Driving

How long after surgery can you drive?

I was back behind the wheel about 2 weeks later but it depends on your pain level and how comfortable you are.  There was no way I could get in the driver's seat because I was in too much pain.  For the first week I was too woozy too.  It's a very individual thing, some people longer than others but I think my centre recommended at least a few days and never while still on the pain meds.  Best of luck to you.

Once you are off narcotic pain meds you can drive as long as you feel up to it. 

Because I was big (and my tummy in particular), I put a pillow between me and the seat belt to provide cushioning from the steering wheel.  Even this was too much, and I had spotty bleeding from the various incision points for a while, so I didn't really get back into driving for a month.  I didn't want to run the risk of infection.

Claire
HW348
CW203

I was very fortunate and never had an ounce of pain after the surgery.  Got out of the hospital on Friday and went for a ride on Saturday.  Of course it was for 1/2 hour only and then took a nap but I was fine, so in my opinion, as long as you feel you can take it, go for it!

Nathalie

About 2 weeks for me; I was pretty tired the 1st week.
I found the bumpy roads hurt a bit; so I did like the other poster and put a pillow - while I was a passenger. 
I also found it hard to reach for the door to close it; from a flexibility point of view

 Damn it! I need a chauffeur!

I was told two weeks. I thought that was awesome since I didn't drive before surgery....

LOL, sorry that is my running joke LOL, but true

Have a great day

hehehe

Well, that would have been a freakin' miracle, wouldn't it?

Ya, and pretty scary for the people on the sidewalks LOL