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How soon can a person drive

Posted , 6 users are following.

Summertime36
Summertime36

Hi all

I had both hips replaced on the same day 14th July which will be 6 weeks tomorrow.  I am not sure when I can start to drive.  I am desperate to regain my independence and not to have to keep relying on my husband to give me lifts everywhere.

Any advice would be great.

Xx

0 likes, 8 replies

8 Replies

  • Maidlin
    Maidlin Summertime36

    Posted

    Following the same op, I found I could drive after 7 weeks. The difficulty before then had been getting my legs under the steering wheel, but once I could do that, experienced no problems at all. As with walking, I needed to build up gradually as driving was tiring at first, but the sense of liberation when I could just drive to the shops was immense! Incidentally, a plastic bag on the driving seat helped with swinging round into the car.
    • Summertime36
      Summertime36 Maidlin

      Posted

      Thanks Maidlin.  I have my op assessment next week and I will ask then. Another week won't kill me.
  • maggie93798
    maggie93798 Summertime36

    Posted

    After RHip I was given permission to drive T 6 week check. Told to be happy re emergency stops, practice in a car park if you feel you need to
  • edarlingb
    edarlingb Summertime36

    Posted

    There's usually a 6 week restriction. Issue is whether you can perform emergency stop efficiently. Also, some insurance companies insist that you get OK from hospital or cover is invalidated.

    Would just ring surgeon's secretary and safely test emergency stop if they say go ahead.

    Elaine x

    • Summertime36
      Summertime36 edarlingb

      Posted

      Thanks for reply. Good point about insurance company.  I will ask at my post op check next week. 
  • susan97332
    susan97332 Summertime36

    Posted

    I'm nearly four weeks and feel the same with only one hip. You must be amazing. Both hips ? Wow. I checked with my insurance they said fine but check with DVLA. They said fine but check with Dr. He said as long as I do a slow ride to start and see how it feels. No long journeys until fully comfortable. Hope this helps you?im driving a little way to work. Susan
    • Summertime36
      Summertime36 susan97332

      Posted

      Thanks for reply. Will definitely check at my assessment next week and only do short journeys. It will feel strange driving after so long. Glad you are driving a little way to work.
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