Will I be able to drive?

Will I be able to drive myself home after surgery? If not, how long until I am able to drive?

you won't be able to drive yourself home and most doctors won't release you to drive for atleast 2 weeks

I beileve when I had surgery it was a week or two i wasnt supposed to drive. this is mostly because of pain meds you have prescribed to you after surgery, but i never took them, so i think it was just a week for me.

I wasn't to drive until I was completely off the loratab..so for about a week.

Oh Heavens no, you wont be able to drive for at least a week... DO not attempt to do it yourself.. You will be tired and still kinda out of sorts and dont forget to take your pain med right before you leave the hospital. The drive can be bumpy.. espicially with the chuck holes!! Linda

You will need a driver in order to be released from the hospital - a taxi will work. I was released to drive once I was off the narcotic pain reliever. So actually after just a couple of days. However, if someone is willing to chauffer you around - take advantage of it. Look out the window and enjoy the ride. I have discovered that life looks great from the passenger seat, not something I knew before. I used to ALWAYS be the driver (control issues). But now I am finding that many of my control issues are fading. Annette

I had to wait until I had my drain tub removed. I wasn't on any pain meds at all hardly while I was in the hospital or when I got home. So like everyone else has told you I would wait at least a week just to be on the safe side. Are you needing a ride home? If so where are you having your surgery and where do you live if its close the North side I would be more than happy to come and get you and take you home if you need a ride. Bonnie

I know for me at St V's and even other hospitals where I have worked. They wont release u until someone is there to pick u up. They have to sign a form that they will be responsible to get u home. That way the hospital isnt responsible if u get out and have an accident on the way home. Rule of thumb is what others have said already....24 hrs after u get off of your pain meds u can drive. For me it was less than a week. For others...it can be longer. It depends on how long u are on the drugs. I had surgery on Wed....was off the meds on Friday...they come Sunday I was having killer pain with my drain....started taking the liquid lortab all day sunday and monday morning...Monday morning at my follow-up the dr took the drain out and I never had any more pain meds...So by tuesday I was driving and My 1 week wasnt till wed. I wish u the best of luck. I hope your surgery goes as smoothly as mine did. Mariah