How soon can I drive?

Hi Madeline

i wouldn't have thought 100 mile drive was a great start after your op ?? Even now I haven't driven more than 40 miles and then I'm sore and worn out with concentrating!

however, everyone is different and your surgeon/GP are the best people to speak to. 

I can understand you miss your mum, just take it easy if you do go- take lots of breaks and a nice soft cushion!!😀

Take care, love and hugs xxxx

I had my 6 weeks consultation with my surgeon two days ago and he gave me full clearance for driving--no restrictions. I've already driven around my immediate area with no problms and today I'll be doing an hours drive there and back to pick up our grand children form school.

He also said there was no need to notify my car insurance company--I live in the UK.

In fact, he said the only thing I must avoid is playing golf for a further 6 weeks. Something to do with a full swing!

Hi Madeleine,

when I saw my consultant after 2 weeks following my left hybrid THR (posterior) he said that I could drive after 4 weeks post op if I have an automatic and  6 weeks if manual. This is because of DVLA stipulations being able to do an emergency stop! He is very relaxed about restrictions, I have to add and everyone is different. I was naughty and started driving  after 4 weeks in my manual car. I have had no problems.

Not sure if this is helpful.

Kind regards

Ruth

Hi Madeline,

Just a thought, but to be discharged from hospital, it seemed to the the phsio department, that gave the OK.. Can you get a physio just to check your progress??  

but I can feel how anxious you must be , I'm only into 9 days PO and miss driving.   I am also right leg, so am awaiting to hear comments...  but guess I would just do it, take breaks when achy , pain killers and if you have "cruise control " use it which I do all the time.

Good Luck xx

We were told 6 weeks. I left it till I saw surgeon at 7.5 weeks. Then drove around the block testing my energency stop.

I didnt drive more than 30 mins for a while.

My first time of driving an hour. I had to stop around 45 mins and get out of car to move around as it was uncomfortable.

If you are visiting your mum I would suggest staying over as it would be too much in one day for your hip.

I am a year RTHR now and can drive long distances without a problem. X

Hi Madeleine I went out day before yesterday

and drove every time I changed gear it was very uncomfy like( I no this sounds silly ) there was

bone /rocks pushing into my thigh and pain shooting down to knee,I drove for about 45 minutes,

needless to say hubby drove back ,but yesterday

did I pay for it the pain in my left operated side

my hip ,pelvis knee and back was really bad so

had rest for day feel a bit easier this morning

I think I'll leave driving a while and speak to G P

So good luck hope things work out .Hugs xxx

Hi there, I'm just over six weeks since my right THR. Was told I could drive after about six weeks when I felt comfortable. Been driving about 3 days now, only short journeys and it still feels a bit strange. I don't think I'm ready for a long trip just yet. We all heal/repair at different rates. There's no one more keen to get behind the wheel than me, but for now I'm staying local. Good luck with your healing process.

I am 5.5 weeks post Bi-lateral THR and started to drive last week short distances only.   I have an automatic car which is great as not sure I would be able to do clutch change.   

Like anything try, but would say sitting that long might be painful, you would need plenty of breaks.   

Hi, I am five weeks post right hip replacement drove car today for first time fine but only went to bus stop half a mile away.  Good luck, for you to get to see your mum.  I do not intend to do long journeys for several weeks only up to twenty five miles. 

YES !

I was told that he would not let me drive until I could walk into the hospital without sticks (canes).   He said it's not so much the pressure that you can exert on the pedals (although that is important), it's the time taken to het the foot ONTO the pedals (reaction time) that he was concerned about.

Graham

Hello Madeleine.

I am 5 weeks post op today and had my 6 week check up yesterday as my surgeon is having a hip replacement very soon so seeing patients early. He told me I could drive as soon as I felt ready and to inform my insurance company he has given me the all clear. Much as I want to drive, my car is very low and I'm not ready to sink down so far and feel a cushion may slip if I have to do an emergency stop. I drove at 6 weeks following my lefy hip op 3 years ago but not so sure about this time. However I went out with my sister and brother in law last week and am convinced I did about 100 emergency breaking actions in the passenger seat!!! Good luck and take things steady as others have said. You may be fine driving but there are a lot of thoughtless drivers on the road.

best wishes

Liz

Wait for the ok from your dr. He will X-ray the leg to check the heeling .

ask for another driver to help you if driving that long. It's sitting that long that is difficult on the hip join so soon,

 

All the literature says you can drive after 6 weeks. If you are feeling fit, and your swelling has gone, why don't you try little journeys first, before you have your appointment. Take care getting in and out, and practise with the pedals first. I drove at 6 and a half weeks, and felt absolutely fine. Good luck with your long journey.