Driving after hip replacement.

I was driving again after 6 weeks and to be honest, I couldn't wait. The loss of freedom was dreadful. I never had any problems.

My mother in law was waterskiing after 12 weeks - never mind driving after 6 - (pulling up on one ski - mono skiing is better with a hip replacement as the legs are locked one behind the other) - granted we called her super gran. It is going to be a confidence thing so once the consultant is happy perhaps a drive out with an instructor might be a good idea.

I had my right hip replaced 4 years ago when I was 62. I was advised I could drive any time after 6 weeks, but must ensure I could do an emergency stop before I began driving again. Due to icy road conditions I didn't drive until about 8 weeks by then I could do an emergency stop with no problems. Initially I drove very short distances until I felt completely confident, 6-8 weeks without driving is a long time if, like me, you're not a person who loves it. Maybe for your relative loss of confidence is the bigger issue.

Driving also depends on which leg is operated on. If you drive an automatic, as I do, the left leg is redundant and once you can comfortably get in/out and sit in the car, driving is no problem. However if it is the right leg, you also need to be confident that you can apply full braking in case of emergency.

No problem driving at 6 weeks BUT I would suggest it is a confidence thing. Once I had got in the car and moved off, I felt fine and confident.

I agree with the others, no reason she can't drive again with her surgeons say so of course. I was back behind the wheel after 6 wks and haven't had any problems since. Maybe she has another reason she doesn't want to drive anymore. I hope you can convince her to at least try it.

I've had the left hip done and a year later I get a very achy hip with in town driving - lots of gear changes are tiring but long distance ok . I do need to stretch my legs frequently . I'm in my seventies so it's a matter of confidence

Thanks for suggestions/info. Will pass them on to dd

As well as the driving seat being the correct height, it also helps if the cover is shiny/slippy.
I still get in and out of the car by first sitting sideways, knees together, then swing both legs round together.
Rather than stepping in first with one, then bring the other round to meet it.

Provided she follows the surgeons and physios advice and keep up with the exercises, she will be able to do everything she did before the op after 6 months or so. After about a year I had forgotten that I had had a THR and was back to normal. I was driving after six weeks. She needs to adjust her seat or use cushions to ensure she does not flex the hip beyond 90deg.

She should not drive without a suitable cushion in the car because her THR has recently been replaced. She should follow her consultant's orders- of course she will be able to drive, it is a matter of time. She must also learn how to get into the car properly, her physio can teach her that.

The consultant will give her the green light when the time is right. Of course she can drive after a hip replacement. I drive (hurts a bit) even though my replacement has not gone well.

Guide her to some websites about hip replacement.

She's the same age I was when I had the hip replacement and I was driving after 6 weeks. She could try sitting in the car, putting her feet on the pedals and see how she feels.