 8 weeks post-op, not 6 weeks, as there needs to be enough movement in foot and their usual guideline is that you're safe to drive once you can stand on the ball of your foot. Disappointing news in some ways althoug it's what I kind of expected - but it's also encouraging that I'm expected to be able to stand on the the ball of my foot within a couple of weeks of starting physio.

0 likes, 6 replies

6 Replies

  • Posted

    Jayniejay.

    I don't know if you live in the UK.

    If you do you need to be aware that when you resume driving you MUST be able to comfortably and effectively perform an emergency stop. Secondly, if you drive a manual ( non-automatic) vehicle you are required to notify your insurer of the nature of your recent surgery. This is not a guideline but an instruction. Although this will not impact on your insurance premiums it is necessary for your insurer to be aware of your surgery and its type in case you have any problems which may involve an accident.

    My consultant actually told me that I must do this and although I was reluctant I followed his instruction and notified my insurer. It has not affected my insurance premiums or insurance cover.

    Better to be safe than sorry and I am driving again with a clear conscience.

    I hope that you will do the same.

    Gillian

    • Posted

      Hi Gillian. Yes, I'm in the UK and yes, most certainly will not drive without informing my insurers, a requirement which my consultant made very clear. It's just not worth doing other than this. The physio I spoke to uses being able to stand on the ball of the foot as the benchmark for being able to comfortably do an emergency stop. I'm erring on the side of pessimism and expecting that point to take even longer to be reached than his suggested time of 8 weeks or so post-op, given that my first physio session will be at over 7 weeks. How long did it take you to start driving after starting physio exercises?
    • Posted

      Hi Gillian,

      How is your second operation ( right leg) on bunion surgery?

      Eager to know your recovery speed. I hope its less hassle than the first one.

      Hope you are fine.

      Siti

  • Posted

    Hi I get my pin removed on 24 really worried sick about it would you let me know how painful it is pleaseĀ 
    • Posted

      Hi Elizabeth

      I had my pin out on Friday and honestly did not feel a thing. They twist it gently to loosen it and it then slides out easily. It bleeds a little for an hr or so so needs a dressing fir 24 hrs. My toe is sore from being handled and foot a bit swollen again so back to ice and high elevation. So please try not to worry easier said than done I know. I felt such a wimp as I thgt I would pass out with the thougt of it. I did feel a bit queasy after but I had not eaten anything. Just make time to relax after 😊

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