Driving

[Tiddles1959]

hi guys

Just had a call from the surgeon confirming a triple bypass is needed he said my arteries are tight so my question is can I carry on driving up to the date of my operation

Thanks guys

Stay safe

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

Hi... Basically I am assuming you are awaiting a bypass because of angina. Providing your angina does not come on when driving, when resting or when emotional you can carry on driving. If in doubt call your GP or cardiologist.

After surgery you cannot drive for a minimum of four weeks but not until you get the go ahead from your GP or cardiologist. You also need to tell your insurance company. The rules are different for HGV and PSV licences.

[Tiddles1959 in reply to MichaelJH]

Cheers michaelJH

I havnt been told I've got angina back in February march I had chest pains when exercising ie hill walking so went to check it out they put me down to get a angiogram but that was delayed with the lockdown I got it eventually in august where the found three of my ateries narrowing so they told me I need a bypass iv had no chest pains since March I felt a bit of a fraud until they diagnosed the narrowing and yes I'm a hgv driver which I told the surgeon but he never said to stop driving so am trying to find out exactly where I stand with it all like I say i only got told today I think I need to speak with him again lol

Thanks

Stay safe

[MichaelJH Heart Star in reply to Tiddles1959]

The rules for HGV/PSV licences are very different and have been mentioned here before. They (the DVLA) need to be informed if you are classed as having angina. After surgery you will not be able to drive for a minimim of three months and not till given the go ahead by your GP or cardiogist. The DVLA may require tests such as a stresss ECG.

A call to your cardiologist on Monday is definitely a good starting point.

Good luck and keep us updated...

[Tiddles1959 in reply to MichaelJH]

Yeah I've read about the 3 months and the clearance by the cardiologist its just when do I inform the dvla was just trying to find out if it was from when I've been notified or the actual operation if you know what I'm meaning your right I need to get in touch o Monday find out if I've got angina lol might be early retirement forced on me can't be such a bad thing i keep you posted

Cheers

[George249 in reply to Tiddles1959]

Good morning Tiddles1959

I to am a hgv driver & had a triple bypass back in March 2019 after many requests from me to my doctor to arrange a ecg stress test I gave up & went to the hospital cardiology department myself & by the time I had walked home some 4 miles there was a telephone call asking me to return the very next day to take the stress test which went well & passed. It's not an easy road as it involves a walking machine which gets steeper & faster as it goes all the time being monitored via a 12 lead ecg & a cardiologist plus operator for the walking machine ready to pull the plug should it get to much. It last for about 15 minutes & for the last 4 minutes walking at full pace. Think it was at least 4 months after bypass when they will do this test all the while dvla are watching & waiting for results. Wishing you well for your forth coming operation the results are worth the worry,.

[MichaelJH Heart Star in reply to George249]

Many thanks for the additional information George...

[George249 in reply to MichaelJH]

Thank you MichaelJH

Oh how I wish I didn't know, but we all need a little care & attention at times

I've read many of your replies to other members of this club of ours & was shocked & saddened to hear of your recent bad luck, hope your recovering well.

Best Wishes MichaelJH

[MichaelJH Heart Star in reply to George249]

Thank you George. As my BKA was to my left leg I assumed I could just jump back into my automatic Jaguar but no the medical unit have to assess my fitness to drive.

[George249 in reply to MichaelJH]

There's always something trying to stop us getting on with our lives,even though we in this club are on our second chance at it. But that aside it's far better for the dvla to access us & give us the facts than harm or mame sumone just because we wish to drive.

[Tiddles1959 in reply to George249]

Thanks for the info George when did the dvla take away the licence was when you had your op or when you were diagnosed

Cheers

Stay well

[George249 in reply to Tiddles1959]

Hiya Tiddles1959

I had suffered h/a but didnt say anything to family as not to worry them took myself to hospital next day. After a 4/5 day stay & lots of test was told triple bypass was the order of the day. Then next appointment with my GP told not to drive told them it was my livelihood & needed to return asap. 4/5 weeks later car driving allowed, it then took 3 or 4 months to get stress ecg ( which isn't a walk in the park ) cardiologist sends report to dvla they then take a decision on results & then inform you. Think its the hospitals & GP's who inform dvla, then employer wants to see conformation letter before you return to the work place, best of luck mate..

[Tiddles1959 in reply to George249]

Cheers George

Yeah i had some chest pain back in March went to get it looked at sent me for angiogram had to wait till after lockdown they found I have 3 narrowing arteries so they decided bypass just got told yesterday surgeon said he would pass it to his secretary to sort out a pre assessment day he said probably 3 to 4 weeks time then I suppose I just have to wait and see what occurs just trying to find out if I can carry on driving hgv until then I'm gonna try get in touch with hospital on Monday see if they can give some guidance cheers George good to hear your back on the road good luck

Stay safe