Another thread brought this to mind.

I am having surgery next Tuesday and have resently realized a dilemma. All though my husband has scheduled two days off (one to be there for my surgery and the next to bring me home) he is unable to take anymore time off. I think I could manage on my own but he often works late into the night (A/C repair, in Texas) so he will not be able to pick our youngest up from daycare. We do not have anyone close that can pick him up for me. So, I'm sure you see the problem. Do I go against doctor's orders and drive a few blocks to pick him up or do I keep him home and try to stay consious enough to keep an eye on him (he's 3)? Anyone else drive before released? What about keeping eye on kiddos? What can I expect from either one of these? Thanks a head of time for your comments.

my vote is to drive the few blocks...assuming of course you have no unusual complications...I truly believe I could have driven a few blocks easily a day or two post-op...of course, I wasn't on pain meds, so I am also making the assumption you will not be on something like that which would impair your ability...best of luck with your surgery!

I was told that as long as I was comfortable and off of pain meds for 24 hours I could drive. I drove 4 days after surgery to the store.

That's encouraging news. I was really wanting to be able to rest during the day.

You might find the seat belt hurts your tum a bit - put a small cushion or thick towel between you and the belt.

You will definitely need rest but you'll also need to avoid picking up your 3 y o for a while.

Could you 'brave up' and do the surgery alone, stay in hospital till after child care finishes the next day and have your hubby collect you and your little 'un on the way home and start his leave then? It's good for you not to be completely alone so quickly after surgery - probably not necessary but prudent.

The other options are a casual nanny service (supervision for both you and the little one for a few days), or even a responsible teenager.

I was still on pain meds until day 5 or 6. Not sure if I could have driven - in an emergency ok, but probably not with such precious cargo onboard.

I could drive right away as long as I wasn't taking pain meds.

Sent from my iPhone using VST

That's something to think about. I hadn't thought that I'd need anyone here to watch after me. I have high expectations that pain meds will be limited to tylenol. I had quite a lot of stitching up after the birth of both my kids internal and external and didn't use any meds after returning home with either one. That's the only internal pain reference I have to go by and it seemed manageable.

My husband was with me in the hospital and afterwards but I did not actually need him in the hospital. I slept almost all the time and the staff helped me with anything I needed. In your situation, I would try to do what Susan said.

I agree with those who say you can drive. My doctor also said driving was fine once off pain meds. You will need that quiet time without a toddler for a few days.

Like others said. Once off pain meds for 24 hrs it's ok to drive. Good luck!