Knee surgery

Posted , 19 users are following.

when it is your right knee that had surgery, how long before you can drive?

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  • Posted

    I'm in that same situation. I think you have to be off pain meds. Plus my dr said he would have to release me. I'm 7 weeks po. Had manipulation on 4/27. Unfortunately I'm not even close to driving yet. Augh! Not used to relying on other people.
    • Posted

      Ok just had my 12 week check up and he just released me to Drive I had my driving leg done. Still going to therapy have 3 more therapy sessions left straighten my leg is 3% to being straight and bent is 105% my first 18 visits have been lying on the massage table the next 8 visits were standing exercise live in Florida west coast Tampa bay area.
    • Posted

      My cousin had both his knees done about 5 WEEKS apart. He's in FL and is doing great. I'm in NY and have had issues. I'm 7 weeks po and my bend is only 80. Just switched pt. I pretty much wasted 6 weeks of my time at the other pt. He told me when I get the other one done I need to go to FL. I like the sounds of your recovery. No knee cranking! Ouch! Good luck to you and be careful driving until you get used to it.xx
    • Posted

      Linlee I totally relate to what you're saying. When I was still in the hospital, my physical therapist said we were going to practice stairs....and I thought ...you want me to do what??  I felt the same way with driving. I was no where ready before 8 weeks. Maybe it was all in my head, but when the time was right, I had no problem.  And you won't either. I'm 8 months po and back to running around town. 
    • Posted

      Thanks for the encouraging words! I can't wait to be 8 months po. Does your knee still get stiff? Swell? Any pain?
    • Posted

      Sure, it's stiff after sitting or waking in the morning, numb on the outside of knee and tight around incision but no swelling or pain. I can live with these issues. But I'm back mostly to my old ways with a few adjustments and that's great. you'll be in a totally different place at 8 mo and again at 1 yr. hang in there!
  • Posted

    I was able to around 1 month post op. As long as you aren't taking pain pills. It is up to the surgeon though. Good luck.
  • Posted

    I'm 5 days tkr right knee. So it will be interesting to see how we get along. We'll nee to have excellent responses between the pedals and the knee first. 
  • Posted

    I didn't drive until 8 weeks out because I didn't feel comfortable until then.  My Dr. would have released me at 6 weeks tho.  And have to be off pain meds.
  • Posted

    My doctor gave me the OK at my check-up at two months.

    Mostly it is being healed enough so you could deal with things like a possible fender-bender or some other car issue. You want to feel CONFIDENT enough to drive.

    I drive a Jeep Grand Cherokee which is HIGH. I practiced getting in and out of it in our driveway until I felt confident that I could get out easily and quickly should I NEED to!

  • Posted

    With my left tkr I was driving at 2 weeks (only when I hadn't taken a pain pill) and minor driving to PT at 3 weeks with my right tkr. My Dr was fine as long as I was comfortable and Confident. I practiced in a parking lot including standing on the brakes in case I needed to. I think it's different for everyone and you must be comfortable before you try.
  • Posted

    I had partial knee replacement (right knee) on 6 Nov 2015, had surgeons review on 29 Dec 2015 and he said ok to coming off crutches and to driving my car again. So, thats about 7 and half weeks, allowing for Christmas intervening, probably about 6 and half to 7 weeks. Went back to work 3 weeks later bus driving. I'm 71.

    John

  • Posted

    Here in the UK they are very strict and according to my Consultant I cannot drive until he signs me off at six weeks post op as my insurance is null and void should I be involved in an accident! I have an automatic car and it even applied when I had my left TKR in 2014! This time it's my right leg🙁
  • Posted

    Hi I am the same as Glenda, I had my left knee done and drive an automatic car. I was told bend had to good to get in and out ablero do anoemergency stop and be off strong pain relief. I am 8 weeks and consultant said i could drive when he saw me at 6 weeks as long it didn't hurt. Unfortunately i can only drive approx 10 mins as seat aggrevates back of knee where i am still tender. I just go out when have to, don't rush it and again as Glenda says check your insurance as we aren'tcovred here in uk till cconsultant gives ok x
  • Posted

    I am 5wks post op on my left knee.   How do I gauge that I am ready to drive?   When I can bend my knee enough?   I have cut right down on my pain killers taking them just at night to sleep through?   I am quite nervous and not going to rush.   BUT if my consultant says I am OK to at my 6 wk check I still cant see it happening.

    I am beginning to think that we all will have differing timescales for everything!

     

    • Posted

      Everyone is different Lynn, although I have been told I can drive I'm just not very comfortable doing it and will only when I have to. I can't get my left knee comfortable and have tried varying the seat which really annoys the back of my leg. Take your time. I even have to get in to the car differently as can't bend my knee same way. We will all get there. All the best x
    • Posted

      Many thanks Sue - I have found this forum to be wonderful!  I have today sat in my car for the first time in 5 weeks and I was shaking with nerves!  Its good to know that I am not alone in some of the things I can and cant do.  Yes I will get there and I know all of us will.   Best wishes

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