Dumb Question Time- When Can I Drive, Post Op?

[TheCurvyJones 721]

My surgeon's paperwork doesn't say anything about driving.He just says some people with office jobs feel good enough to return to work within a week or so. My friend had abdominal lap surgery(not WLS, cyst removal) and she was told two weeks. Of course she thought it was odd that our surgeons want us up and walking within days after surgery, but I couldn't seem to convince her that it will be a completely different experience.

It seems like most people are up and around within the week post surgery. Just wondering when it was comfortable for you to drive?

My surgery is Dec 21. I return home Dec 23rd. I will have a ride home from the airport. Past that, I plan to plant my rear for at least a week but I am SURE I will be going crazy after that! I'm also concerned about returning to work post op. My commute is 45 minutes but I'll be JUST under two weeks out when I go back to work. I'm an executive assistant so I sit all day, with bouts of walking to and from the printer or the break room.

So how soon post op were you able to drive?

[RareGold3000 185]

If done laparoscopically, as mine was, my surgeon said I could drive the day I came home from the hospital (2 days post op) as long as I wasn't taking the prescription pain meds. I took the pain meds for 2 days at home, and then drove the next day. So, I drove 5 days post op.

[TheGamer 406]

Same. I was given clearance to drive as long as I was not on pain meds. I did, however, keep a firm pillow between me and the seatbelt until I felt better

[Ailly 32]

I was told 2 weeks :/

[pedsnurse120304 19]

saw MD today. got clearance after a week if not on pain meds

[saddie 21]

i would check with your car insurance company, as if you got in a accident, you may not be covered

[Yasmine 109]

According to my doctor he said about 2 weeks because by that time you should be completey off of pain medication...

When you stop your pain meds you are free to drive...

Unless you're having any other complications that would prohibit you!

Good Luck

[Yasmine 109]

Same. I was given clearance to drive as long as I was not on pain meds. I did' date=' however, keep a firm pillow between me and the seatbelt until I felt better [/quote']

TheGamer...

Great Advice...

Next week I should start driving and that's a great idea... so far I've been driving around as passenger without a seatbelt because it hurts...

I didn't even think about a pillow... duhhhh lol

[Boofster 159]

They said I could drive as long as I was comfortable and not taking pain meds. I was sleeved on Monday. i picked up the kids from school today (a five minute drive) and I have to say i might wait a few more days until driving again. I was pretty sore.