Driving?????????

[cincinnati]

I am 8 weeks post-op and still have terrible vertigo. I am terrified to drive, since I can't even walk straight. When do you start to see improvement and are able to drive? I am doing the exercises for balance and the nausea is gone, thank goodness, but, does anyone have any other suggestions???

Thanks

Charlene

[Tamara]

Start slow, get used to how things look now, and don't worry if you're driving like a granny.  If you can, go out to a parkway with another driver and give it a go.  That way, if you need to, you can have that person drive home.

I just took a deep breath and jumped in (about 5 weeks post-op).  Things still look weird (with some vertigo) when I turn my head quickly to look for traffic, but it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be.

Best wishes,
Tammy

[HeadCase2]

Charlene,
  Glad to hear your balance is improving, even if it's not as fast as you'd like.  You're doing exercises which will help.  If you aren't working with a Physical Therapist (Physical Terrorist  ), try working with PT that is familiar with Vestibular Retraining, it helps speed things along.  If you're already working with a PT, then I'd say taking long daily walks seemed to help me the most.
  My PT suggested that I wait until I could turn my head suddenly without the swooning wonkyheaded feeling before starting to drive again.
  Keep working at it, it does get better.
Regards,
  Rob

[cincinnati]

Too funny, Donna-Lynn. I actually figured out you meant 3 months.  


Thank you sooooooo much!!!!!!!!! I feel tons better!!!!!!!!!! It helps to know that I am healing normally.
 Every bump we go over in the car or brake movement I feel like a bobble head.

I am not walking very much and will definately start doing more of that.(It seems like the more I do the worse I feel, so, I will definately take the advice of baby steps and work up to it)

I will see Pensak today at 2:45 and will ask all the questions.


Charlene

[satman]

it took me 6 months

[cincinnati]

Well, I am going to start physical therapy at the Center For Balance. They feel it should really help. Also, Pensak mentioned a sugical procedure they can do if the therapy doesn't help. Has anyone had this done?  The first appt. I could get is not until Sept. 8th.

I am also going to see a lady for my tinnitus. I am anxious to see if she what she can do to help.

Also, they said I am a good candidate for BAHA. But, they are back ordered right now and will have to call me. Interesting.

Pensak did say it could take up to 6 months to get back to a good game of golf. Guess I had better start now since I don't play golf.

I am going to practice driving this weekend and see how it goes.


Charlene

[oHIo]

Charlene...PT at the Center for Balance is a great idea.  They helped me both pre and post op. 

I did not drive until right before I returned to work at 9 weeks.  I still cannot multitask while driving--or even listen to the radio. 

Interesting about the BAHA because I am supposed to have mine on Sept. 17th if my insurance company quits stalling about a decision.  I had my BAHA eval in June, so maybe they already ordered it.  Did they do a BAHA eval and trial on you?

I'm 5 months post op and still haven't learned to play golf.    I guess I still have another month to learn. 

I'd love to know who you are seeing for the tinnitus.  PM me if you wish.  Also, I forgot what part of Cincinnati you are from...we should get together sometime. 

Hang in there.  Things really do get better. 

[Static]

Driving is way easier than walking, especially at night.  Riding in the car is a whole different story because that still makes me dizzy and I'm almost 5 years post op.  You don't have to balance while driving because the car is already balanced on its tires and you are sitting!  Good luck!

[Lamsue23]

Well I finally did it yesterday being 4 weeks post-op.  I decided to try driving and going to my bank which is just around the block.  I did very well, then since I was in the same plaza I stopped and picked up a few things at the grocery store.  When I asked my doctor how soon can I drive he told me "You'll know".  I'm not a bit sorry I tried.  I will try again tomorrow.  A little at a time.  I still have a balance issue, but as it was said, you don't need balance to drive, just keep your eyes focus........I live by myself and getting tired of waiting to get a ride......

[Tamara]

Good for you Lamsue!  My first driving trip was a whole 5 blocks to Walgreen's.  After that each time out was easier and easier.  You'll be back to "normal" sooner than you think!

Tammy

[Debbi]

Personally, I think the driving is a whole lot easier than the stores!  I still avoid Wal-Mart on weekends - just too much going on for my brain.  Haven't tried night driving yet - but with winter coming, that will be next!  I always have blurry vision from drops and eye-goo, so not sure how headlight glare will affect that. 

Debbi

[Soundy]

Just a note on the subject of driving and wonder if anyone has noticed this...

I have a short memory  and don't remember just when I started driving  ... but here I am 14 month
post op and still get dizzy and nauseated riding in a vehicle... driving is OK...it is riding with someone
else driving that I have problems with ...I am thinking holding the steering wheel gives me more
stability or something...

[Dog Lover]

All the comments about driving have been very reassuring. I've been doing pretty darn good with the walking. I went to Gordman's the other day with my mom (middle of the day, so not busy) and lasted an hour before I got tired. It was a little more difficult that walking outside, but i did it! I've been contemplating if I can drive yet. Riding with someone else driving doesn't really bother me anymore, and turning my head fast doesn't really make me unbalanced, but more of a second of whoa, ok, I'm here (if that makes any sense). Like Sue, I live alone and am so tired of waiting for people to give me a ride somewhere. I am very close to giving it a try to my son's house, which is about 5 min away in a small little dinky town. 

[Tamara]

I am very close to giving it a try to my son's house, which is about 5 min away in a small little dinky town. 

Go For it!  I think you will be pleasantly surprised at how you've adapted!

Happy Driving,
Tammy

[leapyrtwins]

Congratulations, Lamsue     

Dog Lover -

the key to driving again is to start with short trips on local streets.  Once you can master that, move on to farther trips and more heavily traveled roads.

You'll get there - no pun intended 

Good luck,

Jan