OT: I was able to drive today (exactly 3 weeks after TKR)

I was starting to go stir crazy stuck in the house or having to rely on my mom or a friend to give me a ride to the doctor, pharmacy, grocery, etc..  My knee pain has been better the last 2 days (a single Vicodin every 4-6 hours), so today, I took one when I got up, and then after my afternoon nap (I don't remember being so physically tired the first time around, but mom says I was) I decided I could wait on  more pain meds and would try driving around the block (and then to the pharmacy if that went well).

Getting in was easy (although getting out was a little tricky!), and I had to position my right leg between the accelerator and brake (and use just the ball of my foot for both) but I was able to drive even with a manual transmission! If someone pulls out in front of me suddenly, it could be a problem, but I only plan to be driving in about a 5 mile radius from home for a whole still, and there is a limited amount of traffic.

So I went to pick up some prescription refills at the grocery and get some eggs and bacon while I was there.  Psychologically, being able to drive again (if I'm able to not take the pain meds for several hours, of course) is a HUGE lift!

Lora

Good for you, Lora. Take it easy, I know having to depend on others is not fun. I don't know how you did it with a clutch I forgot you had a manual transmission. 

When I had the bunionectomy on my right foot 2 years ago it took forever for them to release me to drive because of the boot. Here it's against the law to drive with a surgical boot (something I didn't realize). 

Sounds like recovery, although taking time, is going well. 

Yes, it is going fine.  Just not as quickly as I would like, but I have NEVER been known for possessing much patience!  

This leg is much stronger than the other one was (this has been very much the dominant leg for YEARS because of blood clot, knee injury, and arthritis issues in the other leg), so the strength exercises are progressing much more quickly than for the first knee, but the flexion and extension are taking just as long.

Good for you:)  I remember that very well, It is the little things you miss the most! Congrats, this makes me very happy:) PS, got my stitches out today and the "legal" all clear to drive:))))

So today was a good day for both of us!  

I"m glad your able to drive again!  Sounds like your TKR is coming along well.   Be careful though and don't overdo it!  

Who, me?!?  Never!  Ok, always... I'm notorious for it...

Glad all is going well!!  :-)  P.S. I sent you a message...

April

That's awesome Lora!!  I can't imagine doing it with a stick shift though!

This is my right knee, so it really doesn't have to do much extra because of the stick.  (Fortunately, back in March when I had the left knee done, I had two cars (one stick, one automatic), so I was able to drive sooner since I could take the Civic and the left leg could just hang out and do nothing.)  

One of the things I didn't consider about having this knee done was that you need the right leg to drive ANY car... And I just hate having to rely on other people for help!