When to start driving?

[Goldie]

Just would appreciate anyone's thoughts on when you know you're ready to start driving again?  I had my translab 10/1 and haven't been on narcotics for the past week.   I can turn my head pretty well and have no dizziness (walking in the dark is another matter, of course!).  I'm not really sure what to base the decision on?  The info from the hospital mostly seemed based on narcotic use.  I thought maybe I'd just try a short drive down the road early next week and see how it goes, but I certainly don't want to put anyone (me included!) at risk.  Thanks for your thoughts.

Denise

[Cheryl R]

I was back to driving one time in 2 weeks and other times was a month.       Depends on what type of road you will be driving on and the amount of traffic.           You are doing well so would think it would be sooner for you than some.    The ability to move the head around is part of it.         My driving to the small town to the grocery store via a paved little traffic road was sooner than a Des Moines trip.           Des Moines isn't even bad as I don't have to get on the interstate or freeway very often.
   The early trips to the grocery store is always nice so you try to think what can I eat with this crappy taste!        LOL!
                                                               Cheryl R

[Jim Scott]

Denise ~

Resuming driving post-op is pretty much an individual issiue that has no 'right' timeframe.  I was driving - on the interstate - within 2 weeks of my surgery and never experienced a problem.  Others need months to feel confident about driving and of course, no one wants to take foolish risks behind the wheel of a car.  If you're not on narcotic medications, can turn your head easily and don't experience dizziness, then you're probably ready.  In the final analysis, you have to make the decision.  A short drive 'around the block' and on secondary roads is usually the way to test your driving ability.  I did that, for about 20 minutes, then I was on the highway and good to go.  I have a feeling that you'll be doing something similar.  Please let us know.

Jim

[Kathy M]

The only problem I had with driving was being able to quickly turn my head to ensure I wasn't pulling in front of folks.  That took a while and caused more of a delay (but my surgery really did a number on neck muscles in the back).  If you are doing well with that, not on narcotics, and not having dizziness issues, I'll be you'll be great!!!

A step at a time....and listen to your body!! 

Good Luck,

Kathy

[leapyrtwins]

Well, first of all, you need to make sure you are totally off of the narcotics.

After that, you might want to check in with your doctor.  Did he give you the okay?

When my doc gave me the okay, he said to take it slowly at first - go around the block a few times before attempting the highway or tollroad.  That was very good advice.  Local driving is a lot different than high speed driving - wonky head may be a factor.  I also found it was hard to coordinate my head and eye movements for a short time.

The only lasting driving issue I have is parking between the lines in a parking lot - still have trouble with that one 2 years post op    I think I've pulled in straight, but I'm always at a angle! 

Jan

[Jim Scott]

Denise ~

Jan's reply made me realize that I left out a significant fact in my post regarding my experience resuming driving, post-op.  I asked for and received my neurosurgeon's permission, with the caveat that I start out on local roads, first.  I did - for 20 minutes, then, feeling confident, I hit the highway and 'never looked back', as it were.   My doctor was informed of this and didn't object, because he knew me well enough to know that I wouldn't be irresponsible about driving.   

Jim

[CHD63]

Denise .....

You already have excellent advice from others.  Just wanted to add that the last hurdle for me before driving was my gaze stabilization.  I had a bit of trouble "returning to center" after quickly turning my head in either direction.  If you can maintain your focus after turning your head to check for lane changes, have no dizziness when riding in the car, and you are off the narcotics you probably will be OK.  Take easy routes with little traffic until you are confident.  Always good to have doctor's approval, of course.

Clarice

[Goldie]

Thank you, all.  I did take your advice to heart and contacted my surgeon who thought I am okay to drive.  However, since we had SNOW today, I am going to hold off just a bit!  Unbelievable, even for Minnesota!

Denise

[DR]

Well, first of all, you need to make sure you are totally off of the narcotics.

Are you sure about that, because I would swear there are quite a few people in SE Michigan that drive while heavily sedated 

Denise - please let us know how things go!

[leapyrtwins]

Snow, already 

Please don't send it to Illinois!

Jan

[Goldie]

On the road again!  I drove today and all went fine.  More snow last night, but the roads were fine by the time I went.  I think it's going to be a looooong winter!   

[Jim Scott]

Denise ~

Congratulations!  Resumption of driving is an important 'milestone' in recovery.  You've accomplished a not-so-small victory worth celebrating. 

As I write this, we're getting some light snow in northwestern Connecticut.  Driving in snow isn't too bad - if you know how to do it (by experience) and have a decent vehicle with good tires.

Jim

[leapyrtwins]

Denise -

congratulations on reaching the driving milestone!  Glad it went well.

Jan

[Denise S]

Does it matter what type of surgery you have as to how disturbed the balance is??   

My neurosurgeon here in MI told me about 3 weeks. I can get more info. at my post check up too.   I'm scheduled for Middle Fossa.

Sounds like you're doing pretty good for only being 2 weeks post-op, right?

From a follow namesake :-)

Denise (in MI)

[Goldie]

How great - another Denise!  I am doing exceptionally well.  I had my stitches out today and my surgeon is so pleased with everything.  He gave me a grade 2 facial weakness (with grade 1 being perfect).  Not what any of us expected, so we're all happy campers.   

I'm doing well with the balance, but I know I had already compensated for that loss over the past few years since first diagnosed.  I've had no dizziness since surgery.

I believe the surgical approach would make a difference with the driving, as I think there is less neck muscle involvement with the translab approach.  Maybe others can speak to that? 

Best wishes on your upcoming surgery!

Denise (MN)