Driving restrictions

Seriously, how many of ya'll abided by the doctor's advice of not driving after lead placement?
With my first lead placement, I didn't drive for 2 weeks. It was the longest, most agonizing 2 weeks of my life.
Anyways, last time my step mom drove me around. Reminded me of when I was a little kid waiting for my driver's license. (It wasn't a pleasant memory) Well, this next time I can't lean on her because she's got cancer.
I'm thinking that I'm going to drive when I get an additional lead. I mean, really how big of a deal is it? My doc advised against driving last time because he said I might have to make a sudden movement while driving that would dislodge my lead. Isn't that the case with anything (walking, sleeping, etc)
Just seems like overkill to me. I won't have anyone to drive me around this time, so I thought I'd ask ya'lls opinion.
Just wondering.

11 Comments

Up to you

by abreaux - 2009-02-02 04:02:01

Hi Angelie,

I just had my first one implanted, after a scary car accident. I drove for a couple weeks after the accident, thinking that it was some neurological fluke, and then I passed out while sitting and talking on the phone. That was the last day I drove, and that was 3 weeks ago. I've been incredibly frustrated being dependent on my Dad to drive me around. I can't live in my own house and can't drive my brand new car. Plus my Dad has to drive my mom around - she's had 3 strokes and functions on a toddler level now. I feel like he has to deal with 2 gimpy women now, and he's not in the greatest shape himself.

I feel confident I could drive and baby my left arm for the next few weeks, but I'm waiting for the doctor to say it's OK. I would have burned to death in my car wreck if the guy driving behind me hadn't broken my window and gotten me out of the car. I figure I owe it to him and the rest of the folks on the road not to drive until I'm cleared, even if I think I'm fine now.

I know my situation is different since you didn't have a car wreck, but please know they're not just trying to make you feel dependent. There's good reasons to be careful driving if you don't have full range of motion and/or if your reflexes may be impaired. I'm just happy that for me, it's only temporary, and that I'm still around to drive again some day after all of this has happened.

I hope all goes well with the new lead placement - best wishes to you.

A-M

reasons to wait

by Tracey_E - 2009-02-02 04:02:17

It's perfectly safe to do everyday driving, if only we had a crystal ball to know no idiot would run a red light in front of us or cut us off in traffic. I'm no doctor but I really think the risk is to you only, not the other cars on the road. And you're right, the risk probably isn't much different than if you trip and catch yourself.

I got my first one years ago and things have changed since then, but I wasn't given any restrictions after the first 48 hrs- not raising my arm or driving or anything! They just said if it hurts, don't do it.

You've already got two, you getting a third? What did I miss??

Driving Restrictions

by Pookie - 2009-02-02 05:02:26

The only thought I have is: what if you did end up in a car accident (god forbid) and harm someone else and then it is found out that you had instructions from a doctor not to drive???????? What an awful situation that would be.

I am sure you can physically drive, but it's just my opinion to listen to the doctor's advice to be on the safe side. Before you know it, the restriction will be lifted and you can drive around for hours.

Pookie

Driving restrictions

by maryanne - 2009-02-02 07:02:25

When I had my lead replacement it was in conjunction with a PM replacement and hence I was bound by those limitations. With my current lead extraction I was not allowed to drive for 6 weeks...and believe me now being 8 weeks post op...I still find it uncomfortable to drive. Having had a sternotomy if I had been in accident I could have run the risk of cracking open my chest never mind what I could have done to someone else.

I look at the legal "e's"....if for any reason you were in an accident with a restriction on your drivers licence you could be held liable for the accident, and I am sure you really wouldn't want that.

I didn't like be escorted around either...but look at the bright side of it....take this as an opportunity to be able to enjoy seeing things that you take for granted and just never could really look at and appreciate because you were driving....like a nice area you drive by or an intriguing building....look at this as a time where you can just sit back a relax for a change.

Hang in there....and remember this to shall pass!!

Cheers, Mary Anne



magster

by Tracey_E - 2009-02-02 07:02:53

I will put one of us with new pm leads up against any teenager texting any time!!! ;oP One of my BIG pet peeves is to get chased to another lane because a car is weaving all over the place, pull up next to them and they're on the phone. Grrrrr. I wish more states would make it illegal.

Seriously, I've had 4 pm surgeries now and never once been told not to drive. Now, I sure didn't feel like driving the first week or two the first time, but no one told me I couldn't.

Think about this....

by pacergirl - 2009-02-02 09:02:00

I would/did follow the docs instructions. The risk is too great not too. You could have a problem and not only hurt yourself, but some poor teen texting!

Seriously now... if you do have an incident with your car while under dr. orders not to drive, then you could be fully responsible for all damages and injuries. Especially if the other person your injure if they find out about the Dr. orders. Just a matter of time.... Lawyers are pretty good about uncovering information and facts.

Just my thoughts....
Pacergirl

P.S. Why risk it????

1 week min in UK

by ixdes - 2009-02-03 03:02:52

In the UK, you are not allowed to drive for 1 week after having a pacemaker fitted by law, after that it is up to the doc. If you did drive and had an accident you wouldn't have a leg to stand on. Gues it would be the same for lead replacement?

Personally I didn't drive for the 2 weeks I was told to restrict my arm movement just to be safe. I figured if I was not supposed to put too much stress on my arm / shoulder then i should not be driving - that amd I am a whimp when it comes to pain!

Simon.

ummm

by walkerd - 2009-02-03 04:02:54

If the doctor tells you not to drive then dont drive there must be a reason. I wasnt able to drive for almost two months after my heart and pm surgeries, yeah it sucks and yes it seems like forever, but for ever reason doctors tell you not to drive whether its for your safety or someone elses safety why would you even consider it, well i cant say that i didnt consider it but why risk hurting yourself or others not to bright. But I guess opions are like butts everybody gots one. You will do what your consience will let you do I guess, but if you dont follow doctors instructions what gives anyone the right to complain about other situtations?
be gentle on me
dave

...

by Loopy Lou - 2009-02-03 05:02:07

I am also from UK but I was told 4 weeks!!! and I stuck to it!!!

Driving Restrictions

by donb - 2009-02-03 12:02:24

It was July 1992 with my first PM and can't remember about driving restriction, maybe there was, as all I remember my wife being very angry when she found out that I took my male friend (pilot) with me and went flying 7 days post PM. We climbed up to 8000 foot altitude to check my lightheadness and I felt great. Maybe the wife wasn't happy as she is a nurse working Cardiac.
Don

Don't ask, don't tell!

by ElectricFrank - 2009-02-03 12:02:28

I never ask and the cardiologist didn't mention it. I live in a small town with low traffic. I walked the first few days and figured if I could walk 3 miles/day I could drive.

It really depends on your situation. In my case with AV block and no history of passing out I wasn't concerned. If I had a batch of issues, was on multiple meds, and lived in the big city with heavy traffic I would like have given it a few weeks.

frank

You know you're wired when...

You have rhythm.

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