Recovery time & driving

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Aslett57
Aslett57 Member Posts: 5
Afternoon everyone, first time online just wondering how long before you can drive after having a mastectomy and reconstruction lh side and breast lift on the rh. Feeling pretty good not taking any heavy drugs, but have developed an infection. It's been 12 days since my operation.

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  • KatyJoy
    KatyJoy Member Posts: 181
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    Hi Aslett57, I Had double mastectomy with reconstruction, and was allowed to drive after 4 weeks. I had drain tubes in for the first 2 weeks. My plastic surgeon told me its different for everyone though and really depends on your arm movement and whether you can turn the steering wheel quickly in an emergency. Kate
  • Aslett57
    Aslett57 Member Posts: 5
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    Thank you Kate, I will have my drain removed this Friday, I will check before I do.
  • iserbrown
    iserbrown Member Posts: 5,552
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    It's about arm movement and the tightness of the seat belt across the chest!  I know I decided I would take myself out in the car to go and get the mail and a few bits and pieces and got home and thought well the mind was willing but the body wasn't!  It was only a total of about 8 ks but it was too much!  I was about two weeks to early! 
  • June1952
    June1952 Member Posts: 1,830
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    Hi @Aslett57
    My specialist said no driving for 6 weeks after a mastectomy.
    Part of this is the need to take care of the operation site but part is also the insurance rules.  If you were to be involved in an accident you are apparently not covered.  Perhaps contact your insurer just in case.
    Nice to be chauffeured for a while !
    Hugs  Summer  :-)
  • melclarity
    melclarity Member Posts: 3,502
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    @Aslett57 I agree with @Summerhill38 my Oncologist told me 6 weeks after I had a left breast Mastectomy and Diep Flap reconstruction, for reasons others have stated, movement, healing and the big one is insurance.Just something to be aware of, as its not so much how well you feel to drive but when they say you can. Hugs Melinda xo