Driving Post Op?

[lgobrien]

I know I'm definitely not ready yet (only 2+ weeks PO) but when did all of you (that had your RIGHT knee operated on) start driving? I see my OS in 10 days, but just wondered approximately what ROM you were when you started back to driving.

I have not ventured out to the car yet to see how I fit because I know I'm still aways off.

I hate feeling so beholding to others for transportation and with the price of gas and living so far out of town, I hate to ask for rides unless absolutely necessary (PT and Dr. appt).

My ROM is now 94, up from 86 three days ago, so I'm happy with my progress.

Thanks - you continue to be a wealth of information.

Laurie (lgobrien)

 

[ship4]

Laurie,
I go in on Wednesday. This is a link to my doctor's information regarding TKR. I hope you find it helpful!
broken link removed: https://www.concordortho.com/uploads/Total%20Knee%20FAQs.pdf

Best,
Crystal

 

[lgobrien]

Thanks Crystal - lots of valuable information in the attachment!

Laurie

 

[ship4]

Thanks Crystal - lots of valuable information in the attachment!

Laurie

Laurie,
I have a very good OS. He is very well thought of in NH and New England. My PCP was surprised I was able to be seen by him. I know I will be in good hands.
I saw him yesterday and he told me my time line looked good for recovery. He has no problem with me having the 9 children here 12 days post op. He said I have a good positive attitude, am healthy, and he wants to help me get back to living the life I want to live. I am pleased. My surgery is scheduled for 10:30 AM Wednesday. He has block off 4 hours of operating room time for me. I need to be @ the hospital by 9:00 AM.
Glad you liked the link!
Best,
Crystal

 

[gatiger]

As long as you can sit in the car and move your feet comfortably on the petals, you should be able to drive. Understand that your reaction time may be slower than normal due to your knee being stiff, Also, sitting in one position and not able to move your knee much will cause discomfort. Don't rush it, but you will know when you're ready. I practiced a little in the parking lot before I went out on the road.

 

[Doug]

I practiced too at about 3 weeks.....My wife took my keys away.. Also, remember if you are on pain meds, don't be driving. Got in trouble with my wife on that one too. She went with me to my 4 week apt. The Dr. cleared me to drive short distances. Like Gat said, longer distances without moving is uncomfortable.
I was able to drive 300 miles at 2 1/2 months. But I stopped every 1 1/2 hours or so to stretch it out.

 

[lgobrien]

Crystal -
Nine children 12 days PO? Good luck to you - and you're right, your positive attitude will take you far. Hopefully, the 9 children will be pretty independent and helping you with things around the house while you take care of you and your recovery!

I am also so excited to get my life back! I am 2 1/2 weeks PO and I am so excited each day now as I can see improvements.

Congratulations on your upcoming surgery, you're in my prayers!

Laurie

 

[lgobrien]

Gat -
I live on a short country road with a park at the end so in a couple weeks I can probably practice there to get the feel of it. Thanks for the idea!

Laurie

 

[ship4]

Crystal -
Nine children 12 days PO? Good luck to you - and you're right, your positive attitude will take you far. Hopefully, the 9 children will be pretty independent and helping you with things around the house while you take care of you and your recovery!

I am also so excited to get my life back! I am 2 1/2 weeks PO and I am so excited each day now as I can see improvements.

Congratulations on your upcoming surgery, you're in my prayers!

Laurie

Laurie,
Thanks so much! The children are not mine. None of them! I am a licensed Family Child Care Provider in NH, and this is my business and income. I can care for 9 children alone:
2 children under 2 years
2 children over 2 years
2 children over 3 years
3 school age children.
I will be having help. A parent client of a 4 year old girl, and a 6 year old boy will be with me from June 30 until August 15th between 7:30 AM and 4:30 PM Monday thru Friday.
There will be 2 ~ 1 year old boys (only ones in diapers), a 3 year old girl, two 4 year old girls, a 5 year old boy, a 6 year old boy, a 7 year old girl, and a 9 year old girl. They all have been in my care previously and know my rules and expectations. My parent Mom who will be helping will basically be taking over the running of the business between June 30th and the middle of July when I go back to the OS for my check-up. I will be up and about, exercising, icing, and resting. So, I do believe it is a good plan for me.
The OS agreed.
Your being 2.5 weeks post op and having such a positive attitude makes me feel I can do this.......
I am off all supplements and my Aleve for the week before surgery. I surely am feeling my knees!
Thanks again,
Crystal

 

[lgobrien]

Crystal -

Since most of these children are quite dependent on you, you might want to rethink the 12 days post op. I am 2 1/2 weeks po, but MUCH of my time is spent doing my PT, icing, elevating, sleeping and a very miniscule part of that time is doing any chores around the house.

It's just me and my husband here, my kids are grown, (I'm 54 yrs old) but I don't think I'm ready to go back even to my desk job yet. The success of the surgery depends soley on how much you consistency you can give back to your physical theraphy, icing, rest and elevating...

Or am I just a wimp?
Laurie

 

[lgobrien]

Crystal -
Guess I missed the last paragraph that said you were going to give priority to your PT, icing, resting, elevating... that's good. Take care of yourself!

Laurie

 

[AlaskanTKR]

Crystal - I don't want to be a wet blanket or anything - but please make sure you give yourself enough time to heal. I am a teacher. During my first scope I wasn't working so that was easy. The following 3 I was employed as a teacher of emotionally disturbed k-3rd graders. The OS was concerned about heading back to soon and told me to take the 6 weeks I deserved. I giggled and said - are you kidding me. They were easy scopes and each one I got faster at returning to work. But.... I had 2 teacher assistants and kids who had developed a unique respect for the classroom and me. The kids were actually really super with me - After the last scope I was scheduled to be out for a week but ended up going back after the weekend. (like 3 days) - but in reality I was just a fixture - I had my cryo cuff (I tend to swell A LOT) and my drugs. I was like an ADD kiddo so I fit in well. My wonderful staff took great care of me and the class. I am scheduled 7/14 for a TKR (I am 42) and we start school 8/13. OS is only concerned about the driving, but we live in suburbia and I am only 7 miles from school. (my husband willo be away at work when school starts - and at 10 days post surgery) We think it will be fine. I no longer do ED, I am straight resource. We have several inservice days so I can be a little dazed and confused if necessary. The kids start the following week. I work with olders who are quite helpful so it should be fine. My biggest concerns are being tired or stiff.

You are a very dedicated child care provider and it is good that you have additional support. I can totally relate. But the one thing we all need to remember is that we sometimes have to take care of ourselves so that we can eventually be the most benefit for the children we are responsible for. PLEASE remeber to take care of yourself. No lectures - I know I won't be willing to take time away from my students, but I have a feeling the teachers I work with will be extremely supportive if necessary. I am very fortunate. It sounds like you have some god support to. GOOD LUCK! REST!!!! I am sure we will both feel tons better when all this is over!

Marianne

PS - Laurie I don't think you're a wimp - if so .... so am I

 

[ship4]

Thanks Marianne. I am making sure I do put me first. I am taking between the 18th and the 29th for me. I will be in the hospital until the 22nd and most likely go to rehab for 2-5 days. That will get me home between the 25th and the 27th. The child care business is in my home. So, the children will be here with me. The children will also be concerned about me. I will be in the recliner in the living room and my dining room table is already upstairs with the Total Gym in it's place. I will get my rest daily both in the AM and PM especially if I have the problem everyone seems to have about not being able to sleep at night. You have to catch up sometime!
I will keep you posted on my progress post op.
Thanks again,
Crystal

 

[ern]

Hi Laurie,
I had my first drivee of an automatic the other day 4 weeeks post op. It was great getting out for a few hours. My ROM is 110 which is more than enough. I sat in my truck the following day depressing the clutch and I may eveen give it a go in a week or two,
Ern

 

[lgobrien]

Ern -
So you're probably not on any pain meds anymore... right? Until I get my ROM up like yours, I don't think I can go off the pain meds. If it weren't for PT, I wouldn't use any pain meds, it's a pain I can deal with. But to push myself in PT to reach that next leve, I need to stay on the pain meds to get me there I think.

I am excited because each day I can see progress, so it won't be too long!
Laurie

 

[Skeet]

I had TKR on my left knee and drive a 5 speed. I was able to drive at around 6-7 weeks but was still on pain meds, so waited until about 9 weeks to drive alone. My PT worked with me to lift my leg up and over an orange cone and when I did that easily she said I had the ROM and strength to drive a stick shift. I felt like I was 16 again and had regained my freedom.

Don't rush things. It will come. Take time for yourself to heal. God bless!

 

[northman22]

I had BTKR and got behind the wheel at about 5 weeks. I got in and tried the pedals and it was the only place I felt "normal". I drove around on some back roads and all went well, so I started driving the 4 miles to PT. The most difficult part for me was getting in and out. I had to put the seat all the way back because of my ROM. I do live just outside of a small town and didn't drive in the city for a couple of months.

Steve

 

[AlaskanTKR]

Are you out there Northman

Hope all is going well for you! Quick question re driving. Since you are familar with the Glen Hwy - What do you think with a single tkr (right knee- automatic Durango) 3 weeks, 4weeks, more????? Trying to plot post op visits based on that crazy road between here and Anchortown. Husband is a miner and away lots. Suggestions from someone who has been there up here would be appreciated! (by th by - I already have been accused of having a LEAD foot)
Marianne

 

[JenniferG]

Laurie, there was no way I had anything to give but healing for my knees at 2 weeks either and I am 40.
I was driving at 2-2.5 weeks.

 

[northman22]

Marianne,

It would be almost impossible for me to judge when you should drive the Glen...I know I wouldn't have wanted to do it for awhile. It's 4 lane and everyone drives 75mph or better and weaves in and out. If you can do it off hours it would be better. I also don't know what your pain level or med situation will be. I would try and first get behind the wheel at home...se how it feels. Drive some back roads and again access the situation. If you do drive it, I would suggest that you have a backup driver the first time just in case.

Maybe your Titanium knee will cancel out your lead foot! (grin)

Steve