Driving???

[chica07]

Hello!!
         I had AN surgery removal about 6 weeks ago. I want to know, when it is safe to drive a car.  Thanks

[lori67]

My doctor said it was okay whenever I felt ready.  He did suggest that I don't try it at rush hour on a Friday on a busy highway, but maybe the WalMart parking lot on a Sunday morning!

I guess I was probably about 7 or 8 weeks post op when I started driving again.  I think I could have done it sooner, but I didn't need to and my husband was more nervous than I was about it, so I waited.  I stayed on the backroads at first and then worked my way up to the Interstate.

I've heard some states require you to notify the DMV when you have AN surgery and they'll determine if you're safe to drive again.  I don't know if that's true because, thankfully, I don't live in one of those states.

Lori

[nancyann]

Well, I think everyone is different.   I started driving 3 weeks after surgery.  The only problem I had was the dizziness when turning my head to look either direction.  I had to start driving that soon out of necessity.  Got on Interstate 95  after going a few miles on the road, the first time out.  It was a little scary at first, but, what can I say?   Gotta do what ya gotta do!  (I drive a stick shift too!).

[Jim Scott]

chica07:

I would consult your doctor for advice that pertains to your specific situation but for what it's worth, my surgeon gave me permission to drive two weeks following my surgery, only because I had a rapid recovery and was anxious to regain my independence by being able to drive, again.  I experienced no problems but am more cautious now than I used to be, which is not really a bad thing at all. 

Jim

[leapyrtwins]

Pre op my doctor said that it would be okay to start driving 6 weeks after surgery.  Post op, he told me that 4 weeks would be okay but that I should decide for myself when I was ready.  He said to take the car around the block a few times to begin with instead of attempting a cross-country trip 

Although I probably could have started driving at 4 weeks, I waited until 6.  My mom moved in with my kids and me after surgery, so I had the luxury of having a chauffeur (LOL) and I didn't really have any incentive or any need to drive.  I had enough I was dealing with - fatigue, balance issues, SSD - so I waited a little longer.  If I wouldn't have had anyone available to drive me and my kids, I probably would have started driving earlier.

Everyone is different.  Once your doctor gives you the okay, you should pretty much know if you can reasonably try it or not.

[OTO]

I started driving around 5 weeks post-op only during the days and not in heavy fast traffic.  It took until 8 or 9 weeks until I felt comfortable driving at night.   I still have trouble reversing into parking stalls, but I never was too good at that anyway...

[matti]

I was back 8 weeks after surgery. I acutally felt ready at about 6 weeks,  but I held off because my family was worried. I did sneak out once or twice at 6 weeks 

I am 9 1/2 years post op and still can't drive at night   The oncoming headlights cause me to see halos and my pupil dilates to the point that I can't see. It stays dilated for several hours afterward.

Cheryl