Can I drive 4 weeks post-op??

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Debbie

Debbie

Well-known member
Joined
Oct 13, 2007
Messages
572
Location
So. California area
Hey everyone, going alittle stir crazy and want to get in my car and drive! I'll be 4 weeks post-op on thursday. Anyone else drive at 4 weeks?? Debbie :)
 
In southern California :eek: ?!?!?

Some surgeons allow it. Mine said to wait 8 weeks. Have you read some of the posts about how dangerous airbags can be, even with low-speed impacts?

What did your surgeon say? Be sure and get his approval, okay? Take care :) .
 
In the country of litigation you probably stand no chance of getting approval.

Plus its probably not worth the risk.

You could probably 'technically' drive a car under normal controlled conditions but if you suddenly have to yank the steering wheel to miss a child who walks out in front of you then either you or the child is going to be in trouble. Plus airbags would not be fun.

I think i was cleared at 6 weeks....two weeks isn't that much more to wait.

Even then i only did local trips and stayed off the freeway etc. It was probably 8 weeks before i felt strong enough to drive with confidence.

Regards.
 
Mine said to wait 6 - 8 weeks. I think I actually started at 7 weeks. However, I only went short distances as I found the way my seatbelt crossed over my incision very uncomfortable.
 
After my first OHS, my surgeon OK'ed LIMITED Daytime Driving (basically so I could come in for a check-up office visit without having to find someone to drive me).

BE SURE to get a 'Release to Drive' from your Surgeon.

I'm sure your Insurance Company would be reluctant to cover an accident if you were driving Before being Released to Drive by a Doctor.

'AL Capshaw'
 
OK at 3-4 weeks...

OK at 3-4 weeks...

My doc cleared me to drive after 3-4 weeks, but made sure I understood the consequences of an airbag deploying. Wouldn't be good. I'm gonna wait as long as I can.
 
I think I "cheated" and drove a little at 4 -- but only to neighborhood grocery store. I would not want to tackle the DC Beltway or SOuthern Cal freeway at 4. I think 6 to 8 is more like it.
 
Well, I waited. Just didn't seem worth the risk....and in SoCal!!!! so many other cars!

Debbie. Put it in perspective. It's just 2 little weeks out of your life. Not an eternity!

Call a friend...go out to lunch!

:) Marguerite
 
full motion

full motion

The visiting nurse just left me. I had been told when leaving the hospital that because of my mini-invasive valve repair, I could drive at three weeks as long as I was off pain pills. I take them at night because I can't get comfortable in bed or chair without one.
The nurse said that I don't have enough range of motion in my shoulder for her to approve but would keep watching me. The Harley would do me in.
Trish
 
We too in the UK are told to wait for 6 weeks.
I sought clearance and got it after 4 weeks as I felt I strong and flexible enough. Everyone to their own (within the law of course).
 
Cheating

Cheating

I was supposed to to wait six weeks, but I cheated. It was too much of a hassle to get a ride to rehab class three times a week. My cheating did put some stress on my marriage as my wife got really bent out of shape when I drove. I live in a small town in a rural area so there were few traffic and people issues to contend with.

-Philip
 
CHDDoug said:
My doc cleared me to drive after 3-4 weeks, but made sure I understood the consequences of an airbag deploying. Wouldn't be good. I'm gonna wait as long as I can.
Click to expand...

CHDDoug had the same doctor who fixed my husband's torn chordae on his MV -- thanks to an airbag deploying and fracturing his sternum. He was only 2 miles from home when his car was hit head-on.

I snuck out in my car twice before I was cleared to drive. Just got cabin fever. The first time was because I was dying for a Whataburger (burger chain based in TX), the second was to get some French roast coffee. The second time my husband called home, couldn't reach me and left work to check on me. Imagine my surprise when I returned home and there was his car!!!!!!
I didn't do it again. After getting cleared to drive, I found it very uncomfortable for a while - turning the steering wheel, turning my head to check traffic on either side, etc.
 
Oh Debbie, I know how you feel. And to reading these posts and finding out that in most cases it is recommended that you wait another two weeks and/or check with your doctor.

I drove at 5 weeks due to a family emergency - it WAS painful. Every little bump in the road sent shock waves everywhere in the body. Had to hold the seatbelt away from me because the rubbing was rather painful. Couldn't really turn my neck/head, therefore turning the shoulders was just as painful. OUCH!

Sit tight for now and ask a friend out for coffee. ;)
 
My cardiologist cleared me to drive after four weeks because I was off the pain medicine. I found it uncomfortable in making turns, turning my head, and transferring in and out of the car. I know everyone is different so I would defer to whatever your doctor tells you. He knows your case better than I. Glad that you are doing okay! :)
 
I waited at least 10 weeks before driving again but I was in the slow lane recovery-wise. One concern I had is that I drive stick and my incision is between the ribs on my right side. Changing gears felt funny at first but wasn't a big deal like I was concerned it would be.

Peace,
Ruth
 
Did anyone ask their INSURANCE Agent about their coverage if they drove Before being Released to Drive by their Surgeon?
 
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