Knee surgery

Posted , 19 users are following.

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

0 likes, 47 replies

47 Replies

Prev
  • Posted

    I'm in UK too and I hadn't realised we needed consultant sign off in order for insurance to be valid! 

    Anyway I'm 3 weeks post TKR and I can't see me being confident to drive for at least another month. I find it painful sitting in a car as a passenger, even. And the pain meds have my head all over the place....

    Sorry not to be more optimistic, but as others have said, I think we're all different.....

    • Posted

      You don't need the consultants signature.  If you intend to take off more time, then your GP can sign your sick certificate. Your (car) insurance company need not know you are off sick.  It's just if you have an accident, then legally you are classed as knowingly unfit to drive and your claim becomes invalid.  There is nothing stopping you from driving, just make sure you don't hit anything/one and no-one hits you
  • Posted

    Petunia,  it is a minimum of 6 weeks in the states also.  You must be off pain meds.  I did not drive till 8 weeks and it is my left leg.  You also have to be able to bend enough to get in and out of car.  We all heal differently, and you will know when you feel like you can.  Suggest you try getting in and out of car and pushing the pedals prior to ever starting the engine.

    pam

  • Posted

    It seems each person is different.  I drove at the end of three weeks.  My in home PT person went on a test drive with me to make sure it was ok.  Just make sure you don't take any pain medications other then over the counter when driving.  Cathy
  • Posted

    Ask your Dr for permission. In some countries the automobile insurance dictates time. Generally 6 weeks. The amt of pain meds also plays into time.
  • Posted

    Well doctor said had appointment last week he said I can start to drive after 12 weeks.
  • Posted

    I started driving at 6 wks p/0 no problem at all, in our booklet we got after surgery it says not before 6 wks l felt confident and could not wait to get behined the wheel again ..
  • Posted

    I had no choice but to drive, but made sure I was off meds before went anywhere. Luckily had home therapy at first for several weeks, but can't recall how long. After that drove myself to P.T. 

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.