Driving

[Masonjames]

Maybe someone has already addressed this but how long after surgery were you guys able to get out and drive?

[Waynetho]

I didn't have a particularly pain free recovery but I was or driving within 2-3 days. Think I went for some fast food on day 3. Had to apologize to the girl at the register for grabbing my crotch as I walked in (told her I'd had some surgery and I got twinges of pain when walking - true).

The biggest challenge to driving is resituating the pump and trying not to sit on it because everything is tender.

[Masonjames]

I didn't have a particularly pain free recovery but I was or driving within 2-3 days. Think I went for some fast food on day 3. Had to apologize to the girl at the register for grabbing my crotch as I walked in (told her I'd had some surgery and I got twinges of pain when walking - true).

The biggest challenge to driving is resituating the pump and trying not to sit on it because everything is tender.

Thanks for that reply and honest account of crotch grabbing LOL

[Old Guy]

I didn't drive for a week. That was to pick up granddaughter who told me she was done at 4, only to find out it was 5. So I sat in the car for an hour waiting. I never moved so much trying to get comfy, finally had to slump down and let my sack hang off the seat. I was sore for several days after that and didn't drive again for maybe 3 weeks.
But then my whole healing ordeal was not the easiest, so...……

[jojolee]

I had to drive to the doctor two days after surgery to have the bandages removed and I was okay- it was an hour each way. The only hard part was getting in and out of the car which is low off the ground.

[Lost Sheep]

Maybe someone has already addressed this but how long after surgery were you guys able to get out and drive?

Stay away from bumpy roads and don't even think about driving if your torso muscles are not ready to deal with an emergency stop. Be safe for the other drivers on the road, if not for yourself.

Also, being on pain medications may make you (il)legally impaired, depending on the laws in your jurisdiction.

[Gt1956]

LS brings up a good point. Just because it is prescribed doesn't exempt you from driving under the influence.

[Waynetho]

That being said, I just read the label on the Tramadol 50mg that I was given after my implant surgery:

Caution: opioid
Risk of overdose and addition
- May cause drowsiness and dizziness. Careful using vehicle, vessel, machines.
- Using more than recommended may cause breathing problems
- Do not drink alcoholic beverages when using this medication

This drug did warn that it's an opioid but did not say "DO NOT OPERATE VEHICLE", only said "CAREFUL USING VEHICLE"

I was surprised.

[notaes]

I was driving immediately after surgery of course the surgery was no big deal for me. No pain no complications at all. I know this sounds crazy but it’s true. How you could be cut on and not have any pain I cannot explain.

[Gt1956]

That being said, I just read the label on the Tramadol 50mg that I was given after my implant surgery:

Caution: opioid
Risk of overdose and addition
- May cause drowsiness and dizziness. Careful using vehicle, vessel, machines.
- Using more than recommended may cause breathing problems
- Do not drink alcoholic beverages when using this medication

This drug did warn that it's an opioid but did not say "DO NOT OPERATE VEHICLE", only said "CAREFUL USING VEHICLE"
I was surprised.

I have a friend that did receive some kind of impaired driving ticket. He was hyper active & was on some medicine. He was pulled over for speeding. A bad habit that he had. His natural speach pattern was talking pretty fast. Ok, he just talked goofy. Trooper asked him if he was on any medicines. He answered truthfully. Bang, gets a ticket. His speach pattern was not related to his medicine. Of course he stopped his medicine. Ended up losing his good job of just short of 20 years because of his hyper active condition.
As much as we want to believe in the justice system. Sometimes they just insist on following the book & the outcome isn't very good.