How long do you have to wait after surgery to drive? Just curious!
Wanda Mroz I had to wait four weeks to drive. Prior to that I was back seat only passenger.💞
Juergen Li I also had to wait for four weeks and then had no trouble with driving. One of the reasons to not dri ... Read more
Juergen Li I also had to wait for four weeks and then had no trouble with driving. One of the reasons to not drive is the somewhat limited ability to quickly move your body and to turn around. There is also the concern with the airbags. I sat as a passenger in the front seat but see Wanda's input and the back seat might be the safest place to sit.
Peggy Whitecotton A lot depends on your recovery and everyone is different so it's hard to compare to others. It was 6 ... Read more
Peggy Whitecotton A lot depends on your recovery and everyone is different so it's hard to compare to others. It was 6 weeks for me. Before that I rode in the backseat with a pillow over my chest. I became very paranoid of getting in an accident and having my sternum crushed.
Nicola Laker I struggled last week after 12 weeks post op. I have decided to leave it for a while longer as I don' ... Read more
Nicola Laker I struggled last week after 12 weeks post op. I have decided to leave it for a while longer as I don't need to drive at the moment. X
Corey Sines It varies person to person, and when the doc clears you. but 4-6 weeks typically.
Wanda Mroz It was a tad difficult to close the door... Used my right arm for a bit... And turning the wheel hurt ... Read more
Wanda Mroz It was a tad difficult to close the door... Used my right arm for a bit... And turning the wheel hurt a little at first. But after a few times it gets easier.
Gary Stripling I had to wait 6 weeks, and even then I "let" my wife drive as much as possible. We have an '89 Merced ... Read more
Gary Stripling I had to wait 6 weeks, and even then I "let" my wife drive as much as possible. We have an '89 Mercedes Benz that's very heavy and hard to steer, so I took my time before getting behind the wheel.
Janet Dunavin I live alone so I'd like to drive as soon as is safe. My children live here so they will help out bu ... Read more
Janet Dunavin I live alone so I'd like to drive as soon as is safe. My children live here so they will help out but I like my independence.
I need to have my aortic valve replaced asap. I live alone and wonder if I can go home alone after surgery.
Wanda Mroz You'll probably have a home nurse come in a couple times a week. I think you might feel better if yo ... Read more
Wanda Mroz You'll probably have a home nurse come in a couple times a week. I think you might feel better if you had someone check on you during daytime at least. I was home alone but my 88 yr old mom lives with me and was able to help in small ways and I also had help from neighbors and friends.
Emily Rowley Some hospitals have after discharge places and care, just let them know before hand. Usually need to ... Read more
Emily Rowley Some hospitals have after discharge places and care, just let them know before hand. Usually need to sign a document to say you will be taken home by someone who will be staying with you. Take care, Emily.
Sophia Ridley I suggest that you plan ahead whilst pre op. You must not lift anything more than a few lbs post op, ... Read more
Sophia Ridley I suggest that you plan ahead whilst pre op. You must not lift anything more than a few lbs post op, my half full kettle was enough!
Cook individual meals you freeze; make sure towels, clothes, food etc are easily accessible. Practise getting out of chairs only using your legs not pushing up with arms. Bed wedge or recliner. Arrange supermarket to delivery to your home (not sure where you are, but here in UK some go only to door, others to kitchen... You obv want latter).
One big challenge will be showering especially as the water will affect your bp. I bought a folding shower chair which was perfect, but I certainly wanted someone to know I was in there.
If friends and neighbours can pop by regularly then the company will be good, also if they could walk with you post op until you've got your confidence. And as you'll find we all praise, attend Cardiac Rehab.
Jean Raber Ask your doc about in home care. We were with my mom three weeks after she got home, but she got meal ... Read more
Jean Raber Ask your doc about in home care. We were with my mom three weeks after she got home, but she got meals on wheels and a caregiver to come in three hours per day after we left. We had to pay $18 per day for the helper, but money well spent in terms of piece of mind. She refused to go to temp nursing facility b/c she didn't want to leave her cat.
Petey Bello Janet, I think it will be difficult for you to be alone. I would check into some type of temporary in ... Read more
Petey Bello Janet, I think it will be difficult for you to be alone. I would check into some type of temporary in home care. Good luck!
Janet Dunavin Thanks for all the comments! Guess I need to plan on some help right after I go home!
Jean Raber The hospital may be able to help you with a discharge plan; you might try calling them or your surgeo ... Read more
Jean Raber The hospital may be able to help you with a discharge plan; you might try calling them or your surgeon's office to see. Could save you some leg work.
