Well the time is set! I have to have my daughter puppy sit the day of surgery. The question is how long till I'm able to drive her home (about 1hr away). I know everyone heals differently so give guess-ti-mates.

Not sure I can help as I had to stay overnight following my surgery but I did want to wish you good luck! This is an exciting time!

You probably shouldn't drive, and especially a 2 hour round trip, until you are done taking your pain meds. I stayed on pain meds for about 5 days. You may be different. I think most doctors say no driving until off pain meds.

Yes, it greatly depends on the person....and the pain med you are on. Be safe and best wishes!

I was thinking about the actual ramifications of the surgery and not anything to do with the pain meds.

My husband had this surgery a year and a half ago. We have both had other major surgeries in the past, and he says it's not "that" bad. He was able to drive himself within about 3 or 4 days. I know you say you're not worried about the pain meds.. but, as a nurse, I feel responsible to tell you that if you HAVE taken pain meds then you should not drive within 12 hours of having taken them. (yes.. I know that sounds extreme. But, they do tend to linger in the system.) You may get to a point where you only have to take a pain pill to sleep, and would be fine to drive during the day (after at least 3 or 4 days). Follow your doctor's advice, and pay attention to how YOU feel. That is your best guide.

My husband had this surgery a year and a half ago. We have both had other major surgeries in the past, and he says it's not "that" bad. He was able to drive himself within about 3 or 4 days. I know you say you're not worried about the pain meds.. but, as a nurse, I feel responsible to tell you that if you HAVE taken pain meds then you should not drive within 12 hours of having taken them. (yes.. I know that sounds extreme. But, they do tend to linger in the system.) You may get to a point where you only have to take a pain pill to sleep, and would be fine to drive during the day (after at least 3 or 4 days). Follow your doctor's advice, and pay attention to how YOU feel. That is your best guide.

Did not say that I'm not worried about the meds, I said that I'm talking about the actual ramifications of the surgery on my body and when would you think that I could drive because of said surgery (do not add meds to the equation) .

Sorry if I offended. I thought that I answered the question you were asking.. just felt obligated to mention my professional knowledge about the meds as well.

Again, pardon me. Just trying to be helpful.

I think everyone is right in mentioning pain meds in their replies. Not everyone tends to think about pain meds. If you were caught driving under the influence of pain meds you would be looking at a DUI.

Now to answer your question. I had my surgery on a Thursday and was able to drive the following Monday. Be aware though that it did hurt to get in and out of my car. Also, turning to backup or change lanes was a painful time. I also could not bend out to grab my car door and had to have my kids close it a few times until I consistently remembered to pull it WITH me as I climbed in.

Sorry if I offended. I thought that I answered the question you were asking.. just felt obligated to mention my professional knowledge about the meds as well.

Again, pardon me. Just trying to be helpful.

No problem, no offense taken!

I think everyone is right in mentioning pain meds in their replies. Not everyone tends to think about pain meds. If you were caught driving under the influence of pain meds you would be looking at a DUI.

Now to answer your question. I had my surgery on a Thursday and was able to drive the following Monday. Be aware though that it did hurt to get in and out of my car. Also, turning to backup or change lanes was a painful time. I also could not bend out to grab my car door and had to have my kids close it a few times until I consistently remembered to pull it WITH me as I climbed in.

Thanks for the info, driving in my truck with it's large cabin space maybe a bit easier on me than a car. After 4 days I know that my daughter will be ready to go home. See my wife is able to but she's not that comfortable driving.