What about driving??

TraceyE, you are the greatest... not only do you respond so quickly but you put a lot of thought and effort into writing a detailed response. You have no idea how much better it makes me feel. One more question I thought up... and everyone can give me some input. How long was it before you can drive?? I heard a few weeks. My job is not close to home so this could be an issue for me (although it would be nice to have some forced holidays :)

4 Comments

driving

by Tracey_E - 2008-10-06 02:10:32

I'm bad about answering questions when I should be working :o)

I was behind the wheel the first few days I was home from the hospital. I don't remember being told not to drive, but my doctor is pretty liberal compared to others around here. I don't know if he thinks I have enough common sense to not do anything too stupid or he's figured out I'm too stubborn to listen so he saves his breath, lol. As long as you're not dizzy, not taking pain killers, and aware you'll be driving mostly one-handed, go for it whenever you feel comfortable with it. You'll be able to hold the wheel with your left hand but not make any sudden maneuvers the first 2 or 3 weeks.

Don't be shy about milking it a bit! I always figure that balances out the times my heart keeps me from doing something I want to do :o)

dont tear your leads

by walkerd - 2008-10-06 02:10:45

6 weeks after open heart, but added on time for implantation that cardio wouldnt let me drive, seven days after implatation i couldnt drive for almost 8 weeks didnt care to be shoffered around happy im driving again. just do what dr says dont take chances.

dave

2 WEEKS

by Angelie - 2008-10-06 03:10:41

I couldn't drive for 2 weeks. That was the WORST thing about my recovery process. I felt like I was a teenager again, and I HATED it. I'm very independent.
I got out of the hospital bed the morning after my implant, managed to get myself dressed, and walked slowly down the hall and back. I could tell that when the nurse walked in she wasn't pleased, but oh well.
I think my age has a lot to do with it as well. I'm 33.
Angelie

shoulder harness

by Tracey_E - 2008-10-06 04:10:00

She'll be fine with the shoulder harness because she's having it placed submammary instead of subclavicle. Aside from looks, that's one of the best reasons for going with an alternate location, imo.

fainting worse than texting LOL, thanks for the chuckle.

Angelie, they tried to keep me on full bedrest for 24 hrs. Hah! I gave it about 2, enough for the anesthesia to wear off and me to want to hit the potty. When I got away with that, I tried pacing the halls.

You know you're wired when...

Like the Energizer Bunny, you keep going.

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Today I explained everything to my doctor, he set my lower rate back to 80 and I felt an immediate improvement.