How long should I refrain from driving a car myself after anesthesia?
September 2, 2022 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Babette Köhler
Dear doctor,
My name is Clara Kroll and I recently had surgery under general anesthesia. I am now wondering when it is safe for me to drive again. I am a working professional and rely on my car to get to work.
After the surgery, I initially felt a bit groggy and weak, but I am feeling much better now. However, I am unsure if it is safe to drive again. I do not want to take any risks, neither for myself nor for other road users.
Could you please let me know how long I should wait after anesthesia before driving again? Are there any specific recommendations or guidelines I should follow? I want to make sure that I am completely fit and alert enough to participate in traffic again.
Thank you in advance for your response and support.
Best regards,
Clara Kroll
Dear Mrs. Kroll,
Thank you for your question regarding driving after surgery under general anesthesia. It is understandable that you are concerned about when it is safe to drive again, especially if you are working and rely on your car.
After surgery under general anesthesia, it is important to take enough time to recover before participating in traffic again. The time you should wait depends on various factors, such as the type of surgery, your health condition, your age, and your overall fitness level.
It is generally recommended to wait at least 24 hours after general anesthesia before driving again. This gives your body enough time to completely metabolize the anesthesia and recover. It is important to rest during this time and not overexert yourself to avoid delaying your recovery.
It is also advisable to talk to your treating physician before resuming driving. Your doctor can assess your individual situation best and give you specific recommendations on when it is safe to drive again. He can also consider possible risks or restrictions.
If you are unsure whether you are safe enough to drive, you can start with short distances in a quiet environment to test your reaction time. Pay attention to how you feel and whether you can fully concentrate.
It is important to always consider your own safety and the safety of other road users. If you feel unsure or have concerns, it is better to wait a little longer before driving again.
I hope this information helps and reassures you. If you have any further questions or need additional support, I am happy to assist.
Best regards,
Babette Köhler
