Driving after osphegectomy

[Hope1972]

Hi my dad although still very tired is now 4 weeks post op. He is keen to drive what are the rules surrounding this ?

[ccfc]

Hi I am coming up five years post op and I was told not to drive for six weeks. Having said that everyone's recovery is different so maybe he should seek some advice from his medical team. Best wishes, James.

[brucemillar]

There are no specific rules to cover this other than what is already in day to use today.

He needs to be "responsible" and expect to be found "responsible" for his own actions. That is to say. If he has an accident or causes somebody else to have an accident by driving while "unfit" to do so. He will end up in court. Likewise with "Drink or Drug" driving!! He will have no get out of jail card if, he is stopped and found to be unfit through drugs (what medication is he on?). Also if he drives knowing that he has a condition, that "may" cause him to black out at the wheel, he would be in trouble if he had an accident. The Harry Clarke (Glasgow Bin Lorry Driver) is at the "extreme end of the scale" but it highlights what can go wrong when somebody decides not to own up their medical history.

On a lighter but honest note. If he feels fine and feels he can drive unaided, then it may be prudent for him to go out with somebody besides him to check that he is okay to do so.

He has had massive surgery and is still in the very early stages of recuperation. I waited till I was about three months post op before driving again, as I knew I had passed out at home withjout warning and also had a couple of wobbles at home or out walking.

If he asks his GP? They may well notify the DVLA who may revoke his license until he can prove he is fit and well and not likely to pose a danger to others and himself. GP's are under strict instructions here to notify the DVLA if they have any concerns.

Good luck.

[Amycaz]

Has your Dad had his post op meeting with his surgeon yet?

My Dad had his approx 4 weeks post op, and when he was examined, the surgeon said to give it 2 more weeks which he did, and by this time all was healing nicely.

May be best to wait until he has seen the surgeon just in case anything on the inside is not quite ready xx

[Hope1972 in reply to Amycaz]

Thanks everyone

Dad has not seen his surgeon yet. We are still waiting for his appoitnment. He is just really tired due to not sleeping but is only on paracetomol and codiene on a night time.

They changed his feed back over to the full fat yesterday as the leak is healing nice but my mam said he is being sick with it.

I think my dad should wait a few more weeks before he can drive. Think his sleeping is a massive problem and now the sickness. Ehhh what a long haul.

On a plus note my dad has only lost 6 pound so that awful jeg is doing its job i suppose. He is eating ok now...still very small portions, but is allowed chocolate and all the fats ect.

[AndrewB]

I was told three months. You should check with your car insurance as if he had an accident he may not be covered.

[Aussiepete]

I was told not to drive for 8 weeks. I ended up visiting my GP to make sure. From memory he gave him a letter.

[kierank]

Be responsible but also use common sense I was driving after 4 weeks But only for short distance and I live in a quiet rural area. I think nobody knows like yourself. Best of luck

[haward]

My surgeon told me not to drive until I could do an emergency stop. I was able to do that after around four weeks. But, as Bruce says, if you are having hypos you need to think about that aspect.