Of course, it is said that "You shouldnt drive" after anesthetic, but my question is not whether you should or shouldn't. Can someone drive after they are given a small dose of general anesthetic for a 15 minute operation, and after he/she recovers from it and discharged from the hospital the same day? How hard would it be? Is there anyone out there who tried driving?
2006-12-04 22:40:51 · 12 answers · asked by mkoprulu 1 in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Other - General Health Care
I forgot to add, i had general anesthesia before and i recall waking up quite a mild process. I have no recollection of loss of balance, not being able to walk straight, and even when i was driven home, i was aware of the traffic and any hazards around. So if we put aside the legal risks and instead of focusing on "shouldn't", just consider "can or can't".
My question is physically, is it possible for a person to drive? I mean i've been drunk very badly in the past, and on those occasions it was impossible for me to drive, because i don't even remember walking home. But this is different, you have full consciousness.
So what's the negative effect of it apart from slowing the reflexes?
Also the hospital waits for hours before they release you anyway, to make sure you're fully recovered...
2006-12-04 23:18:19 · update #1
They tell you not to drive for a reason! If you drive within 24 hours of general anesthesia, you are considered "impaired." You may feel alert, but trust me, you're not. You just had a major drug that put you into a 'coma-like' state and altered your level of consciousness. You don't get just a "small dose" of general anesthesia, it still makes you unconscious no matter which drug used or how much. Also, if you are talking about a type of drug called "conscious sedation", then that too has the same restrictions as any other anesthesia. I sure wouldn't want to be on the road you are on under those circumstances!
2006-12-04 22:50:55 · answer #1 · answered by RBRN 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Driving After General Anaesthetic
2016-11-07 02:56:31 · answer #2 · answered by gia 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The risks really arent worth it. I dont have any medical background besides the best that I know that most policies with most doctor offices and hospitals is that you have to have a licensed driver with you in order to take the test. So you might as well let them drive u if they have to be there anyways.
Otherwise, 15 minutes of local and I'm sure you can still be groggy. And if you get pulled over I am guessing there is enough in your system to stop you for OUI.
2006-12-04 22:44:04 · answer #3 · answered by ☺ PeeJ ☺ 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I tried driving once under a general anesthetic and it was definitely an experience. I actually don't recall how I got home, I found a dent in my car, but otherwise I was OK. So to answer your question, yes you can drive under anesthetic, but take it from someone who's done it.. don't!
2006-12-04 22:45:34 · answer #4 · answered by Roovs 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It is possible, but not recommended. A responsible MD will not allow it because of the potential liability. A Dr. recommendation/approval becomes a big deal in a traffic court situation.
2006-12-05 01:07:55 · answer #5 · answered by Paul K 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The problem with being drunk, high or just have had an anesthetic is that you are no judge of whether you are capable of driving or not.
2006-12-05 00:08:57 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends. Do you want effective anesthesia? - anesthesia capable of taking control of your brain and nervous system so that you do not feel pain. If that is the case, it will take hours for the effects of the anesthesia to leave your nervous system. You shouldn't drive when your nervous system is not fully working.
2006-12-04 22:54:47 · answer #7 · answered by Terry F 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you've never had one, then I'm not surprised you're asking this question. When you come round, you will be able to answer this yourself.
Not only is it dangerous to other road users and pedestrians......you just won't feel like driving. You will feel sick and sleepy and if your surgery requires stitches there would be a danger of damaging them. Take a cab.
2006-12-04 22:52:04 · answer #8 · answered by lou b 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Basically, I tried it. The hospital would not allow it. They assisted me to the front door and physically put me into the car that I would be going home in. Sorry.
2006-12-04 22:47:49 · answer #9 · answered by old_woman_84 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yep, you could be out for a couple of hours even after the operation.
2006-12-04 22:42:53 · answer #10 · answered by Dr Dee 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋