single masectomy and driving

[JETS]

Wanted to thank everyone fir the advice and guidance - I've been told that I sm now needing a double masectomy so figure this might well put paid to the driving idea for a while - school of hard knocks that's for sure! I do think I'll get an automatic if I can afford to change car - my commute is 30-40 mins each way and I want to and life as easy as possible in the future x just going to concentrate in getting well first ! Thx again

[Kess]

my insurance said I could drive as soon as my surgeon said I could, and my surgeon said I could drive when I felt up to it. I didnt feel like trying it till about 4 weeks as I was quite stiff and sore still (ANC as well as MX) and then I used a small cushion to ease the seatbelt.

[kitten_mad]

Think it also depends on which side is affected too. Mine was right side and the hardest thing was closing the car door! I drove after 3/4 weeks but it was painful. Also you would have to watch where the seatbelt sits on the dressings etc. Always choose "drive through" spaces in car parks etc to save you reversing as well. And be very careful about what you lift during the first few weeks, even a kettle seems heavy, so no children, however much you may want to!

Hope all goes well for your op

K M x

[Zuleika]

I drove at 5 weeks and my car is an automatic

[Crazybirdy]

I was driving 3 weeks after my masectomy and lymph node removal. My insurance company said as long as I was ok to do an emergency stop I would be covered. Hope this helps x

[lolly73]

I was told 4 weeks, but couldnt even be a passenger without pain for 6 weeks, so drove after about 8.

[Alison_46]

Hi,
I have had the same question, after lumpectomy couple of years ago I was advised 2 weeks and have been given same leaflet on post op care this time around. I phoned insurance company & they are happy to let me drive as long as I have medical approval. Does the leaflet count or do I need something more definitive??
I'm planning on starting after 2 weeks, I had single mastectomy and no node involvement so movement in my arm is not affected too much.
Don't know if this helps Sarah xx

[JETS]

Thx - this is going to be a headache ! It's the kind of thing that gets you down during IT all - will check insurance details x sarah

[maggie59]

My surgeon gave me a real talking to about driving and said to be covered for insurance a minimum of four weeks but a lot of insurance companies have in their terms and conditions six weeks. Real nuisance I know.

[jillybee]

You will get a leaflet advicing you after your op.But each time for me was between 2 and 4 weeks.You will have to remember that you will have to be able to do an emergency stop,and also,if you go against any advice you have to think about insurance.

[Susan8574]

I drove 6 days after mine I'm 13 days posy op now x

[JETS]

Hi

I have a masectomy booked for jan (no reconstruction yet) and wanted to know how long others had been since op and driving?....I live in the sticks and can use online shopping etc but want to be able to pick up my children from their after school activities etc as soon as possible..

Also any advice on post care single masectomy gratefully  received.

Sarah