Can I drive the next day do you think?

[stef123633 1]

I have an appointment the day after my surgery at the dermatologist. It takes 6 months to get in, so I hate to change it. My husband could drive me and my 2 preschoolers (and wait - not fun) OR I could drive myself, leaving them home...do you think that is possible?

Thanks

[sfeiner 2]

Let him drive you. If you are taking pain meds you shouldn't drive.

[westcoastmom 3]

I didn't really want to do very much the next day - but I did drive. I stayed home with my kids the next day. I got them ready for school and took care of them after school. I took a quick car ride somewhere.

But I didn't take any pain medication (I was in pain, but didn't really want the medication) - I probably would have wanted to just sleep with meds.

I think everyone feels so different - it will be hard to say how you will feel. You can definately drive if you are feeling up to it. Even if you aren't feeling well, it might be easier to drive and be alone than to have your kids there wanted attention and not understanding why you are not feeling well.

Good luck.

[HeatherO 7]

I would leave it open for your husband to drive you unless you feel exceptionally well that morning. You may not feel like driving at all.

I think the worst part will actually be getting in and out of the car. I wasnt ready to drive the next day but everyone is a little different.

[*susan* 1,709]

When I was discharged, my doctor said no driving for three days.

[juliegeraci 7]

I think 1 day post op is a little agressive. I would have my husband drive me. Congrats on your surgery.

[PATCHELTON 0]

I was told I could drive when I finished with the narcotic pain med. I didn't totally wait that long (it mostly made me want to sleep), but I was banded on Tuesday 3/25 and I waited until Sunday to try it because the park where I love to walk I have to drive to. My car is automatic, and I went with the idea that if anything hurt after a couple blocks I would turn around and go home. I made it to the park. Driving didn't bother me, and I was pretty much finished with the pain med. See how you feel.

[dancinglamb 0]

I had surgery on a Monday, came home on Tuesday and drove on Wednesday. I had to get the kids to preschool - there was no WAY I was keeping them home with me!!

I think it depends on how you react to pain killers, and whether or not you feel you will be able to quickly hit the brakes if you have to.

I've had several surgeries on both ankles and hands, and have become very adept at working around surgery and meds, so the mild stuff that was given to me really didn't affect my reflexes or cognitive abilities.

So, to answer your question, I'd keep the appt. Just absolutely, positively DO NOT lift the kids. Don't even think about it. (I taught my 3yo how to climb in and out of her car seat a couple weeks before my surgery so all I had to do was buckle her in. It made all the difference.)

ETA - the biggest trick that worked for me was to fold a really soft baby blanket (I had a nice polar fleece one) into about a 10" square and put it between the port incision and the seat belt (it happened to fit nicely just above where the buckle goes at the right angle at your right hip when sitting). It made driving 300% easier. I drove that way for about 2w.

-m

Edited May 13, 2008 by dancinglamb