Hip Replacement and 6 speed
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 295
Likes: 0
From: Hayward WI
Hip Replacement and 6 speed
Question anyone on the forum drive their 6 speed after Hip Replacement surgery.
I will be getting a new left hip in the next two weeks.
I worry about working the clutch after surgery. I mean after a few months.
Put the Vette in storage and I wonder if I will be able to drive it.
I will be getting a new left hip in the next two weeks.
I worry about working the clutch after surgery. I mean after a few months.
Put the Vette in storage and I wonder if I will be able to drive it.
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 188
Likes: 0
From: Baden PA
Having gone through a replacement myself at a younger age (less than 40) when recovery times are quicker I would estimate, presuming your age to be 55 or less, that you are a minimum of 10 to 12 weeks post surgery before driving the vette.
Good luck with the surgery!!
Good luck with the surgery!!
Racer
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 387
Likes: 46
From: Sun City, AZ
I had a total right hip replacement a year ago at 56 years young. I was driving my 6 speed vert and riding my Harley in 8-9 weeks. They weren't long rides but I was able to do it, and besides getting in and out is going to be the challenge not driving it. It will be easier if it's a vert but if the desire is there you'll find a way in. Now that I've had the hip replaced I can't sit in it as long as I used to. Seems as though I can go a couple of hours then need to get out and stretch. You should be up and walking on it withing a day or two, so by the time you get to where you can drive again your leg will be plenty strong for the clutch. Best of luck with the surgery, let me know if I can answer any other questions
Bob
Bob
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No actual experience to offer, but hope the surgery goes well and you don't have any problems driving the car. 
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 3,123
Likes: 3
From: Orland Park Illinois
St. Jude Donor '06-'07
Had a total left hip replacement done this past June. It was (still is) "sticky" getting in and out of the car. You've got to be careful about the "angles" (I'm sure you've heard this term by now) you place your body vs. surgery leg when getting in/out of your C5 (or any car). I started driving my C5 about 2 1/2 months after the surgery. My car is an A4, so can't give you any info on how my leg would have held up using a clutch. Personally, it would have been tough on me IF I had a clutch. But, that's me and everybody heals differently. All in all, it went very well, but, as noted before, use caution when entering/leaving the car. Although, my car is stored for the winter now, I'm certain when Spring rolls around, I'll be just as good as new.
Good luck w/ your surgery....
Good luck w/ your surgery....
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,510
Likes: 3
From: Life moves pretty fast... if you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it!
CI 6-8-9 Veteran
Question anyone on the forum drive their 6 speed after Hip Replacement surgery.
I will be getting a new left hip in the next two weeks.
I worry about working the clutch after surgery. I mean after a few months.
Put the Vette in storage and I wonder if I will be able to drive it.
I will be getting a new left hip in the next two weeks.
I worry about working the clutch after surgery. I mean after a few months.
Put the Vette in storage and I wonder if I will be able to drive it.
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,591
Likes: 2
From: kent ct - "if i'm not in the vette, i damn well better be on the yacht."
St. Jude Donor '13
drive on...
while i've still got the originals..
, my wife has had both of hers replaced and she can drive the m6 with no problems whatsoever...just be careful getting in and out, you may not be able to draw your knee(s) up as high as before. clutching is cake...
dave
, my wife has had both of hers replaced and she can drive the m6 with no problems whatsoever...just be careful getting in and out, you may not be able to draw your knee(s) up as high as before. clutching is cake... dave
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Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 3,605
Likes: 2
From: Latrobe PA
Question anyone on the forum drive their 6 speed after Hip Replacement surgery.
I will be getting a new left hip in the next two weeks.
I worry about working the clutch after surgery. I mean after a few months.
Put the Vette in storage and I wonder if I will be able to drive it.
I will be getting a new left hip in the next two weeks.
I worry about working the clutch after surgery. I mean after a few months.
Put the Vette in storage and I wonder if I will be able to drive it.
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,970
Likes: 29
From: Berryville Virginia
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08
I'm driving my 99 because the PO had both hips replaced and couldn't operate the car. My guess after reading the others comments, is that he didn't do rehab.
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
From: Olympia Washington
Had a right hip replaced three months ago. It's a breeze, was expecting a whole lot more pain from surgery than I had. Nothing to speak of really. Operating a clutch afterwards? Not a problem if you do the rehab and exercise the leg religiously. Rehab lengths depends on how long you waited and how weak the leg becomes before you have the procedure. You'll be walking the next day. I spent two weeks on a walker, another three weeks using a cane, and then on my own. You'll be restricted for about 6 weeks on twisting, crossing your knees, and bending hip past 90 degrees. Its a good move, worth the small amount of time to recover. Paying for it is the only part that really hurts even with insurance. Go for it! (Have your walker flamed and a cup holder and a HUD installed before you take it out though! Hard to look cool on a walker!)
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 4,501
Likes: 1
From: TAMPA BAY FL.
Thanks for posting this. I am going in on the 29th of January for a right hip replacement. My car is already up for the winter so I wasn't planning on driving it for a few months and it is my right hip anyway. Getting in and out is what I heard is the clincher.
Does anyone know how long it is before you don't have to woryy about the "angles" anymore? I mean at some point the bone should attach to the prosthesis, and you should be better or as good as new, right?
Does anyone know how long it is before you don't have to woryy about the "angles" anymore? I mean at some point the bone should attach to the prosthesis, and you should be better or as good as new, right?
Pro
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 516
Likes: 0
From: Long Island ny
St. Jude Donor '06-'07
No experience with the hip and good luck with the procedure, but just wanted to comment that I bet you wouldn't find a thread like this on an EVO or WRX forum.
I think it's wonderful just how multi-generational Corvettes are.
I think it's wonderful just how multi-generational Corvettes are.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,849
Likes: 0
From: Philadelphia PA
Thanks for posting this. I am going in on the 29th of January for a right hip replacement. My car is already up for the winter so I wasn't planning on driving it for a few months and it is my right hip anyway. Getting in and out is what I heard is the clincher.
Does anyone know how long it is before you don't have to woryy about the "angles" anymore? I mean at some point the bone should attach to the prosthesis, and you should be better or as good as new, right?
Does anyone know how long it is before you don't have to woryy about the "angles" anymore? I mean at some point the bone should attach to the prosthesis, and you should be better or as good as new, right?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 295
Likes: 0
From: Hayward WI
HI ALL !!!
Just wanted to say I started this thread. Thanks for all the great encouragement.
I just had the surgery MondayJan 15.
I'm at home today Saturday recovering. I made it !!!!
Yes you must do rehab (exercises).
They are painful but necessary.
I pretend I'm pushing in the clutch and listening to the engine.
Helps make it easier.
Thanks Again.
Just wanted to say I started this thread. Thanks for all the great encouragement.
I just had the surgery MondayJan 15.
I'm at home today Saturday recovering. I made it !!!!
Yes you must do rehab (exercises).
They are painful but necessary.
I pretend I'm pushing in the clutch and listening to the engine.
Helps make it easier.
Thanks Again.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 20,800
Likes: 59
From: Tellico Village, Tn
St. Jude Donor '08
HI ALL !!!
Just wanted to say I started this thread. Thanks for all the great encouragement.
I just had the surgery MondayJan 15.
I'm at home today Saturday recovering. I made it !!!!
Yes you must do rehab (exercises).
They are painful but necessary.
I pretend I'm pushing in the clutch and listening to the engine.
Helps make it easier.
Thanks Again.
Just wanted to say I started this thread. Thanks for all the great encouragement.
I just had the surgery MondayJan 15.
I'm at home today Saturday recovering. I made it !!!!
Yes you must do rehab (exercises).
They are painful but necessary.
I pretend I'm pushing in the clutch and listening to the engine.
Helps make it easier.
Thanks Again.
Pro
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 667
Likes: 0
From: Galveston Indiana
Everyone heals at a different rate. Your surgeon will x-ray your progress. Most important is not flexing that hip to the Vette's angle of the seat until you are medically cleared. You don't want that sucker to pop out of place. Hip replacements generally do well. Good luck!
Sooz RN
Sooz RN
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 129
Likes: 0
Im just about into my 6th week had the right one done. Having trouble driving but walking gets better and better every day. Should be able to ditch the cane soon. Im having trouble with bending my knee but thats prolly from lack of use since I put off the replacement for almost 4 years,