Driving...Post Operation

[survivingsleever 33]

Hello All! I just got my surgery date for 3/14 and I'm trying to be proactive with planning. The nurse informed me to attend a information meeting next week but I cant wait until then. The main thing I am concerned about is planning for my kids to be taken care of while I'm recovering. She recommended me to attempt to take a month off, and avoid driving for two weeks. I have to transport my kids to two different schools on top of mommy/wife duties! I'm sure their main concern is driving under the influence of medication (which I understand).

My specific question is how long did you wait to drive your vehicle?

[BookWorm 87]

Honestly, I drove the day after I got home. I was supposed to wait 1 week until my 1 week post op check-up; however, like you I have 3 kids and a full-time job. The biggest challenge will be when your turning or when you have to lean forward to see aroung a curve or something.

[magtart 603]

I was fine to drive within three days. I just didn't take pain meds if I had to run to the store or something.

[Teachamy 1,042]

I drove a week later--I was on no pain meds.

[Mrs.RRn 2,110]

Besides not being on medication, you should be able to twist at the waist without hurting. Be safe.

[capecoralgrandma 44]

I drove after 1 week, once the drain was removed, and by that time, I was off the pain meds. Good luck.

[lsuchick4 54]

I drove on day 3, but I didn't have any pain meds after surgery. I felt fantastic, only a little sore.

[survivingsleever 33]

Ok, thanks guys for posting your experiences.

[Schmincke 118]

It takes a while for the anaesthesia to get out of your system before you are safe to drive. It partly depends on the drugs they give you. You could phone your doctors' office and ask.

[Kindle 8,667]

I didn't need any pain Meds postop and I drove myself home from the airport (5 hours) 3 days after surgery and every day since.

[andreamy7 55]

I drove after 3 days to go and pick up something. They make it sound all worst case scenario. Most of us were up and at em within a week post op but my Dr kept saying everyone is different.

[LipstickLady 25,682]

Surgery on Wednesday, home on Thursday, drove on Friday.

[survivingsleever 33]

I didn't need any pain Meds postop and I drove myself home from the airport (5 hours) 3 days after surgery and every day since.

Kindle, did you put a pillow on top of your stomach to refrain from the seatbelt pressure? 5 hrs is a long time!