I just realize i didnt ask my Dr a very important question.... How long after surgery are you able to drive?

My dr said as soon as I felt like I could slam on my breaks... kind of vague but after surgery no way I could have done that day one but I was fine by day four... hope that helps.. everyone is different w their pain level and responce time..

Also take in effect any rxs( bc some have warning about driving) u may be on for pain. . I only needed my pain med for first 2 days others need longer some not at all

I think it might be up to you Dr. My Dr. just did not want me driving on pain meds, that's all that he mentioned.

~~~Stephanie

My surgeon said after I'm no longer taking pain meds.

Thank you all for your responses.. Thankfully my pain has been bearable and havent takeen any meds... so I should be good...

I'm 4 days post op and just drove about 3 hours back to where I live (Drove to may parents before surgery) and I didn't have any issues. I haven't taken any meds since the day after surgery. If your going to drive, make sure you miss the speed bumps. I was worried that my port incision was going to have issues but I put my hand over it/secured it as best as I could if I couldn't miss any bumps. Felt good to drive after being stuck in a house for 3 days lol. My Doc said the same as everyone said above, once you are off your meds you should be good to go!!

dr and hospital nurse told me and hub

that i wasnt to drive while on pain meds...

My surgeon said after I'm no longer taking pain meds.

That's exactly what mine said.....

My doctor also told me no driving until 24 hours after my last pain pill. But I went another 48 hours. It isn't just about the pain meds.......It is about being comfortable behind the wheel. Sure, you might be able to steer, push the pedals and all, but make sure you are physically able to do some fast motions, as you would have to do if a child ran into the street in front of your car.

I had my surgery on Wednesday. I took the pain pills they gave me on Thursday evening when I got home, no more after that. I still felt weak and not fully up to snuff on Friday and Saturday. I was planning on going back to work on Monday, so I sat in my car Sunday for a bit to be sure I was ok, then took the car out on some side streets to be sure I felt ok. I then went to a local parking lot and did some quick stops and starts, jerking the wheel back and forth, just to make sure I didn't hurt myself with those motions.

Overkill? Probably.......but I would rather be safe than sorry.

Good advice, the key is to be completely off pain meds.