Posted , 9 users are following.
Hi everybody.i am now almost 6wks post op and feeling good and safe enough enough to drive again.
I know i have to wait for the surgeons say so before i start driving again but how did you know when you felt able to drive again?
I've read on here at people driving after 3wks but who would give them the go ahead etc?
1 like, 15 replies
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beth2509 kel40
Posted
If you are in the UK, most, if not all, car insurance says that you can't drive for 8 weeks, and after that it is up to you to decided that you can do an emergency stop properly. Some people, with automatic cars and surgery on the " right" side - not sure which though - can drive sooner, but only if they are confident that they can execute that emergency stop and drive safely. But it's up to you to decide, and if you decide to drive before the 8 weeks in the UK, you will probably be doing so without insurance - which could lose you your license if something goes wrong.
jill89470 kel40
Posted
When I had my first hip done last feb I drove after 5 weeks I checked with the sugeon who said as long as you can do an emergency stop then you should be fine.I also informed my insurance company and got them to put a note on. I am 5 weeks with my second hip and don't feel ready to drive yet,I see the surgeon in 2 weeks x
kel40 jill89470
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jill89470 kel40
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ray14428 kel40
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Hi Kel. My surgeon told me I was able to drive after 6 weeks. I don't drive my own care anymore as I no longer need it, but I drive for my employer in one of their cars a few times each wee, on their policy as a named driver. The final word on this does belong with the insurance company. I called my employer's insurers & they wouldn't let me drive on the company policy until 10 weeks had passed. I do have a friend who was cleared to drive by his surgeon at 8 weeks, only to discover a week later that his insurers would not support this until the 12 week point. Always best to clear with your insurer regarding this. Hope your recovery continues to go well. Ray
julie40975 kel40
Posted
Hi
The recommendation is 6 weeks as your joint needs that time to repair itself. I was told that I wouldn't be covered by my insurance before that date. I started back at 8 weeks just doing short runs and I'm fine. The surgeon actually said 6 weeks was a bit too soon and 12 weeks was a better option. It's your call! But wait until you have had your 6 week check at least
Julie
Ps it's great to get that independence back
hope4cure kel40
Posted
kaye74204 kel40
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beth2509 kaye74204
Posted
DVLA aren't interested. But my insurance company said 8 weeks, no matter what the surgeon said; and it was the surgeon who told me that most insurers won't allow until 8 weeks. Good thing he did to, because it would have never occurred to me to check my insurance. If your insurers permitted it, you are lucky. Most won't.
hazel14263 kel40
Posted
Here in UK 6 weeks in the law . At your 6-7 weeks check up the surgeon usually says you can drive 'if you feel competent and safe doing so '... which you won't know till you start lol . Probably you will be fine it's like riding a bike I was back to normal
By the end of the road .
Now getting in and out of cars, that's a different story ....😜X
kel40
Posted
I've just rung my insurance company and they have no rules on hip ops and when you can or can't drive again. So its upto the surgeon next week, i can't wait to get some independence back and stop feeling as though these 4 walls are closing in on me!
judith12644 kel40
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kel40 judith12644
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renee01952 kel40
Posted
hi kel,
It depends where you live, I think ... and what kind of procedure you had done - in US cars usually are automatc and larger and anterior approach used - this has less restrictions ...
I understand that in the UK insurance companies have a say in it - I live in Holland now and never heard of the insurance thing eventhoug it made sense -
follow up appointment is usually at 6 weeks post-op and if lucky, many restrictions are lifted - xray will show how hardware is healing nicely and firmly in place ..
however, I was told that my surgeon will never "authorize" driving - I am the sole responsible person for doing so ... he will not be held liable fo any accidents, you see -
Post op 1st THR I was ready to drive at 5 weeks, guided my my physical therapist as how to get in and out of car ... post-op 2nd THR it took me much longer -
I have a tiny, low seated , manual shift ... and still find it challenging to drive it ...
be safe darling ...
have someone go with you the first couple of times ..
big warm hug
renee
kel40 renee01952
Posted