Driving After Bilateral Mastectomy

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hodgepodge
hodgepodge Member Posts: 92
edited April 2019 in Surgery - Before, During, and After

I am sure there is a huge range, but I'm looking for thoughts on how long after a DMX you were ready to drive? I have surgery scheduled for 4/23 and am getting a plan together for transportation for the kids. Thanks!

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  • Castigame
    Castigame Member Posts: 752
    edited April 2019

    On average, I say four weeks. First two weeks is for drains. I drove after three weeks. Main issue is changing gear is a big issue especially when you lose good amount of muscles. Please do exercises you will be given as much as possible. I was 47 when I had DMX w no recon. Nodes were taken from both sides. Prayers for speedy healing.

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  • Rah2464
    Rah2464 Member Posts: 1,647
    edited April 2019

    I think I drove at around four weeks as well. My drains came out at 10 days and 17 days respectively. You want to make sure you have enough range of motion so do your doctor directed exercises once they clear you to do so. I was only driving myself, however, and I started with shorter distances because I live on a very curvy road so I had to be very careful starting out. Much easier if the area you have to drive (say back and forth to school) is mainly straight roads. I would factor that into the equation. Also be very careful with opening and closing car doors! That counts towards that "weight limit" they give you initially. Best of luck on your surgery.

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  • SimoneRC
    SimoneRC Member Posts: 419
    edited April 2019

    I drove at 3 weeks, once my final drain was removed. You must be off narcotic pain meds, I was only on them for a few days. My expanders were prepectoral so I was allowed to use my arms and had pretty good range of motion by then. I did local driving and felt fine to do so at three weeks.

    Good luck! I hope all goes well for you!

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  • hodgepodge
    hodgepodge Member Posts: 92
    edited April 2019

    Thanks for the replies!

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  • JaBoo
    JaBoo Member Posts: 520
    edited April 2019

    I had BMX with under-pec TE placed. I drove exactly 2 weeks post operation to an appointment (10 minutes drive). It was manageable, but not comfortable, changing gears was almost painfull. I avoided driving then and did only when necessary. 5 weeks post op I was able to drive quite easily, but had to always go in our small car because the steering wheel doesn't need too much force.

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  • Peacetoallcuzweneedit
    Peacetoallcuzweneedit Member Posts: 233
    edited April 2019

    I drove two weeks after surgery....it was on my instructions and my docs said follow it to a T. Had drains pulled at 7 days....and then drove one week later.Sending healing thoughts your way....

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  • Rrobin0200
    Rrobin0200 Member Posts: 433
    edited April 2019

    I drove two weeks after my BMX. I had just gotten my drains out the day prior. Thus, the decision to drive wasn't the smartest. I was in a great amount of pain.

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  • beach2beach
    beach2beach Member Posts: 996
    edited April 2019

    I know mine was not the smartest choice but I drove myself to my appt. with the plastic surgeon to get the drains out..that was 6 days after surgery. I had no pain though so I figured I was ok. I put a small pillow under the seatbelt across my chest. The concern he told me is that if you get hit and your chest hits the steering wheel etc. Typically he said they ask you to wait a full week or two

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  • farmerlucy
    farmerlucy Member Posts: 3,985
    edited April 2019

    I could drive as soon as I was off narcotics

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  • hodgepodge
    hodgepodge Member Posts: 92
    edited April 2019

    Thanks for the responses. I hope I'm in the sooner rather than later group! :)

    Feeling so overwhelmed with all the planning and waiting. Surgery one week from today!!!

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