Right footed driving?
Uncategorized April 10th, 2009I wanted to take a poll to see how long it was before most right footed ATR’s were driving (with permission)? I’ve been on crutches since the beginning of January and am 5 wks post-op from my second surgery. I’m PWB, with one crutch, the boot, and my foot turned to the side. Does anyone know of a more flexible brace or boot that can be used for support while driving, but won’t get in the way? I have 3 kids that would be in the car with me (9, 8, and 8 months) so I really can’t take any chances - not to mention what might happen to the “other guy”! Being stuck in the house and relying on my hubby and friends for every errand is getting old again. Is there hope on the horizon?
April 11th, 2009 at 5:44 am
Marianne2: I have just recently learned of a doctor made, lightweight, brace that goes along the front of your shin and foot. It is held on by an ace wrap and it will not let your foot dorsiflex beyond a certain point. I wish I had had one of those.
Where I live, it is legal to drive with a cast on however it is not legal to drive without insurance. So the issue may be whether or not your insurance will cover an accident if you were wearing a cast/boot at the time. My insurance actually would still cover me like normal so as soon as I was cleared for FWB (even before I was comfortable FWB) I drove in my cast with a little support underneath my right thigh. Surgery #1 was cleared for FWB at 6 weeks post-op. Surgeries #2 and #3, I was cleared to FWB around 3-4 weeks post-op (Different doctor).
April 16th, 2009 at 11:13 am
Hi Marianne…
I have an automatic, so my experience might not apply to you. I’ve been driving with the left foot since about 2 weeks after surgery. It took a few very short trips to get used to it, and I didn’t have the kids in the car until I was very comfortable with it. After about a week it was like second nature.
Tim
April 16th, 2009 at 2:57 pm
Tim- thanks for the info. I think I’m one of the few right side ATR’s that hasn’t driven in the boot! We have one automatic and one standard, but the automatic is a really big pickup, so I’ve been afraid of crushing other drivers! I tried to back the truck up in the driveway the other day, first with the boot, and then with the left foot - didn’t go very well - just call me Bucky. Saw the dr. today, and discussed the driving. I asked if there was some sort of achilles brace and he said no, but he’s going to hook me up with some kind of brace for the bottom of my foot to wear while driving. He alternatively suggested driving with a big lace up workboot, like a Timberland or something. I’m still a little afraid of driving, especially with the kids in the car. I’ll have to post the full details of my checkup later - looking good (started PT yesterday, too!).
April 25th, 2009 at 6:00 am
Marianne - Sorry for leaving you out on the re-rupture list.
I’ve updated the page and I added you.