May I drive?

[Lilysaidwhat]

That's fantastic!

So did you end up driving? I'm dying to go to TJ Maxx..... even if I just walk around!

[mgs]

Everyone's happy feelings for my good (better than I ever expected!) recovery touch me more than you know!

I called my dr's office yesterday afternoon (my husband, naturally cautious, esp after my non-union the 1st time around, was uncomfortable w/the idea of me driving so soon, but said he'd be ok w/it if it was ok w/the dr). I spoke w/one of the nurses at the Spince Center, who said that yes, being off narcotics was the usual criterion, but because it had only been 2 weeks and a day since surgery, she would err on the side of caution and run it by Dr. Tribus [today], when he's there, and get back to me. She called this afternoon. . .I'm cleared for driving!!!! Now, where do I get to go for my maiden voyage? A doctor appt. BUT, it's with my ENT - nothing bad, just my infant-sized ear canals are filled w/fluid and need attention. (How is it that my ears can be so big, and my ear canals be so itty-bitty?) It's been a LONG TIME since I've been to a doctor that has nothing to do whatsoever with this whole back saga - just a nice, easy, normal, run-of-the-mill issue. It'll be a nice change of pace.

After I took those 2 oxycodones as a hedge against withdrawal, I sort of forgot about it all, and didn't remember to take any more. I feel that good.

[fierceliketiger]

I would check with the doctor to make sure...


But HOLY COW! I am so happy for you!!!! I was really hoping that you would have a fantastic outcome

[mgs]

You are so right. I don't want a setback, or worse. . .

[JenniferG]

I couldn't be happier for you mgs! How wonderful.

Back to the driving...2 weeks sounds so early, but I guess if there are no narcotics in your system, it might be safe. I just hope your feeling so good doesn't lead to you over-doing it, which is so easy to do. Little steps mgs, but honestly, it's great to hear you doing so well.

[mgs]

How soon I forget! I know the "when may I drive?" question was addressed before my first surgery, and it seems that the answer had mostly to do w/being on pain meds (if I remember correctly). Before this surgery, neither of us mentioned the subject.

I am 2 weeks post-op today!! My husband took out my 76 staples last night (a milestone!). . . Actually, with the pain I was in with the non-union and the sagittal imbalance, I now feel better than I've felt in I-don't-know-how-long. When I got up at 4am (to let our dog out) I took some oxycodones, because that's what I've been doing, then realized that I really didn't feel any pain. Here it is, 7 1/2 hours later, and I'm still not in any pain. I'm stunned. Until now, I've been taking 3 or 4 oxycodones every 3 - 5 hours.

So. . .back to my question. I could use a little outing, and would enjoy a short drive in the country. No pain meds are in my system. Would it be an OK thing to do?