Advice re driving

[Kevin Hoe]

Hi
I would like to ask advice of others who have had a discectomy - when is it suitable to start driving again, I had my op 4 weeks ago and am getting bored now!

 

[Pompal 09.]

Hi happyhope and welcome to HP.

I haven't had a discectomy but as with any surgical procedure I feel that you should be asking the hospital or your doctor rather than others who have had the same procedure. I would expect recovery times from any procedure to vary from patient to patient and if unsure then you should consult a medical professional.

 

[xscout9094]

I think you also need to check with your motor insurance company because many have clauses about driving post surgery.

Myarka.

 

[Lion Ate Lamb]

I haven't had a discectomy, but when I had surgery and asked when I would be able to drive, the surgeon's advice was when you can stamp your feet without pain, then you can drive - his theory being that this was the equivilant of an emergency stop and if you couldn't do it without pain then you weren't safe to drive.

Myarka makes a good point re insurance, but generally they will say you are covered as long as your doctor says you're fit to drive and you are unaffected by medication.

Hope that helps!

With love,
Amber

 

[unwritten]

Hey happyhope!!!

I have had 2 discectomies, and wasn't allowed to drive until after 6 weeks, and was able to do so comfortably.
Your physio will tell you to make sure you are in a comfortable position, and start with short journeys only.

But....As I have been through it twice, i would say there is no way i would have driven after only 4 weeks. I got incredibly bored, but toughed it out for the next 2!!! As well, if you are on any medication, better check the label in case it says anything about drowsiness.

Only 2 more weeks, you can do it!!!