I had a right hip resurfacing two weeks ago with Dr. Gross. He said I could drive using left foot as soon as I was off the narcotics but to wait around three weeks before using my right leg for breaking. Will my right leg be completely reliable by 3 weeks? Also, I have to drive 2 hours for my six week follow-up. Will I be okay to drive that distance. How long before I can drive for 400+ miles? I drive quite a bit for work and have a few 5 hour road trips coming up in March and April. Just wondering what the majority of RH/bilateral hippies' experience was regarding reflexes/pain/ stiffness etc. along with a ballpark average wait time. Thanks!
I started driving 2 weeks after my right HR. I practiced with short distances for about a week --- to the grocery store and bank --- things within 3 miles of the house. I used my left door to brake until week 4 and it was a natural change at about that time to start braking right footed again. I don't think I consciously did it, it just happened :)
The hard thing is being about rot get in and out if the car. Push the seat all the way back to get in and out....by 6 weeks you'll be fine to drive 2 hours. Just stop, get out and stretch if you feel the need. I'll be making the 3 hour drive to see Dr. Gross this week for my follow up. Hubby will come with me though so he will likely drive :)
After my right HR we drove to NC to visit family at 7 weeks and it wasn't a problem. That was a 7 hour drive.
Tomorrow will be 6 weeks for my right hip ( and left was 2 days before). Also Dr Gross. They asked me not to drive for 6 weeks wth bilateral. now driving and it feels completely normal. Tomorrow I drive to airport, fly to Charlotte and drive 90 minutes to Columbia. Not worried at all about the journey. Hope that helps..