Wanda Mroz
I had to wait four weeks to drive. Prior to that I was back seat only passenger.💞
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Janet Dunavin posted an update
9 years ago (September 5, 2016)
How long do you have to wait after surgery to drive? Just curious!
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... 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'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.
Janet Dunavin
Thanks for the info.
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 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 but I like my independence.
Janet Dunavin posted an update
10 years ago (May 14, 2016)
I need to have my aortic valve replaced asap. I live alone and wonder if I can go home alone after surgery.
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... Read more.
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.
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... Read more.
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... Read more.
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!
Thanks for all the comments! Guess I need to plan on some help right after I go home!
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.
Janet Dunavin posted an update
10 years ago (April 20, 2016)
Saw the nurse practitioner today and my aortic valve is the same- come back in 6 months! I'm still stressed about the whole ordeal.
👍
Emily Rowley reacted to this
Surgeon Spotlight
Dr. Badhwar is a world-renowned heart valve surgeon that has performed thousands of heart valve operations that include minimally-invasive techniques including robot-assisted techniques.
