Posted by Roby on 10 Jun 2012, 11:10AM
Hi Ladies
Just a few questions I was hoping you may be able to help me with. I will be having a mastectomy on Wednesday and was just wanting to know how soon you may be able to do things such things as drive car. I know we are all different and all recover differently but I just thought I may get some sort of idea. Hate losing my independence.
Robyn
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hope this helps
HI I had bilateral mastectomies with tissue expanders on the 23rd of May, I really could of driven within a week if i had too, I asked lots of people and there apprently are no actual rules with regards to time lines, it is how you feel and that you are not restricted in you reaction times at all, like you say everyone is different but I had been told stories of not being able to drive for 4-6 weeks and stuff only to find out that is not the case.
Cheers Narelle
Check with your surgeon as to their preferred guidelines I had a mastectomy with immediate implant recon & my surgeon said not until I saw him post surgery (in his office) in the end I was in hospital for 10 days & didn;t see him till 4 weeks after surgery, but I managed to hang on. Better to be safe than sorry.
Carmel
I had a mastectomy and sentinel node biopsy on April 30 this year and drove a week later. I was never told not to drive but didn't have need to before the week was up. It pulled a little turning corners but not much. I think the more nodes you have out the more likely driving will be restricted.Check with your surgeon or breast care nurse,
Good luck with the op. and the recovery.
Sheila xo
I drove after about a week or ten days. Just slowly cruising around
.I was a bit vague from the anaestetic for a week. Maybe check with your insurance company too, I dont know if they have post op clauses.
Good luck anyway,
Ann
Hi Robyn I had bilateral mastectomies, sentinel node biopsies with 2 removed each side and expanders on 30 May. I spent 10 days in hospital, last drain removed 13 days post surgery. Was told by my surgeon I could drive when I saw him on day 14. Still tender and does pull a bit when turning corners or managing roundabouts but worth it for your independence. I too hate relying on others and love my independence including my car :). My surgeon also said I shouldn't lift any more than 5kgs but could start light exercise, walking etc but no sit ups or anything that could stretch the chest area. My surgeon is quite particular and padantic so I trust his opinion and believe it to be conservative.
Good luck, hope you are doing fine now and I bet you are just relieved like I was once the surgery was over. Rest up and get well soon.
Lara x