Driving???

I'm wondering how and when all of you began driving and it felt "okay" after hysterectomy. I had TVH on Thurs 3/24 - only a few days ago. Today the school called and I had to go pick up my 5 year old. The drive wasn't far but by the time I got there I wanted to lie down on the floor. I am taking minimal pain meds - mostly at night, and between 6pm last night and noon when I left to get here I'd only had 1 percocet (at 8am this morning) and I slept for 3 hrs after.
I don't know if it was the position of sitting, moving my leg, or just my anxiety but it was horrible!!!!
The doctor didn't specify any type of driving restrictions - my only true restriction is no lifting > 5lbs, or pushing/pulling anything for 6-8 weeks.

My gyn/surgeon said I can drive once I'm off prescription pain meds. So if you are just taking plain ibuprofen you can drive. I didn't know that and waited until my post op appt. Had I known I would have been driving within 1 week, but, honestly, I was too tired then to drive. That's all I can tell you!

I wasn't given any instructions on driving, but didn't drive while taking narcotics. When I would be in the truck, I put a folded beach towel between the seat belt & my tummy. I've heard of some using pillows, but they can slip & get in the way of the steering wheel. I've also heard of some using stuffed animals, letting the arms & legs of the animals keep them from slipping out from under the belt.

My doctor had two conditions for my driving.

One, I could not be taking the Percocets. Period. They are narcotics and slow your mental faculties down.

Two, I could only drive when I could slam on the brakes. That took me weeks. But even when I felt I could do that, I forgot how you have to twist to go in reverse. That was painful. And you are sitting up in a confined position that you are not usually in when you are at home.

Seems like your body already told you. Don't drive just yet. Heal more first. Hugs.

My dr gave me a one week restriction. At one week, I asked my mom to go out with me so I would have a back up if it was too much for me. I'm glad I did. I live in the country, and the closest town is 20 miles away. I got to town and handed over the car to her. I gave up perscription meds on day 2 so no worries there. My arms just felt like jello after a few minutes.

I was permitted to drive the day after surgery. But I didn't drive until day 3. For the first couple weeks I folded up a baby blanket and put that between my tummy and the seat belt whether I was driving or being driven.
Good luck

I had to take my kittens Tom & Jerry to their vet appointment to get fixed 5 days post-op. I had taken a Norco (pain med) pill the night before and that was it. It wasn't a far drive, about 10 minutes total.

I drove again about day 8 post-op, off the Norco totally, and it was fine. I went about 25 minutes away from home to have lunch with my sister and two friends.

I didn't have a problem at all. The only thing is that I do feel REALLY tired, in a fog, it seems most of the day even still (now two weeks post op). I have found that cracking the window or turning the a/c on low along with the radio helps me to remain alert and focused on myself and those around me.

My doc. didn't really specify either... she said it depends but most are able to drive 1-2 weeks post op and MUST be off ALL pain meds (narcotics - such as Norco or Percocet).

Good luck!

I was told no driving for two weeks postop (which would coincide with my first postop followup appointment). I'm only a week out and haven't left the house except to go for a walk around the block.

I didnt get the all-clear to drive till I was one month post-op. In fact, I was so excited becuse I was able to drive for the 1st time to my 1 month follow-up appt. on March 23rd! It felt great having my freedom back and not having to get others to drive me to my appts!

needtorunnow, lucky you not having to have a follow-up till 2 weeks out. My doc had me in his office every other day for the 1st 2 weeks, then 2 appts in week 3, and then 1 appt. in week 4 (my 1 month follow-up). Ugh! I started to feel like I lived there!