Driving

[Sarahdulsonmart]

Morning all,

Just wondering how long after discharge was it before you were able to drive again? 

Don't worry I am not about to jump in my car not even close yet! Lol

Sarah x

[Luckyone]

Hi Sarah,

I think it was about 6 months before I started driving again occasionally, but my wife and family felt I shouldn't drive anymore after cognitive tests showed my processing speed and short term memory are well below average, so I took the safest option for everyone and gave up driving, now I don't really miss it.

Bill 

[Skysie]

After an 8 month hospital stay including 2 months in ICU I was OK to drive locally after about 4 months and 6 months after was driving my motorhome quite comfortably. 

[muncii]

HI Sarah - in my case, about 6 months. I think a lot depends on how physically frail you are, and your mental alertness. I must say, being able to drive again was very important for me (sounds like you too). But it was painful at first - I had difficulty opening the car door, and changing gear made my arm sore. So I took it very slowly and only did short journeys on quiet roads at first. There is also the question of regaining confidence.

It sounds like you are being very sensible about this. You will soon be back in the driving seat!

[BBDEBS]

Oh hell, I'm driving already!!!!! Been out 3 weeks and drive for a living so was keen to get back to it. I need to be able to drive 260 miles per day and am currently at 4, but upped this to 8 yesterday and did 1 junction of the motorway!!! I was in a coma for 3 weeks and renal ward for 2. Out for 3 weeks now and driving for one. Get to it if you feel ready and confident!! Good luck!! Xx 

[getshorty]

Hi Sarah - I was in an induced coma for about 2 weeks and released from hospital 3 weeks later. I'd suffered pneumonia and was shocked at the muscle atrophy I had suffered. Happy to report the leg strength returned within a few weeks and I've started going to the gym to try and get the core/upper body strength back. I waited 4 weeks before driving, but made sure I felt ready as well. I've only done short drives so far (max 20 mins) but feel ready to try a greater distance now. I think I knew in myself I was ready for it. My biggest concern was actually whether the concentration required would be too much, but thus far no problems. Good luck!