Not sure where you are and where you are having your hip replacement done but you might want to bear in mind that it is possible to be driving again within 2-3 weeks. Average I think is 4 weeks (like me). However most doctors recommend 6 weeks (probably CYA). So, if you are having surgery in Thailand, then if you could arrange it a couple of months before you go to the UK, then you should be able to drive there yourself.