Driving???

It's almost been two weeks since my surgery, I'm not taking any pain killers anymore. Does anyone if its ok for me to drive?

has your doctor cleared you. what type of hyster did you have. I could at two weeks but doctor told me I could but it was still to soon drove once and then waited another and then only a few miles. It could also make a difference if you drive an automatic or standard. If you are in an area where ther is snow and ice would make a difference. My word of advice if you don't have to don't stay low for a little bit longer.

Sorry I don't know all the correct terminology for hysterectomies, but I had a full hysterectomy with the incision in my tummy. I do live where there is lots if snow and ice. My dr has not cleared me but I am not scheduled to see him until the five week mark. So maybe I should wait a bit longer..

My dr said driving is allowed after no narcotics for 3 days prior and you are in zero pain and feel you can respond quickly to any emergency type situation.

My dr told me before surgery & when I was discharged that I couldn't drive for 2 weeks. My post op was at 1 week, and he told me again, "No driving until 2 weeks are up."

I had the total hysterectomy with 6" incision across my abdomen (like you). My surgery was 1/10 and on 1/25 I started driving. I hadn't had meds since 1/13 or 1/14. I only went short distances in no traffic. Even then, turning around to look when I was backing up pulled my abdominal muscles.

Definitely wait til your doctor clears you, but if I had it to do over, I'd wait even longer.

Maybe your nurse could tell you over the phone what his policy is, so you don't wait til your 5 week appt.

At my 2.5 week check up i asked my doc if I could drive. I was off meds and had an easy recovery. Her answer was " if i needed to" but she said try to avoid unnecessary trips.

It's not only based on meds, even without meds after major surgery your reactions may be slower, and heaven forbid you have to make a sudden stop, or someone swerves in front of you, or you get into an accident... You could be slammed into the steering wheel, airbags could deploy (yes they stop you from going through the windshield but also push you back with significant force).

I am fortunate that I work from home, but have still been limiting my driving to necessary driving. If i worked outside the home, i would consider to/from work necessary driving.

I have to admit, not just hopping in my car every time i need one or two non urgent items has been a nice change, and " extra change" in my wallet as I spend less money on gas.

And everyone who has had a hysterectomy knows ... "The less gas the better" !

Did you get release papers telling what you should and should not do. I tell you at four weeks I backed into a truck just rolling backwards and it hurt so bad the next morning even made incision weep. I think that is why they don't want you to drive because you could injury yourself.

Thanks guys for the advice, I think I will give it some more time. It's just hard I want out!!!

Wreaking crew .. Your posting is a " real life" reminder of why we need to "follow doctor's orders"

Thank you

	Quote:
Originally Posted by NewinNC2012 Wreaking crew .. Your posting is a " real life" reminder of why we need to "follow doctor's orders" Thank you

Thanks everyone for sharing. I go back to work wed (30 days post op TAH) but not ready to drive for all reasons shared above. Already survived 5 car accidents have significant whip lash from last one so DH will drive me next week until I build up my ab muscles. Hope everyone is safe and getting stronger each day!