Driving after operation

[coccinelle]

How long do you need to wait before you can drive after having an operation where the wound is in the lower abdomen? The wound is about 20 cm long. The person can walk about.

[Sqad]

I assume you mean without the wound splitting open?
About a week I would say.

[chazza]

I think it depends on how well it is healing, but for insurance purposes it is usually six weeks

[ethandron]

yep, the usual recommendation is 6 weeks. some people drive earlier though, and some aren't up to driving after 6 weeks so i suppose it's down to the individual and what they've been told by their surgeon.

[coccinelle]

That's a big difference between one week and six weeks! Maybe, it's when the person feels comfortable enough and at ease to drive. Thanks for your answers.

[beejaybee]

I would wait and ask the consultant when you have your post op check up.

[smudge]

I was told not to drive for at least 4/6 weeks, but was behind the wheel again within a fortnight! It all depends on how big the op & how well the person heals.

Good luck to the person.

[smudge]

But as beejay has said, it would be best to ask the person's consultant, or their gp for advice.

[tamirra]

When i had my hysterectomy i was not allowed to drive for 6 weeks, its due to insurances purposes, if you do drive before this time your insurance is invalid.

[coccinelle]

Thank you for your answers everybody. Will look into the insurance cover, it may be different in France. I didn't realise you mightn't be covered by your insurance and was enquiring when it would be safe healthwise. Smudge I'll send your luck to the person involved, thank you.

[Sqad]

coccinelle...I assumed that you were enquiry from a surgical point of view, until I saw the answers about insurance.

Of course it depends upon what operation you had, but the wound would be fine after a week. Internally is basically the same, but would depend on the operation.

[barb1314]

I had an op with a long scar lower abdomen about 5 years ago. I was told not to drive for 6 weeks but did so after 3. The worst thing was turning round when starting to reverse.It was agony but I was fine.

[coccinelle]

Yes sqad my enquiry was from a medical point of view as I had no idea that after an op. you wouldn't be covered by your insurance for 6 weeks. This doesn't apply in France though. Yes, barb I can quite imagine that turning round could be painful.