Driving an automatic motorhome after a left hip replacement

Conal

Conal

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I am on the NHS consultant‘s list for a left hip replacement in the next few months. Has any one experience of driving after the operation? My thought are that will be easier and sooner as it is the left hip And as I am active (swimming, cycling an walking) should recover quickly.
Am I correct, and are there any hints to aid my recovery and pitfalls to avoid?
We have booked sites for August and hope to do a lot of walking. I am a little overweight but otherwise am a relatively fit 67 year old male.
 
Conal said:
I am on the NHS consultant‘s list for a left hip replacement in the next few months. Has any one experience of driving after the operation? My thought are that will be easier and sooner as it is the left hip And as I am active (swimming, cycling an walking) should recover quickly.
Am I correct, and are there any hints to aid my recovery and pitfalls to avoid?
We have booked sites for August and hope to do a lot of walking. I am a little overweight but otherwise am a relatively fit 67 year old male.
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Don't know about hip but I was back driving a manual four weeks after a knee replacement.BUSBY.
 
first tip, get an extra step on a piece of string to get in the van without over straining your hip

second tip........ do the above

Both my hips are knackered and the left one, I have no joint left and the ball of the femur floats and is held by muscle alone. This in turn knackered my knee and I asked the physio and the doctor how I could stop the damage progressing. They both said that the suggest to any hip op patients with vans or who drive lorries to use extra steps. It works
 
As I'm off to see the consultant a week today with Hip replacement hopefully not to far away, watching with interest.
I have read that there is no driving for 6 weeks after the operation, so maybe take that into account for anything you have booked.

Might start a "left leg" club (y)
 
i’ve had both my hips done, the right one in 1993 which is on the way out again unfortunately. The left was about 5 years ago so i’m hoping that lasts me out.

No problem whatsoever apart from the left is not allowing me to straighten up when walking so it’s affecting my back by now

I’ve also had 2 back operations to release trapped nerves overtime, now that was bad

And i’ve had both eyes cut open, lenses shattered and hoovered out, then new lenses inserted, now that was totally painless tbh but i can’t say that for the other ops i’ve had.

Hip ops are a doddle now tbh 👍

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I had my right hip done coming up to 10 years ago, so things have probably changed, but a few pointers...

At some stage in the lead up process, the surgeon will see you and assess your pain score through a series of questions. Don't play the brave soldier! Lay it on thick or it will be postponed for 6 months. Dont ask how I know :rolleyes:

When you've had the op they will have you out of bed double quick with a frame. Listen to what they say and act on it.
Stick to the excercise programme they set you.
Hardest part for me was six weeks sleeping on my back at night... And not crossing my legs.
I wasn't allowed to drive for six weeks until 1st follow up appointment with surgeon.

If you have the option, go for the epidural rather than full anaesthetic.

Dont sit around feeling sorry for yourself afterwards- get on with the excercises.

Oh!, good luck with the hightened toilet seat:oops:
 
namwaldog said:
IIf you have the option, go for the epidural rather than full anaesthetic.
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namwaldog said:
Oh!, good luck with the hightened toilet seat:oops:
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arrgghh!! no

why would you want to be awake 😱😱😱

i went to sleep and woke up after 3hrs and all done, no drama apart from I could smell burning bone from the person who followed me having it cut through, that will be with me forever 🥵
 
pappajohn said:
Just had a look through the list of DVLA reportable items and it isn't listed.
The GP will recommend not driving for a length of time.
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No... Its not a reportable item to DVLA or Insurance BUT Like when we both had our heart surgery its doctor advised.
Recommended but maybe not compulsory, however you might have to justify why you were doing it in the case of an accident i guess.
 
Al n Val said:
why would you want to be awake
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Purely on a quicker recovery.

There were six hips/knees done on the same day as me 3, epidurals and 3 generals. All the epidurals were walking around quicker.

The anaesthetist recommended epidural and is sat beside you ready to administer general if needed.

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namwaldog said:
1. If you have the option, go for the epidural rather than full anaesthetic.



2. Oh!, good luck with the hightened toilet seat:oops:
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1. NO WAY.. Knock me out....

2. I have had practice for the past 2 years. The Dometic toilet in my Burstner must have been fitted by a tall German. My legs dangle now on it. !
 
It will be 2 years on Friday since I had my left hip fitted, my surgeon recommended 6 weeks although he did say if it was auto drive when comfortable. As has been said follow their instructions and go shorts walks if you feel up to it, I was off my crutches within 4-5 weeks and did a park run after 14 weeks.
Like you I’m fairly active and was running 3 marathons and a couple of ultra marathons a year before the replacement, surgeon said it was fine to keep running but to keep it to 10Ks, I did a 10k in the September which felt great. Unfortunately my knee is on the way out so running is limited just now so decided to try a bit of cycling. My right hip is also on its way out as I hear it grinding as I walk but thankfully no pain, I had that one shaved and sanded down when I was 40 so about 13 year ago as they didn’t want to change it at that age.

My advice would be lose as much weight as you can before op as it will benefit you massively post op, I went on a strict diet for 6 weeks before op.
 
tonka said:
1. NO WAY.. Knock me out....

2. I have had practice for the past 2 years. The Dometic toilet in my Burstner must have been fitted by a tall German. My legs dangle now on it. !
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I’ve had 10 operations on my hips and I can guarantee the recovery is so much better, you can still be knocked out so you hear or fell nothing. When I had my right hip shaved I asked to stay fully awake and thought it was a good experience. I could see my feet but wasn’t sure if they were mine as I felt nothing, every time the surgeon hit me with a hammer my whole body rocked. 😂😂
 
Thanks for all the comments.
My wife has a small collapsible step as her Captain‘s seat keeps her feet off the ground otherwise. I will borrow this.
I had heard that driving after a left hip replacement is easier especially with an automatic - we have a Comformatic.
I lost 3 stone during the lock down but put some back on. I am now determined to lose more.
I was advised about the Oxford pain test before I saw the consultant and I reported very high scores. 8 to 9 out of 10 for most questions. Luckily (or unluckily) the X-ray showed no cartilage left above and below both the ball and the socket entrance So I didn‘t have to argue my case.
I read of an 80 year old (”the guru”) on an electric bike forum who choose an epidural and to watch the operation via a mirror. I quite fancy this if I am given an option!

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Conal said:
I am on the NHS consultant‘s list for a left hip replacement in the next few months. Has any one experience of driving after the operation? My thought are that will be easier and sooner as it is the left hip And as I am active (swimming, cycling an walking) should recover quickly.
Am I correct, and are there any hints to aid my recovery and pitfalls to avoid?
We have booked sites for August and hope to do a lot of walking. I am a little overweight but otherwise am a relatively fit 67 year old male.
Click to expand...
Do the exersises regularly and properly. Never overdo them stick to progamme. It will be painful but full articulation and mobility should be achieved. I've had both knees and drive manual regularly on long distances too.
Hope things go well
 
Scully Thanks, I have been on numerous sites including the NHS and now have a list of exercise. Strangely the one I have the most difficulty with is the bum muscle clench and hold session although I have had many such occasions whilst driving.🙀
 
Heading for mine tomorrow 12:30 all being well but right hip.

I will let you know how recovery goes!

My brother had his done a couple of years ago and was driving in about 3 weeks.

It's a challenge to beat that without being silly and causing a long recovery but I will be trying 🙏
 
Agree with everything namwaldog says. Had my left hip done probably 10 years ago now. Have had my left knee done since. When in hospital accept any pain relief offered, when it is offered. Dont be brave. Firstly, pain relief acts much slower if already in pain, and secondly staff wont thankyou if they have get you pain killers specially.
Had both mine done with epidural - which I was dreading, initially. Had a very good anaesthetist who explained that I would have some form of sedative which he would top up if necessary during the op. I said I didnt want to hear or see, or as another anaesthetist said - smell - what was going on! So I was out of it before they wheeled me into theatre, but recovery is much easier.
Plastic carrier bags are useful on the car seat. Let me try & explain. I was told that initially when getting into the car, I needed to back up to the seat, put my bottom down and then swivel round, with both legs together - hope that makes sense. One of the nurses told me to sit on a plastic carrier bag to make the movement easier. Reverse for getting out. I still get in & out of the car this way (but minus the plastic bag!) - puts less strain on joints.
Carrier bags are really useful for carrying things around whilst using crutches or frame.
We had an automatic car, so I was back driving in 6 weeks.
As others have said, I think getting into the van will be your most difficult.
If, Covid rules etc, you can get into a swimming pool, just some very easy exercise eg lying on back and gentle leg splashing is really good for you - obviously the water reduces pressure on joint. You can do this as soon as you like, provided wound is healing. But you may need someone else with you. I used the disabled shower room when I had mine done - so more space and easy seat for getting dressed. (Hope your shower is not over the bath!!)
 
namwaldog said:
Purely on a quicker recovery.

There were six hips/knees done on the same day as me 3, epidurals and 3 generals. All the epidurals were walking around quicker.

The anaesthetist recommended epidural and is sat beside you ready to administer general if needed.
Click to expand...

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My right hip started aching around Christmas time!Dr sent me for X-rays which confirmed osteoarthritis in my hip!How long have I got?Daft question but thought of the what will be a progressive downhill path is already getting me down.Will i be able to still drive 100’s of miles in our motorhome as I have done in the past!I’m 76 years old so not a youngster!I enjoy walking(moderately)Should I give that up to preserve what’s left?
 
robrace said:
My right hip started aching around Christmas time!Dr sent me for X-rays which confirmed osteoarthritis in my hip!How long have I got?Daft question but thought of the what will be a progressive downhill path is already getting me down.Will i be able to still drive 100’s of miles in our motorhome as I have done in the past!I’m 76 years old so not a youngster!I enjoy walking(moderately)Should I give that up to preserve what’s left?
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Everything I have been told refers to exercise is everything both before and after the op to retain as much movement as possible.
 
My ex-nurse wife had her hip replaced in Spain while touring in the van. The physical problems were the positions they will tell you not to do. 8 days after her op. we had to be back living in the van. She could not get up onto the bed (too high) so slept on a blow-up mattress on the table. The special toilet seat you must use was not an ideal fit, sliding about. We rented and sometimes borrowed wheelchairs and she still We managed to complete our touring holiday in Andalucia but no swimming or stairs.
Any kind of anaesthetic is inclined to remain in your system (she tells me) and the epidural seems to help with a quicker recovery.
The hospital she was in suggested she would be more or less herself again after 10 weeks (her last call back date).
Good luck
 
robrace it can be a long journey. My first indication was what I thought was a groin strain over three years ago. Then sciatica like pain down my left leg and into my knee, then my left leg started giving way. I saw my GP who dismissed my problem: at this stage I had probably had problems for about a year. Move on a year with the symptoms gradually getting worse, another trip to the GP and another rejection. Finally had to give work up - my second retirement job was driving a van - and my mobility was severely curtailed. Third visit to the GP earlier this year. I must add that each time the GP arranged an X-ray. This time I was referred to a consultant after scoring high on the Oxford pain test and pointing out my circumstances - given up job and most recreational activities . When I saw the consultant he said I should have been referred a year earlier.
My advice is to be firm with the GP, insist on an X-ray and push for a consultant visit. The GP can’t see the X-ray but the consultant can.
 
Conal said:
robrace it can be a long journey. My first indication was what I thought was a groin strain over three years ago. Then sciatica like pain down my left leg and into my knee, then my left leg started giving way. I saw my GP who dismissed my problem: at this stage I had probably had problems for about a year. Move on a year with the symptoms gradually getting worse, another trip to the GP and another rejection. Finally had to give work up - my second retirement job was driving a van - and my mobility was severely curtailed. Third visit to the GP earlier this year. I must add that each time the GP arranged an X-ray. This time I was referred to a consultant after scoring high on the Oxford pain test and pointing out my circumstances - given up job and most recreational activities . When I saw the consultant he said I should have been referred a year earlier.
My advice is to be firm with the GP, insist on an X-ray and push for a consultant visit. The GP can’t see the X-ray but the consultant can.
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Totally agree

My doc even after x rays {twice} poo poohed a hip replacement as wear was 'not bad'

Pushed for a consultant and after a 10 minute consultation was immediately put onto his admissions list. Incidentally he sent me for further x rays as the ones the doctor sent through did not show what he needed to see!

2 weeks later got a call with a date 6 weeks ahead! Surprised does not come close, was expecting 6-12 month wait.

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Bustup15 yes, after the lack of support from my various GPs I was hoping the consultant would put me on a waiting list for an Op in 12 months. He apologised that it would be two to three months. Made me a little cynical about my GP practice.
 
My problems started with sciatica!pain really bad down through groin and front of leg.!! pain so bad at night!Went to chiropractor,osteopath and had phone appointment and surgery one with Dr!He explained that although what I had was sciatica it was from the femeral nerve.The X-rays showed the osteoarthritis and given Co Codemol pain killers and warning they cause constipation so more pills to counteract☹️.The pain I get now from my hip is probably 3 out of 10 so have cut out painkillers except for odd paracetamols!Off for first break in camper on sunday(Chirk)so will have to s how we get on.Was hoping to do plenty of walking!!
 
After an operation to unlock a joint in one of my toes I was told not to drive for six weeks for insurance reasons. When I queried this the consultant said it was standard procedure after any surgery involving a general anaesthetic.
I couldn’t have driven because of the shoe thing that they made me wear that tipped my foot up.
My boss thought I was coming back to fix buses after four weeks when the shoe was removed but the consultant signed me off for another eight weeks for physio.
 
robrace My experience was exactly the same as yours except I don’t take pain killers. I am taking the weaker anti-inflammatory ones occasionally but nearly had a row with my GP about co-codemol. I agreed to take them, and the anti-constipation tablets, just to appease her, but have not used them. The level of pain is interesting if you can detach yourself from it. To give an example, last Wednesday my left leg gave way, as it does, and I fell onto large set stones in my local high street. I now know I broke two ribs; I have broken a rib before so know what it is like. Also my wife can feel them moving, as can when I cough or sneeze. I rate the pain I now experience from unexpected lateral movement in my hip greater than that of the two broken ribs, and I know it will get worse. It is hard to imagine what those with cancer or other pain inducing conditions go through but they have my unreserved sympathy.
My only advice for those at an earlier stage of similar conditions is that it is amazing what the body will put up with, and after experiencing pain it is only a memory. Ironically I write this sitting up in a chair because lying down is too painful for my chest, and I am in pain due to the sitting position being painful for my hip😕. I know the ribs will heal and I have been told that, once I have a new hip all the pain will disappear.
 
I have no experience of Hip/Knee or any other replacement part but I know of people who have and they all seem to cope with them better if they’ve been active beforehand, lots of walking/swimming etc. it builds the muscles up so they can cope with the strain of the op.
Good luck with the op I hope you’re up and about quickly.
I hate Co-Codemol, makes me feel sick!

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