Scar still sore 4 weeks post op

Hi Hopetogroove

Sorry you are in pain.

You are only 4 weeks since you had your op done.

Were you cleared by your surgeon to start driving ?

Most are not cleared to drive till at least 6 weeks.

I think you are expecting too much so soon after your op and the driving will be making you sore.

 

Hello Hope ...

I know what you mean - I am 16 weeks post op and, not to be a downer here, still feel my scar - I rub Bio oil on it and touching it is a weird sensation - like somebody else is touching it ... a lot of repairing is going on there after  all the cutting etc.  right there - so many layers have to be knitted together again ... 

as long as you don't have a fever or the scar is red and swollen, I think it is all part of the healing process .. 

be kind and gentle with your self ... 

warm hug and know that all is well 

Hi Hopetogroove, I'm 4 weeks post op LTHR tomorrrow and pretty one stick mobile but certainly not driving, if nothing else having sat in the driving seat a couple of times to check something out it just fels too uncomfortable. Otherwise yes the scar is sensitive though not painful and as my activity increases then pains spring up in places all over my left leg. I think you may well be pushing things a little plus of course there is the question of valid insurance. Sorry to be a killjoy, but maybe time to ease off a little?

Dear Hop0e,

Greetings -

Sorry to hear your hurting while driving...

now, as someone who is gently told off regularly on this site for a 'go for it' attitude, one thing i do know is that I followed all advice and did not drine at all for six weeks, fearing my competence re an emergency stop and my and others safety on the road. I also only was apassenger maybe 4 times cos cos it was sore for me too.

Soooo, you need to do wot you need to do, but is driving such a priority?

Luv

Mic

x

PS Insurance is funny, Aviva couldn't care less - as long I felt OK about driving1

4 weeks sounds a bit early to drive, it's at least six weeks here,

I have sat in my car a few times and played with the pedals, feels awkward though.

I am 8 weeks post op and wasn't cleared for driving until 6 weeks, don't think I could have done it anyway... as for scar being sore after 4 weeks, it's the big muscles knitting back together and you have to get them working again ... take your time and you'll do it.xx

Hi there

when folks are asking you about being cleared to drive what they actually mean is Are You  Insured ? Check with your insurance company about their rules. You may not currently be covered.

If you had an accident particularly if you injured someone and the police were involved you could be on very dodgy ground given you are saying you are impaired.

 Scar tissue can take a while - mine took too long and my physio did hands on massage to break scar tissue down around 6 months post op. It took 3 x 20 min sessions  I went from not being able to lie on that side to perfect comfort. Ii could not get the same result myself with bio oil and my massage.

Good luck and I hope you are not offended by me spelling out the risks as we don't want any of our fellow hippies to have any more problems than they need xx

I thought I would see what the UK Royal College of Surgeons advises - and boy what a great site it is because it gives advice for evey imaginable operation.

So here is the advice from the UK Experts

STARTS ----Helping you to make a speedy recovery after total hip replacement

Driving

Your insurance company should be informed about your operation. Some companies will not insure drivers for a number of weeks after hip surgery, so it’s important to check what your policy says.

Normally, driving should be avoided for the first 6 weeks and even travelling as a passenger is best avoided for the first three weeks (except for essential journeys), as getting in and out of a car can risk straining the hip and stretching the healing tissues. However, you should discuss this with your surgeon.

Before resuming driving, you will need to be fully recovered from your surgical procedure. You should be free from the distracting effect of pain or the sedative or other effects of any pain relief medication you may be taking. You should be comfortable in the driving position and able to safely control your car, including freely performing an emergency stop.

If you have an automatic vehicle and it is your left hip that has been replaced (assuming a right-hand drive vehicle), you may be able to drive earlier, but this should be discussed with your surgeon and would depend on your general health, medical condition and personal circumstances, including the views of your insurer, and whether you are a Group 1 (car or motor cycle) or Group 2 (bus or lorry) licence holder.

Driving - an exercise

After about 6 weeks, you might want to test your fitness to drive. Do this in a safe place without putting the keys in the ignition: simply sit in the driving seat and practise putting firm pressure on the pedals. If you feel pain, you are not yet ready to drive. If you feel sore afterwards, you may need to wait a day or two and try again. Only when you can put enough pressure on the pedals to do an emergency stop - should you think about driving again.

It is advisable not to restart driving with a long journey.

Driving - Notifying the Driver Vehicle and Licensing Agency (DVLA)

After total hip replacement, you do not need to notify the DVLA unless instructed to do so by your doctor; however, it is important to follow your doctor’s advice about driving. Higher medical standards are required for those holding a Class 2 licence, so for reasons of safety and comfort your doctor may advise you to delay driving further. You should also speak with your employer.

Ultimately, it is your responsibility to ensure that you are in control of the vehicle at all times and to feel confident that you would be able to demonstrate this if asked. --- END

Tests of drivers view of their competence under influence of drink or drugs or even sober  shows we always over estimate our capabilites....and we all think we are perfect drivers. I used count myself as a top driver -until I bumped all 4 corners off my car trying to park...