No Date: How Soon May I Drive After an Abdom Hysterectomy?

If anyone has had an ab hysterectomy please let me know how long you waited to drive?

Thanks.

I did not have abd but thought I would let you know my restrictions to give you an idea. Dr said no driving while I was still taking pain meds, that put me at about 2wks. Then he said before I was able to sit in a chair and QUICKLY turn my body to look behind me. Hope this helps some. I would plan on 3-4wks but know that everyone is different. Best of luck to you! I hope you have a quick and easy recovery!

	Quote:
Originally Posted by Rochelletoo If anyone has had an ab hysterectomy please let me know how long you waited to drive? Thanks.

Hi, I was told to wait two weeks before driving and I have a laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy. I would imagine that you would have to wait at least that long if not a little longer because the incisions are more extensive with an ab hysterectomy. Hope this helps!

Hi!

I had an abdominal hysterectomy and also a panniculectomy to remove some extra fat and skin. I had a hip-to-hip incision.

I waited about 3 weeks before driving. Of course, this is one of those things which varies from patient to patient -- but I just didn't feel strong enough (or "well enough" in general) to drive before that time.

I had a TAH and drove a very short distance after 4 weeks. I had a very soft pillow in between the steering wheel and my tummy AND I'd been drug free for a few weeks. Mind you, I have no idea how long the 'knock-out' drug stays in your system.

I'm at 6 weeks now but I still don't want to drive for any long period i.e. an hour or more. I'm a confident driver so I'm not scared. I'm just being cautious at the moment because I suspect a major issue would be having to stop suddenly and the risk of rupturing stitches. And yes I know a short trip has the same risk of stopping suddenly but I suspect I would be more 'alert' on shorter trips.

Each to her own. I've had such a great recovery I'm not prepared to put that at risk and along with many others, we're on holiday in NZ so there's no pressure.

E

I went back to work part time after 3 weeks. I had a 30 minute drive. I put a soft pillow over my ab to cushion the pressure of the seatbelt. You'll know if you're ready. Just take it slow. All the best!

Figure at least 3 weeks. You must be able to stomp on the brake pedal without pain, twist to look behind you, wear a seat belt, get in and out of the car. Further, your attention will not be anywhere near normal, nor your reaction time. Frankly, for the first 3 weeks or so, you are a hazard to yourself and anyone else on the road, regardless of how good you think you feel.

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Originally Posted by danablue Figure at least 3 weeks. You must be able to stomp on the brake pedal without pain, twist to look behind you, wear a seat belt, get in and out of the car. Further, your attention will not be anywhere near normal, nor your reaction time. Frankly, for the first 3 weeks or so, you are a hazard to yourself and anyone else on the road, regardless of how good you think you feel.

Brilliant danablue!!!!!!! How straight up is that advice!!!???? Succinct and entirely accirate. I love it! I think I might have been a hazard in my own house!!!!

E

Here in The Netherlands where I live, you are not allowed to drive for six weeks. This is to allow enough time for the anesthetics and painkillers to get out of your systemand to let your body heal enough to not pull any stitches if you have to make a sudden movement like slamming on the brakes.

If you do drive and something happens the insurance company could make life difficult as well.....I don't know if that is an issue where you live?

Thank you for the outstanding answers. I am prepared to wait at least two weeks before driving. I am planning to ask three weeks off from work and return full time. I sit at my desk all day. I have a fifteen minute commute.

The biggest issue I have right now. I live on a third floor apartment. Can I handle the steps up and down?