How soon enter UK after getting visa/entry clearance?

I might stay in the U.S. for several months after getting my UK visa and entry clearance. My husband just got a job in England, so we're going to go ahead and get the paperwork for me too. But I may need another knee surgery, and I'd rather do that on my insurance in the U.S. So I'll either go with him for a couple of months and then come back for several months for the surgery and recovery, or else I'll just stay here and get the surgery in a couple of months without ever going to live in the UK first. All of this could mean anywhere from 3 to 8 months that I'm staying in the U.S. (It would take so long because sitting in a cramped airline seat with no leg room or opportunity to elevate my leg would be very uncomfortable for about 4 months after surgery, and I plan on waiting a few months before surgery to see if I can get better on my own).

So, would it hurt anything or raise questions if I entered the UK to stay months after receiving clearance?

that sounds fine- it shouldn't be an issue. (it possibly might be an issue if you guys were planning to stay the full five years for ILR, but not right away.)

I was able to choose the start date of my entry clearance.

Cool, thanks!

I was able to choose the start date of my entry clearance.

oh, good point olive oyl!  don't know why I didn't think of that before.  groovy_yank, instead of not traveling on your visa for 3-8 months, just don't apply for the visa at all until a few months before you want to travel (you can apply up to three months in advance of the visa start date.)  That would eliminate any potential issues down the road.

I got my visa start data dated mid-June but didn't enter until first week of November, because several work things conspired against me.  It didn't provide any issues except the IO reminded me how close I was to the end of the visa, like I had accidentally forgotten or something.