Driving Question
June 22nd, 2015
Aloha all,
Well the incision is still not healed but its looking 1 million times better. I have one spot right where it got infected that still isn’t done yet but has a really nice well formed scab on it. Horrray!
Now to the question. The ATR was on my right foot and was just wondering how long after the incision is healed do you think its safe for me to start driving again? I have my car in the shop for some much needed TLC and just wanted to make sure I schedule it so that it will be done when I am ready to start driving again. I have fantastic movement in my foot as I only where the boot when I go out.
Thanks for the help and happy ATRing!
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I am 5 weeks post right side ATR surgery and my OS told me that the soonest would be 8 weeks. He was emphatic, he even held up eight fingers. Says he has had a rerupture from a patient driving too soon against his medical guidance. I asked my PT and he said driving with the boot is a very bad idea and as a former driving instructor I have to agree, although I called my insurance company and they said I would still be covered if driving in a boot as long as my physician cleared me to do so. Last and probably least, I have heard of people driving with their left foot or with two feet, the boot on the gas and the left foot on the brake - again my driving instructor instincts tall me that is a very bad idea.
My injury is my right foot and I never stopped driving. I used my left foot to drive. I know it sounds crazy, but our bodies are quick to learn how to adjust. it felt normal after a few days.
I have a right ATR repair and was cleared by my Os to drive (and swim and bike) at 12 weeks, as soon as I was out of the boot. Every situation is different, of course, but can understand why you are eager to be able to drive. Good luck in your recovery!
I Hate to post this on your blog, but I cannot for the life of me figure out how to post a question? How do I post something so I can have someone reply? Thank you for any help and good luck with your recovery!
Nothing wrong with asking here but to create your own entity just go to Achillesblog.com homepage and follow the comprehensive guidelines.
Hey Gdubz
My OS made it a habit to never clear anyone to drive after ATR due to liability reasons. He was afraid that if a cleared patient left the hospital and got into an accident, he could face legal recourse. He advised that when I felt like I could make the quick change from the gas to the brake safely and without pain, then I was ready to drive. I want to say I started driving around the 8 to 10 week mark. For the first week I even drove with my boot. Let me tell you….getting back to driving is a big step in the recovery process and for me was one of the biggest milestones I experienced. Good luck to you.