hip

[viali]

i am a very fit 49 year old and have 17 days ago had a hip resurfacing operation..i can now walk 6-7 miles a day and i am much more flexible than before and can get in and out of a car easily....how do i stand about driving my car.. do i need a letter off my surgeon to drive before the 4 weeks stated on my hospital physio sheet?

[woofgang]

Well it's your hip. Why would you need a letter from the surgeon? the physio is giving you their best opinion, you can take it or ignore it.....

[boxtops]

I still would wait until the recommended time - you might be OK for regular smooth driving, but if you had to stop in an emergency, or someone rear-ended you, it must undo all the good work.

[diadem01]

If you doubt, or reasonably could doubt your ability to drive, you must discuss the matter with your insurance company.

In the case of an accident, that you 'ought to have realised' your limitations, would be a very difficult argument to refute.

You clearly have some doubt … my advice would be to get a professional verdict.

[bednobs]

Or call the insurance company who will tell you. When i have had hip replacements in the past they have said if you are able to do an emergency stop it's ok.
i suppose it willl also depend on which side and whether you have an automatic - a left sided resurfacing with an auto willbe less problem than right

[ubasses]

After my hysterectomy I was told 8 weeks before I could drive, but problems with hubbies health meant really needed to drive after 5 weeks, so saw GP who said it would be OK, just made sure he put that on my medical records to cover insurance. So speak to GP/consultant and see if they are happy to authorise you to drive again.

[woozer]

Your insurers will only provide cover once your medical adviser tells you that that you can drive.
Having has a similar op I would ask you why you would risk the long term success of the operation just to drive a few weeks early - one emergency stop and you could seriously affect your medical outcome

[viali]

thanks for all your answers all taken aboard and appreciate them.