Driving after surgery

[Jim in Utah 25]

how long after surgery did people start driving? I have heard different recommendations...4 days to a month!

I need to be able to drive as soon as possible after, being sleeved July 23.

[zonetracy 53]

I believe as long as you're not on narcotics you can drive. Check with your surgeon. I was driving within 2-3 days after surgery.

[slvarltx 332]

I drove on day 4...not the most pleasant experience as the car is low to the ground, mildly unpleasant getting in and out.

[Kindle 8,667]

I had surgery on Friday. Probably could have driven on Saturday, but I was in TJ, so no thanks! Flew 3 hours and drove 2 hours (in a blizzard and SLC rush hour traffic) on Monday. Drove another 4 hours, including icy Malad Pass, on Tuesday. Plowed my driveway when I got home. Went back to work on Thursday and I drive a 13,000 lb mobile veterinary unit (like a 24ft RV) all day.

I never had any pain so I wasn't taking narcotics and driving was never an issue.

Edited July 18, 2015 by Kindle

[The Candidate 3,215]

I just received my pre surgical packet and it says no driving for two weeks. I was surprised it was that long.

[ShrinkingPeach 1,291]

I was told I could drive as soon as I was off the narcotic pain meds. I stopped taking them day 3 and drove day 5. I drove every day since.

[_Kate_ 2,224]

I won't be driving for at least two weeks out of choice. If I need anything, I am going to have to walk to get it although I wouldn't have too walk far.

@@Jim in Utah - we are being sleeved on the same day!

I hope everything goes well for you, please keep posting and let us know how you get on.

Kate

Edited July 18, 2015 by ukkateuk

[judyoz 240]

Only 24 hours post op because of anesthesia. Never if taking narcotics.

[chrisredjeep 357]

The same for me UK Kate ! No driving for two weeks . I have been

a passenger in my car today and the thought of driving it for the next couple of weeks is scary !

[OutsideMatchInside 10,166]

As soon as you are not taking narcotics you can drive.

You have to know your energy levels though. I drove on day 2, but no longer than 10 minutes each way. Then on day 3 I drive 45 minutes each way and that was too much. Today is day 4 and I finally got a sold straight 8 hours of sleep, so I feel like my energy is much higher.

[ann5535 2]

Wow Kindle !! My hats off to you I tried to drive 8 days later. I was so in a hurry to get home and lay down. It was still uncomfortable for me. Still a little sore.

[Menelly 56]

how long after surgery did people start driving? I have heard different recommendations...4 days to a month!

I need to be able to drive as soon as possible after, being sleeved July 23.

I'm in Utah too. You can drive as soon as you're off narcotics, for me that was 4 days. That said, the seat belt wasn't exactly comfy on my incisions...

Edited July 20, 2015 by Menelly

[Kindle 8,667]

Wow Kindle !! My hats off to you I tried to drive 8 days later. I was so in a hurry to get home and lay down. It was still uncomfortable for me. Still a little sore.

Thanks. I was pretty lucky with having such an easy recovery. I didn't feel "normal" till about 4 months out, but had no problems being functional in the meantime.