:wave: I am 6 weeks post op, PLIF 2 levels, and I was wondering if it is safe to drive now for short distances. Like to Wal-mart. I am doing good, I think, I can put my socks and shoes on myself, and do the treadmill by myself. Just not too good on stairs yet, so I try to avoid them. Valley :confused:

:wave: Valley, just went for a ride and the way people drive around here I told my hubby I am not ready and probably won't be for another month. You are braver than me girl! I am afraid I would have muscle spasms. :eek:

Valley, how was PT today, and how are you feeling?

Valley,

After each of my fusion surgeries, I was told to not drive for a month. However, on the three level fusions, the doc revised it to two weeks and then only short distances as I'm the only driver in my home. Now, this last time with 10 levels fused, he didn't want me to drive at all for 1 month after I got home, so it was actually 5 weeks from surgery. My first drive was more than an hour to see him, but I did fine. Luckily I have a car with adjustable power lumbar support so that makes it better for me. If your car doesn't have good support, perhaps you can take a towel or small thin pillow to put behind your back.

The best thing is to phone his office if he did not give you a time limit on restrictions.

Best wishes and hope your recovery is going well.

Hi Valley :bouncing:
I'm glad you're doing so well. I wouldn't drive yet until I got the go-ahead from the Dr. I agree you should call and ask if you really need to drive. I'm a little apprehensive myself-drivers in Dallas are no joke!!! :) So I'll wait until I get the permission. My OSS is kind of conservative, and hasn't lifted any of my restrictions yet! (maybe because mine was a 360 procedure.) I'm still rather unstable on my feet so I guess it's for the best. :rolleyes: But you seem to be getting along really well considering what you;ve been through.
So keep up the good work!!!!
Blessings,
Myrna

I am 10 wks postop from 2 level 360/L4-S1 and did some driving over the weekend. I only went short distances. I felt unsure of myself and almost afraid to try. I was fine. The greatest challenge was getting in and out of the car. Good Luck!

Thanks Klcoburn , for the encouragement. I'm just hoping I'll get the ok to drive next week, because as I said, my husband is having surgery in 2 weeks!!
Myrna

:wave: Hi all, I did go ahead and drive to pick up our car tags, and to Wal-mart for a few minutes, decided that I am not quite up to it, so came home, and will wait a few more weeks. But I can do it if I just have to. I don't remember who asked about PT, but my doctor hasn't ordered PT yet, just told me to walk on the treadmill or outside. Valley :bouncing:

I had my surgery March 25 05 and my papers said no driving for 10 days. But I am 26 and used to driving around all the time and hiper as a bee!!! I don't stay home. So I didn't drive for like 6 days but when that 7th day came around I had to get going!!! I was going outta my mind in my house. This friday will be 3 weeks since my surgery and I am doing so good! I go back to the doctor monday, and I am hoping that man lets get back to krogering for aleast 4 hours a day. Because I am readyyyyyyyyy!!! Now I have been driving my mom's gmc blazer bc my firebird has been in the shop, and of course the blazer is high up, but I will see friday when I get my firebird back if it is hard to get in. I think if I get up and down on my waterbed that gettigng in my car should be ok.. Love ya, Tracy

I am glad to see this question asked-I was wondering that myself. I was scheduled for fusion of L3-5 April 7,but due to another health problem, that's been totally cancelled to later on in the year.

What about cleaning house or extended sitting? What's the time frame on that?

Valley,

What were your doctors instructions about driving after your fusion surgery? That is the person you should be consulting and following their instructions.
After a fusion, you normally have a check up at six weeks post-op and that is when it is usually determined if it is OK for you to drive again.

I can only tell you my surgeon told me I could not drive until my six week check up and it was after that exam that he told me I could drive again. But I wouldn't have driven even if he said it was ok before that.

I don't know if you are still on pain meds, many still are at six weeks. Depending on how they affect you, that may be another consideration whether or not you should be driving. Pain meds can make you very sleepy and driving can be dangerous when you are on them. I had to start narcotics 5 months before my fusion and I couldn't drive that entire time because of this side effect, not that I would have been driving anyway, I was in way to much pain to even get into a car.

Many people don't know that the penalties for driving under the influence of these and many other drugs is the exact same as driving under the influence of alcohol. Just something to think about if you are still on meds like this.

I hope your check up goes well and you are progressing and beginning to heal.

Good Luck,
Casey

IA with Casey it is probably a good idea to consult your Doctor about when to drive. I know my Doctor had told me 6-8 weeks. But, again it would probably be idea to get your Doctor's clearance to drive!!