Hi all,

I was wandering what is a safe time to leave it before I begin to drive again following pacemaker insertion?
Karen

 

 

I was told not to drive until my first post implant appointment which was a few days after I was discharged.

 

When my PM was implanted (24th June 10), I was told that DVLA legal requirement is not to drive for one week post-op, but my cardiologist instructed no driving for 4-6 weeks in case of pulling leads out if suddenly yanking steering wheel to avoid an accident. Also, I was told to inform DVLA I had a PM.
Andrew

 

io ho guidato senza problemi appena dimesso dall'ospedale il giorno dopo l'intervento......auguri....

 

Hi Karen
I was told that because of Quebec's traffic code, I should not drive for a period of two weeks even though I felt fine within a few days.
Regards

 

Federico, lo prendo io che il medico non ti fornisce alcuna indicazione specifica. Inoltre vi è alcuna ristrictipm legale come qui nel Regno Unito? Ho dovuto aspettare una settimana e consigliare i nostri licenza agenzia conducente del veicolo, anche se avrei potuto avere phyically ok guidato il giorno dopo.

Karen, federico was driving the day he was discharged from hospital. Whilst this is easily possible it's probably best to give it at least a week in the absence of any advice from your doctor. Subject to any legal requirements. If I were you I'd give the hoaital a call and get there advice as they know your circumstances.

 

I was told to wait 24 hours, but ALWAY'S go by your Dr.'s advice.
Liz

 

My doctor said no driving for 3 weeks. I am very fortunate to have a coworker that lives in my neighborhood and gives me rides to/from work (40 miles round trip).

 

my dr. did not say anything and so my dear people i drove the next day. i then spent 3 months sleeping to get strong again. but i live in a town of 11,000 so traffic not badjessie

 

I zoned out during some of the endless instructions from a nurse with a monotone delivery (LOL) I didn't realize that I shouldn't have been driving until AFTER I went to the follow-up visit (drove 50 miles RT) and they said I could drive the following week. Prior to the first follow-up, the settings may need to be changed and also, even wtih power steering, I did notice that at certain times, it was putting a sort of straining/pressure on my chest with certain functions. Also, get something to "pad" around the seat belt as it rubs and irritates the site (very uncomfortable) for weeks and weeks afterwards.

 

I drove myself home from the hospital.

 

Unless instructed otherwise in the UK you can drive after 1 week if you feel fit/able to do so. This may depend on your own condition and other factors so is really a guide rule minimum.

You will need to inform the DVLA using form H1 available on their website and they will make a decision usually within 90 days using the info on the form if possible. You do consent to them contacting your doctors if they need to.

You will also need to tell your insurers. If they bump your premiums move. My insurer appreciated the call but said as long as the medics and DVLA are OK they don't need to know.