When can I drive at day 7 post-op?

Hey,
Had my laproscopic hysterectomy 10/5 so I am at day 7 post-op. I need to ask everyones opinion on driving. I have a dilema. My husband has had a gallbladder attack and is heading back to the ER today. Hoping to have it removed tomorrow. Great timing right? I really think I would be ok driving and staying at the hospital. Is there anyone who has success stories of driving within a week. So far, I have only walked about 500ft to the mail box and back.... Dr. says two weeks, but I feel fine.

My doctor told me that I could drive once I was off of pain meds (narcotics) for 24-48 hours. I hope this helps. I am day 6 post op.
Keep healing and prayers with you and your DH!
Hugs n many blessings!

My doctor suggested sitting in the driver's seat, making sure I could slam on the brakes if needed, and making sure I could turn my body well enough to check blind spots beside the car before I drove for the first time. If you can do those actions without hurting, then she said I could try driving short trips.

Obviously don't drive if you're still taking the pain medicine though.

ya'll are awesome. Thank you for the advice. I pretty much have to drive tonight anyway with no husband around to take our son to band practice. I feel worse not being in the ER with him, but I know he is in good hands. I know if he does have surgery he will need a ride home and no family to do that. thanks again and quick recovery wishes for you too.

The bumps in the road won't feel too good, but you will need both hands for driving. To support your tummy, you might want to fold a towel to go between you & your seatbelt & sort of under the tummy.

Dr cleared me to drive @ 10 days, but probably would have cleared me @ 7 if my appointment had been that early.

Also, if you stay at the hospital, make sure the nurses know about your surgery so they will be extra helpful.

Good idea about the towel! I have had a small pillow between my belly and the seat belt for weeks. It really does help.

I was told I could drive when I felt like it.

Thanks for the pillow idea! Will definitely take one when I start driving !
Please take it easy..having a set back will be no fun. Best wishes for a speedy recovery!

I was told that once I was off the pain medication & I knew I could slam on the brakes in an emergency that I could drive. It takes a lot more to drive than you think it does. Best wishes.

Wow- my doc released me to ride in a car at 2 weeks. He will let me know if I can drive at my 5 week checkup! I had a LAVH with no complications.