Driving Mr K

[kman]

So really? noboby really goes eight weeks without driving do they?
Im two weeks out and doing better than I expected, I stopped all pain meds and sleeping pills a week ago and get stronger every day.
I called the dealership about disableing the airbag.
So honestly how long should you really stay out from behind the wheel?
Thanks Kman

 

[geebee]

Six to eight weeks. I know you wanted another answer but there isn't one.

 

[Freddie]

True. Waiting at least 6 weeks is ideal. I started at 5wks due to a family emergency. Getting the airbag disconnected then reconnected is really pricey.
Just stay focus on getting stronger. You'll see time will fly by. Honest

 

[yankeeman]

Beware of driving prior to authorization

Beware of driving prior to authorization

I was told that if the cardiologist said two months, it had better be two months before I drove.

Allegedly there have been cases where valve recipients drove before they were supposed to and had accidents.

Guess what? The insurance company found out about the surgery, I was told, and wouldn't pay!

This may be a fable, but it was enough to keep me in cabs and begging rides from my wife.

 

[Guest]

So really? noboby really goes eight weeks without driving do they?

Yes.

Hmm...maybe not 8 weeks ... my time away from the wheel was just over a month. But, regardless, Let's put it this way ... if I, "Mr Road Trip" (which means I LOVE to drive ... absolutely LOVE to drive) can wait to drive a motor vehicle after open heart surgery (my last one was in 2003) ... ANYONE can and MUST. Period. No ifs, ands or buts.



My OHS that year was January 6. I was told I could drive again on February 10. So, what did I do?

12:01 AM ... Monday, February 10 ... I was in the driver's seat of my car and taking off down the road. Course, my sister sent my cell phone with me and told me that if I wasn't home in a half hour, she'd call me ... and come follow me, if need be. I was home within 25 minutes.



Cort:34swm."Mr Monte Carlo.Mr Road Trip".pig valve.pacemaker
WRMNshowcase.lego.HO.model.MCs.RT.CHD = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort
"Take your time, hurry up" ... Nirvana ... 'Come As You Are'

 

[hensylee]

I think that 2 month period might be general, some heal faster than others and maybe the time should either be shortened or extended, depending on the individual. since we don't have that luxury, you might best just follow your doctor's orders.
Sorry we can't tell you to shorten it.

 

[WayneGM]

My doc said 6 - 8 weeks. I did short trips at 6 weeks. To be honest, I didn't like driving for months post-op as the seatbelt really irritated my incision. It didn't feel so bad on the passenger side. I guess the direction the seatbelt was coming from made a difference.

 

[MikeHeim]

I think I was released at about six weeks. There was no part of me that wanted to deal with my sternum re-breaking, so I held off until I was told.

 

[ruth]

I didn't drive for 3 months, honest. I was having A-Fib, that slowed me down a bit. The Dr. said 6-8 weeks.

Peace,
Ruth

 

[Cooker]

I am not making any suggestions or giving and advise. I had my surgery on the 21st of February and was back at work on the 1st of April. I was driving two weeks before I went back to work. I could swear that they told me three weeks but I can?t even remember my name most of the time. Oh, and I am by nature noncompliant

Pumpkin Cake ​

 

[JAJ99]

Mayo says 4-6 weeks. I was told 4 but I didn't have a sternectomy. It's only been two weeks for me and I hate being dependent on my husband to get anywhere. It's a small price to pay though.

 

[ALCapshaw2]

I was told SIX weeks, but my surgeon relented for LIMITED DAYTIME driving to allow me to come in for a follow-up office visit at 4 weeks since I didn't have anyone to drive during the day.

It's not about how you FEEL, it's all about how strong your STERNUM is. At 6 weeks, most people's sternum is back to 80% of normal strength, barring complications.

And YES, I expect the Insurance Issue is a BIG DEAL.
NO Release, NO Coverage. Check with your agent.

'AL Capshaw'

 

[aussigal]

I figured I was good enough to drive again at about 4 weeks but soon realised that I wasnt as capable as I had thought. I was feeling as if I was still half asleep and couldnt concentrate very long., also my sternum ached badly when turning corners. After that very short trip to the local shop I didnt drive again for about 3 or 4 weeks. I was noticeably more awake and aware the next time I drove.

 

[Jkm7]

I was cleared to drive at 6 weeks but truthfully did not feel safe doing so. I didn't really have to drive so I held off a few more weeks. If I had a real need to drive it was good to know my cardio had cleared me but I was in no rush.

 

[Kandice]

getting anxious to drive too!!!

getting anxious to drive too!!!

I was told about 8 weeks,, I had the minimally invasive or mini right thoracotomy. My surgeon said I could physically drive around 4 to 6 weeks but then he told me that if I was to get in a fender bender or worse that the chest wall could be torn loose. Well, apparently he has seen this happen. So now everytime i consider breaking the recommendation I think about what he said.


So, looking at how far i've come i guess i can put up with this inconvenience for another 4 weeks,, arg!!!!!!!! Taxi's and friends.


Kandice

 

[ruth]

Being a passenger is no picnic either

Being a passenger is no picnic either

True story -

Coming back from my pre-cardioversion appointment we were driving up I-270 here in DC in March. A HUGE chunk of ice slid off the roof of the SUV in front of us and crashed right into our windshield in front of me. There was literally glass in my lap and the windshield looked like a spider web full of cracks. At 60 mph on a 6 lane freeway no less. Thankfully my dear husband (the driver) got us through it just fine. My only thought was, geez, I didn't survive OHS just to die in a car wreck 3 months later! My husband's thought was, well, if that didn't shock you out of AFib what will....

Slow down, take it easy, you need it and deserve it. IMHO of course....

Peace,
Ruth

 

[MarkU]

My surgeon originally told me 6-8 weeks, but then released me to drive only three weeks post op.

Did okay, but was probably a bit too soon. My surgeon didn't know that I had a Corvette with a manual six-speed transmission. I could get in it okay, but shifting and getting back out were painful.

Mark

 

[Kathleen]

If you have listened and trusted your doctor so far I would continue to do so. You cannot see what is still healing. Also concern yourself with others on the road.
Kathleen

 

[doberman]

Wow, I don't remember that you are not to drive for 8 weeks, I think I was back behind the wheel after about 3 weeks... but I didn't pick up anything heavier than I think 10lbs for almost 2 months (including my baby) those were doc's orders!

 

[aussie girl]

I have to admit I drove at 3 1/2 weeks, just to the local shops. I found that looking over my shoulder hurt so it was almost another week before I did it again. After that I was confident enough to drive short trips. One thing to consider is your insurance, I know my insurance company does not cover people after OHS for 6 weeks, if I had been in an accident I would have been up the creek without a paddle

Mary