When did you start driving? Any advice?

[chuckdc37]

Today I'm over 5 weeks out from my surgery and my wife insisted I cancel a dentist appt. rather than drive myself. I'm getting itchy to get out on my own. When did some of you old salts start driving and do you have any advice for those of us w/ cabin fever?

 

[Teresa]

They told me I could drive at 3 weeks (mini AVR), I waited until almost 4 weeks-almost lost my mind in the mean time. I drive with a pillow against my chest, under the seat belt. It was hard to back up and look to my right or left but it gets better. A little nervous at first so I just did short trips-

 

[JeffM]

From reading lots of post on the subject, I can tell you everyone's different and you have to use common sense and how you feel as the basis for a decision. The general rule is your sternum is about 80% healed at 4 weeks but the last 20% takes another 8 weeks. Any sudden jerking of the wheel will be at least painful and violent movements could be seriously harmful. I drove at 4 weeks but took it real easy and stayed local that week. I gradually increased my driving after that. Yes, the pillow between the chest and seatbelt is a good idea as long as it doesn't impede your ability to safely handle the car. The toughest part about driving is probably parallel parking because of all the wheel turning. See how it feel to climb in the car and maneuver it a little in a non busy area. Good luck and be safe.

 

[Herburban1]

5 weeks for me. I had to go for my blood draw and hubby was out of town. I called the Dr. but he didn't get back to me so I went anyway, about 5 miles round trip.I like the pillow under the seat belt helps alot.

 

[Cameron]

I saw my Internist at 6 weeks and he said OK, and would have let me go a week or so earlier if my appointment was earlier. Just take it easy for the first trips. I did a long run (>2Hrs x 2) on highway about at 7 weeks and paid for it for a few days of stiffness and mysterious travelling pain in my chest muscles afterwards. Even highway driving exercises the chest with the little corrective motions. Even now at 8weeks+ I still get the occaisional twinge if I overdo it.
Regardless, it is GREAT to get back your freedom!!
Cameron

 

[ejonbry]

Driving at 5 weeks, released to work again at 6 weeks. Drove with a heart pillow under the seatbelt for a while. Took short trips that 1st week, until I regained confidence in driving.

 

[palmaceae]

I am only 2 weeks post op and want to get out there to drive, if I felt better
Especially now since this is the normal time of year I get my '68 mustang out for a cruise, well I guess I have to wait!

 

[ALCapshaw2]

The *usual* recommendation is to refrain from driving for 6 weeks. (It is MY understanding that it takes 6 weeks for the sternum to reach 80% of it's strength, not 4 as mentioned previously).

My Surgeon relented to allow me to drive to a follow-up office visit at 4 weeks (i.e. Short Day Time Trips ONLY) because I didn't have anyone available to drive at that time. Turning your head to back up or parallel park may be 'difficult'. Sharp Turns with several repositionings on the steering wheel can be 'uncomfortable' to your chest.

 

[halleyg]

Both time I was told 4 weeks, not including the week I spent in the hospital.

 

[Lisa in Katy]

I was told 5 weeks, and that's what I did. It also depends on the car - standard or automatic, power steering, etc. - and the kind of driving (I would avoid the Indianapolis 500 or any similar type of driving!).

 

[lilteach3234]

I am 14 days post op and they told me at least 6 weeks. I have no desire to drive so I guess I am okay. I like hubby driving me in the nasty Houston traffice so guess I'll do okay.

 

[chuckdc37]

Thx everyone for the driving info. My wife relented today after a surgery consult. This was for my hernia operation post op. The doctor had a cabg. and before he knew I had my AVR done at the VA, he bragged that he was out driving after a week. Hmmmm. Oh well, that convinced my wife. All of your experience points to me being able to get back out there, also. I'll be extra cautious. After all, who wants a freshly cracked open sternum! BTW has anyone ever heard of that actually happening?

 

[gadoty1]

I drove at 8 weeks for my first and 5 weeks for my second OHS. The biggest problem for me was if I needed to make a sudden turn of my head or body to see traffic. I didn't go far from home for about 2 months just because I was so stiff.
I've never heard of anyone actually re cracking their sternum but could you imagine the damage if you did? Maybe nobody ever lived to tell about it.

 

[WayneGM]

My doc said to wiat 6 weeks but I actually waited 8. Two reasons....firstly, I found it really uncomfortable the way the seatbelt on the drivers side crossed over my incision. Funny, I didn't have the same problem on the passenger side. Secondly, I drive an extended van and was having a hard time turning my neck to look around when backing up or changing lanes.

 

[Eva]

.....It is MY understanding that it takes 6 weeks for the sternum to reach 80% of it's strength, not 4 as mentioned previously.
.....

Six weeks but only for short distances... for light grocery shopping...NO highways to avoid the safety air bag which might hurt my incision, in case of an accident!

 

[Blanche]

Chuck

Chuck

Do you have your cardiologist's blessing for dental work so close to your surgery? I am assuming that you did not get a mechanical valve because that would open up a very big can of worms.

My husband had his valve replaced (mechanical mitral) in 1990. At that time, the surgeon and cardiologist both told him that he was not to have any dental work for at least 3 months. They also indicated that they preferred he wait 6 months.

You might also want to check with your insurance agent about driving after surgery.

Kind regards and very best wishes for a continued uneventful recovery,

Blanche

 

[Eva]

Do you have your cardiologist's blessing for dental work so close to your surgery? I am assuming that you did not get a mechanical valve because that would open up a very big can of worms.
.......
Blanche

Chuck, as Blanche said...it is important to have your cardio's clearance for dental work. I do not know about tissue valves, but in my case, I was warned not to see a dentist before 6 months. I shall give myself 2 additional months or more!

 

[chuckdc37]

Thx Blanche...

Thx Blanche...

The dental work is to put on a crown that has been fitted etc so there will be little or no invasive work done. I'm taking the antibiotic anyway.

 

[terodac]

At least eight weeks, could not move my arms well enough and that was the doctors orders. I still will not drive for long distance trips, two years post op!

 

[Tbone]

The best thing to do is wait for the full 8 weeks to go by. Friends & family should understand that you need a little help still. If however you feel up to it get it cleared by your doctor first, and make it short trips only. You are doing so well now why take a chance if you don't have to? Best of luck with your decision.