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How soon can I drive?

Posted , 16 users are following.

madeleine94884
madeleine94884

Hi hippies, my six week appointment to see the surgeon actually takes place in eight and a half weeks.   My question to you all - has anybody been told at their six week review that they CAN'T drive?   I desperately want to go and see my 96 year old mother after I see the surgeon, but she is over 100 miles away.   I'm just hoping he will say I can drive.   I should add, it's an automatic car (right leg though was operated on) and it's nearly all motorway driving.

Thanks to you all.  Madeleine.

2 likes, 20 replies

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  • lors23
    lors23 madeleine94884

    Posted

    Hi Madaleine

    They tell you 6 week not to drive but with both my hip replacements l was driving at 4 weeks post op. Before l drove anywhere l checked l was able to do an emergancy stop. And when l told my Dr at my 6 week appointment that l.has been driving he was totally fine. He said peoole heal faster thanzàothers. If l were you l would give it a wee try and see how you feel.

    I did it for the same reason my mum took not.well and she stayed in the next town not far and l wanted to see her. I am glad l did as it turns out she has cancer so l have had plenty of time see her.

    Good luck

    Laura x

  • dave63380
    dave63380 madeleine94884

    Posted

    Madeleine, I don't understand why you have to wait so long to drive I was driving and back at work by 3 weeks. The biggest obstacle is getting in and out of vehicle without hurting yourself. I was careful and moved slowly, but I really needed to get back to work. Maybe not smart but all is good at 8 weeks.

  • renee01952
    renee01952 madeleine94884

    Posted

    Hi Madeleine, 

    So many different comments ...

    This is my story :  my 6 weeks follow up appointment with surgeon was moved to 9 weeks  This freaked me out as I too was eager to drive again - 

    Then I was told by secretary that The Surgeon would not authorize driving, ever - The 6 weeks or follow up appointment is used to check the hardware and ROM -

    Surgeon can not be held responsible in case you get in to an accident later on - 

    ULtimately you are the one who makes the decision -

    My physical therapist checked how I got in and out of my car and do emergency stop ...

    If you feel fit enough and confident, go for it darling ... 

    big warm hug and please let us know how you are getting on ....

    renee

     

    • beth2509
      beth2509 renee01952

      Posted

      I haven't had mine yet, but my consultant told me that he wouldn't make that decision either. He said it was my legal responsibility to decide whether I could safely drive and whether I could perform an unerring emregency stop. But he also said that I must check with my insurance company because many have clauses that say you mustn't drive until 8 weeks and you aren't insured if you do. I checked - mine does, and I have to phone them first before I start driving again to satisfy them that I can drive safely again.

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