Total knee replacement recipients, if surgery was on driving knee, how long before you drove again??

[a kennedy]

Thanks.

[Walleye]

1. I think I was driving within a week or two it's hard to remember

I had both knees done one right after the other, and I drive a stick shift so I must’ve gotten by somehow. It was 10 years ago. I know it wasn’t long before I was driving myself to physical therapy. Maybe 10 days

[onethatcares]

2. about 3 woks

automatic shift.

Hardest part, non driving, was doing the bicycle exercise at the therapist office.

[Callalily]

3. If you're feeling okay, and are off the pain meds, go ahead and drive.

Here is what my doc suggested to me. Take a trial run in an empty parking lot and if you're feeling good, then go ahead.

About the pain meds. If you're driving when you're still on pain meds, and you're in an accident, which is not your fault, beware. If the other driver finds out you are on pain meds you are SOL. They will claim that the pain meds were a factor. Another piece of advice from my doc.

Good Luck!

[csziggy]

4. I think it was three weeks before my husband thought I was safe to drive

Since he was my nurse and caretaker, I didn't argue with him. And that was for the first knee - I got my second knee replacement two months after the first and recovery was just a little slower. While the surgeon was happy with my progress, we may have pushed it just a little too close together.