How long after surgery until you can drive

[Rob]

I only drove the SUV until the 14th week. At my 12-week post-op (14 weeks actually) my doctor lifted all my BLT restrictions. I was home alone, my wife took the SUV, and I had to go out. This was the first time I attemted to drive my 5-speed Miata. It wasn't all that bad. I little discomfort as I fell into it a bit!

I remember back around the 6-week post-op time frame looking at the Miata and thinking I'm NEVER going to be able to get back in it, let alone drive it! I thought I was going to have to sell it.

In addition to the previous notes on making driving a little easier, I made myself closer to the pedals and the wheel than I whould have normally, this helped prevent me from having to stretch for anything (i.e. quick pedal stops, turning...). To get in the SUV I would open the door and then slowly sit down, reaching for the interior roof handle, in the seat facing out the door. Then I would grab one leg with one hand and use the other hand to grab the side of the seat to assist turning my body as a unit to face forward.

[Pbchoclovr]

How long did it take after surgery before you could drive?

1. What surgery did you have? What level(s)?TLIF Fusion of the L4/5

2. How long were you in the hosptal? 4 days

3. How long did the doctor say before you could drive? one month, but only limited to do essential errands.

4. When did you feel like you could drive if you absolutely had to if it was before the guideline set forth by your doctor? 4 weeks

5. What type of Car did you drive? Honda Accord Coupe

6. What type of transmission did that car have? (Manual/Automatic) manual

7. Did driving irritate or cause you pain? If so, explain Not in legs, but low back ached

8. Was there anything you did that made driving easier, more comfortable, less pain, etc Not really


9. What would you like to see asked for the next survery? ??

10. What was your diagnosis prior to surgery? Please be specific DDD of the L4/5 with significant arthritis, including the L5/S1

[Phil_b]

How long did it take after surgery before you could drive?

1. What surgery did you have? What level(s)? 3 level postier fusion using rods and screws L3/S1

2. How long were you in the hosptal? 12 days

3. How long did the doctor say before you could drive? 6 weeks minimum

4. When did you feel like you could drive if you absolutely had to if it was before the guideline set forth by your doctor? Drove 4 weeks

5. What type of Car did you drive? Jeep Patriot

6. What type of transmission did that car have? (Manual/Automatic) manual

7. Did driving irritate or cause you pain? If so, explain Lower back ache and pain in right leg

8. Was there anything you did that made driving easier, more comfortable, less pain, etc Rolled up towel in lumbar region

9. What would you like to see asked for the next survery? Fix my neck

10. What was your diagnosis prior to surgery? Failed Graf Stablisation of L3/S1 DDD top to bottom of spine

[jwassall]

1. What surgery did you have? What level(s)? PLIF at L4/L5

2. How long were you in the hosptal? 7 days

3. How long did the doctor say before you could drive? Originally told me 6 weeks but I was doing so well at my3 week checkup he said I could start then

4. When did you feel like you could drive if you absolutely had to if it was before the guideline set forth by your doctor? 3 weeks

5. What type of Car did you drive? Sedan

6. What type of transmission did that car have? (Manual/Automatic) Automatic

7. Did driving irritate or cause you pain? If so, explain Still had some nerve pain in my right leg at first

8. Was there anything you did that made driving easier, more comfortable, less pain, etc Shift around


9. What would you like to see asked for the next survery?

10. What was your diagnosis prior to surgery? Please be specific DDD at L4/L5, severe spinal stenosis