ANA Discussion Forum
Post-Treatment => Post-Treatment => Topic started by: Goldie on October 10, 2009, 12:00:34 pm
-
Just would appreciate anyone's thoughts on when you know you're ready to start driving again? I had my translab 10/1 and haven't been on narcotics for the past week. I can turn my head pretty well and have no dizziness (walking in the dark is another matter, of course!). I'm not really sure what to base the decision on? The info from the hospital mostly seemed based on narcotic use. I thought maybe I'd just try a short drive down the road early next week and see how it goes, but I certainly don't want to put anyone (me included!) at risk. Thanks for your thoughts.
Denise
-
I was back to driving one time in 2 weeks and other times was a month. Depends on what type of road you will be driving on and the amount of traffic. You are doing well so would think it would be sooner for you than some. The ability to move the head around is part of it. My driving to the small town to the grocery store via a paved little traffic road was sooner than a Des Moines trip. Des Moines isn't even bad as I don't have to get on the interstate or freeway very often.
The early trips to the grocery store is always nice so you try to think what can I eat with this crappy taste! LOL!
Cheryl R
-
Denise ~
Resuming driving post-op is pretty much an individual issiue that has no 'right' timeframe. I was driving - on the interstate - within 2 weeks of my surgery and never experienced a problem. Others need months to feel confident about driving and of course, no one wants to take foolish risks behind the wheel of a car. If you're not on narcotic medications, can turn your head easily and don't experience dizziness, then you're probably ready. In the final analysis, you have to make the decision. A short drive 'around the block' and on secondary roads is usually the way to test your driving ability. I did that, for about 20 minutes, then I was on the highway and good to go. I have a feeling that you'll be doing something similar. Please let us know.
Jim
-
The only problem I had with driving was being able to quickly turn my head to ensure I wasn't pulling in front of folks. That took a while and caused more of a delay (but my surgery really did a number on neck muscles in the back). If you are doing well with that, not on narcotics, and not having dizziness issues, I'll be you'll be great!!!
A step at a time....and listen to your body!!
Good Luck,
Kathy
-
Well, first of all, you need to make sure you are totally off of the narcotics.
After that, you might want to check in with your doctor. Did he give you the okay?
When my doc gave me the okay, he said to take it slowly at first - go around the block a few times before attempting the highway or tollroad. That was very good advice. Local driving is a lot different than high speed driving - wonky head may be a factor. I also found it was hard to coordinate my head and eye movements for a short time.
The only lasting driving issue I have is parking between the lines in a parking lot - still have trouble with that one 2 years post op :D I think I've pulled in straight, but I'm always at a angle! ::)
Jan
-
Denise ~
Jan's reply made me realize that I left out a significant fact in my post regarding my experience resuming driving, post-op. I asked for and received my neurosurgeon's permission, with the caveat that I start out on local roads, first. I did - for 20 minutes, then, feeling confident, I hit the highway and 'never looked back', as it were. My doctor was informed of this and didn't object, because he knew me well enough to know that I wouldn't be irresponsible about driving.
Jim
-
Denise .....
You already have excellent advice from others. Just wanted to add that the last hurdle for me before driving was my gaze stabilization. I had a bit of trouble "returning to center" after quickly turning my head in either direction. If you can maintain your focus after turning your head to check for lane changes, have no dizziness when riding in the car, and you are off the narcotics you probably will be OK. Take easy routes with little traffic until you are confident. Always good to have doctor's approval, of course.
Clarice
-
Thank you, all. I did take your advice to heart and contacted my surgeon who thought I am okay to drive. However, since we had SNOW today, I am going to hold off just a bit! Unbelievable, even for Minnesota!
Denise
-
Well, first of all, you need to make sure you are totally off of the narcotics.
Are you sure about that, because I would swear there are quite a few people in SE Michigan that drive while heavily sedated :P
Denise - please let us know how things go!
-
Snow, already ???
Please don't send it to Illinois!
Jan
-
On the road again! I drove today and all went fine. More snow last night, but the roads were fine by the time I went. I think it's going to be a looooong winter! :(
-
Denise ~
Congratulations! Resumption of driving is an important 'milestone' in recovery. You've accomplished a not-so-small victory worth celebrating.
As I write this, we're getting some light snow in northwestern Connecticut. Driving in snow isn't too bad - if you know how to do it (by experience) and have a decent vehicle with good tires.
Jim
-
Denise -
congratulations on reaching the driving milestone! Glad it went well.
Jan
-
Does it matter what type of surgery you have as to how disturbed the balance is??
My neurosurgeon here in MI told me about 3 weeks. I can get more info. at my post check up too. I'm scheduled for Middle Fossa.
Sounds like you're doing pretty good for only being 2 weeks post-op, right?
From a follow namesake :-)
Denise (in MI)
-
How great - another Denise! I am doing exceptionally well. I had my stitches out today and my surgeon is so pleased with everything. He gave me a grade 2 facial weakness (with grade 1 being perfect). Not what any of us expected, so we're all happy campers. ::)
I'm doing well with the balance, but I know I had already compensated for that loss over the past few years since first diagnosed. I've had no dizziness since surgery.
I believe the surgical approach would make a difference with the driving, as I think there is less neck muscle involvement with the translab approach. Maybe others can speak to that?
Best wishes on your upcoming surgery!
Denise (MN)
-
Denise (in MI) .....
Congratulations on clearing the obstacle of driving again ...... and in snow, no less!! ..... and glad you are doing so well in your general recovery from surgery.
Both Denises: as for surgical approach in driving ..... I don't think that is a major factor because many of us had little muscle involvement even with the retrosigmoid approach. It is more a question of balance, gaze stabilization, and overall general well-being following any surgery.
Good thoughts for both of you!
Clarice
-
:) Clarice, it's actually Denise in MN (Goldie) that is the postie and dealing with snow. Gee it will be here in MI soon enough though. Hah, that name thing could get confusing ;)
Anyways Denise -MN aka Goldie.....I'm SUPER glad you're doing good. I truley hope mine will be a good recovery too!
Thanks and best of luck for a super quick full recovery!!
-
Congrats on driving again! Must feel good! Can't wait to get there myself.
-
Today is 4 weeks post op - one month! ;D I drove yesterday with my husband - first an empty, big parking lot, then a crowded parking lot, then home. All locally in my town. I felt good and in control. I drove today alone to my Vestibular rehab appt which is about 20 min away but pretty much a straight shot. Did fine. I do not know, however, when I will be able to start driving at night. I know from therapy (they take me in a dark room and run me through some exercises) that I function much less in the dark. Curious to know when people started driving at night?
Cheryl
-
Curious to know when people started driving at night?
The same time as when I resumed driving during the day. Two weeks, post-op. Obviously, not everyone has the exact same rate of recovery, but I was highly motivated, which had to help.
Jim
-
Cheryl .....
Re: night driving. I still do not feel confident driving at night, but it has to do with general eyesight, which I do not think is AN related. However, I do not drive at night simply because I would be stuck in the car when I arrived wherever I was going because I cannot walk in the dark unassisted ::) (I'm down to two of three balance systems to use with both vestibular nerves shot and at night I am down to one ..... not enough!). I can drive with no problems during the day.
Clarice
-
Isn't it weird how something as second nature as driving becomes a whole new event post-op??
I drove w/ two crazy dogs in the car around downtown Toronto 2 weeks post-op, I probably shouldn't have but I really wanted to go to this dog meet-up St. Paddy's day thing last spring and my hubby hadn't learned to drive standard at the time. I drive a lot now, at 8 months post-op but long trips really tire me out. My eye is still not tearing on it's own and I live for lacrilube... the drops just don't do it for me. This makes driving a bit nerve wracking but overall I'm comfortable with it. I should mention that pre-op I drove everywhere - and loved to drive. After surgery though, I have driven probably 50% as often, but on the bright side, my husband did finally learn how to drive a stick shift LOL!!
-
To add to the whole "everyone's different"...
I just started driving at 6.5 weeks postop and for me it's terrifying. I tried to drive at night (and in the rain..) tonight, at 7 weeks postop, and only got halfway before giving up and going home. Hope I can get it together in the next week, before I'm supposed to go back to work nightshift..
-
I had my surgery October 19th and was driving just 8 days later. I know this isn't the normal. And I had a different type of surgery than the 3 commonly used. I had 12 inch scar but I feel truly blesses that in my second week of recovery before my staples were out that I was drivng to Publix, Food Loin and getting into those electric carts and doing my food shopping in the stores and then driving home - all by myself. I started walking my dogs 4 blocks twice a day in the 3rd week. I go see the doctors st Shands on the Nov 17th for my first posted op visit and cann't wait to see him.
I know we all recovery differently and that is something you should also keep in mind. I do get tired out in the afternoons but never enough to take a nap. I even stopped taking pain meds towards the begining of the 3rd week. But I wish you the best in your continuing recovery. Debi
-
I drove in a parking lot just to get a feel at about 4 weeks and was driving at about 6 weeks.
-
I almost got behind the wheel yesterday, but then decided I would wait another few days. My plan is to do a quick spin around the neighborhood this weekend.
-
Sounds like a good plan, Dennis. I caught up on your blog a bit and am so glad to see things went well for you. Doesn't it feel great to have the surgery behind you? Here's to a speedy recovery and driving again!
Denise
-
Today is 4 weeks post op - one month! ;D I drove yesterday with my husband - first an empty, big parking lot, then a crowded parking lot, then home. All locally in my town. I felt good and in control. I drove today alone to my Vestibular rehab appt which is about 20 min away but pretty much a straight shot. Did fine. I do not know, however, when I will be able to start driving at night. I know from therapy (they take me in a dark room and run me through some exercises) that I function much less in the dark. Curious to know when people started driving at night?
Cheryl
For me, it was about 2-3 weeks after I first started driving locally.
This was my approach.
1. Parking lot
2. Local quiet streets
3. Busy streets
4. Highway
5. Night
I would say the whole process took about 1 month. As soon as I felt comfortable at one level, I went to the next.
(glad to hear you are doing well) ;)
-
For me, it was about 2-3 weeks after I first started driving locally.
This was my approach.
1. Parking lot
2. Local quiet streets
3. Busy streets
4. Highway
5. Night
I went for it yesterday and covered 1-3 in a single session. No serious issues, but I think 4 and 5 are still a few weeks away. As soon as it was dark I handed the keys to my wife and told her to drive Miss Daisy home ;)
-
Probably a good plan ..... be sure you feel safe and then you will be just fine.
Clarice