Passenger in a car

For both my surgeries, I rode as a passenger routinely a few days after the surgery.

After my posterior approach operation to my left leg, I resumed driving an automatic car about 4-6 weeks later (don't remember exactly).  After my anterior approach operation to my right leg, I resumed driving an automatic car about 3 weeks after the operation (much sooner that I was expecting).

Hi

I was travelling short distances after about 2 weeks - only because I felt too unwell to travel anywhere before that - by week 4 I was able to drive my husbands automatic car and by week 5 drive my own manual car with no problems. The only thing I can't do now is put my socks on and walk normally without waddling - but I'm only 6 weeks today so there is still time X

I made some very short journeys from 10 days after my operation. Plan it well, seat up as high as possible, back as far as possible, big plump cushion, seat back inclined backwards to keep that angle nice and open, and room to extend your operated leg. Make sure the door opening is wide enough for you to lift your leg in and park away from the kerb so you can step diwn when you get out. That's what worked for me!

I forgot to mention that although I was able to ride as a passenger and drive shortly after my operations, even 2 months after the latest surgery, sitting in a car for any more than 30 minutes is quite painful.  I do better with cars with higher seats but do constantly adjust the seat to try to vary my seating position.

Hiya,

I had to go to the docs to have my dressing changed on day 7. The journey was ok, it was the getting in and out of the car I didn't enjoy.

Fiona

X

Hello Malloo, I've been a passenger in my daughters car a couple of times to the doctors and back, she's got quite a high car though. I haven't been in our own cars yet because they're only small. I'm going to wait until I can get in and out of a comfy chair easily before I attempt our cars, I think that would be a good test as to how you can manage the task. I've got long legs, I'm 5ft 9in so I usually end up looking like I'm struggling out of a tight coat at the best of times. Good luck chick. Live. Julia. Xxx

Starting with the two week follow-up at the surgeon's office, I often rode in a car. Had no problems getting in or out, or sitting for the length of the drives. I had an anterior-lateral approach, so I wasn't sitting on an incision, so perhaps that helped. Was back to driving myself at 6 weeks.

Gosh thanks everybody - that's been really helpful x 

I was a week later as a passenger. Only 10 min drive (family funeral) then few times a lift too visit my mum. I'm back driving now (automatic ) 5half wks p o. Use a carrier bag on seat it help you swivel round.

Brenda xx

I thought the general recommendation was 6 weeks for driving yourself, although some people start sooner. Being a passenger is really when you feel comfortable getting in and out of a car. Probably a week or so. 

Hi

I left it 2 weeks but still found it uncomfortable, to be honest I was about 4 weeks before I was comfy.  I was told to take it easy travelling as a passenger because of emergency stops and the damage they may cause.  I had a lateral posterior approach.

Thankfully my book must have been different. Short trips socially by day 7, an hour or so as passenger at 2 weeks. Then lost count. 

Hi Malloo, I think your find it's 6weeks before you can drive, you can be a passenger as soon as you like as long as your comfortable.

Hi Malloo, I went for a short ride as a passenger about 8 days after leaving the hospital. At first it was a little tough getting in and out of the car but not horrible. I waited about 4-5 more days and went for another short ride...these were between 5-10 miles each way. The second time was a little easier. I am now 3.5 weeks post op and have made several trips as passenger, even shopping and running errands (using crutches to walk). The car is fairly easy for me to get into now, and in fact easier than it was before my surgery. I think it mostly depends on the person and how much we are comfortable with it, and to our ability to be able to manuver around without to much pain. I hope this helps because from all I have read none of us are the same or do we heal or progress the same. Wishing you well, and quick healing...Barb