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General health

Advice please - can you drive after a procedure under local anaesthetic

8 replies

AnonymousBird · 10/04/2013 18:50

I posted in Chat, but realised that this might be better here!

MIL needs to go in to have a biopsy on Friday, under local. Her DH is burying his mother 100 miles away at the same time so he cannot accompany her. I offered to take her/pick her up. She has today said she is very grateful for the offer, but she will drive herself there and back.

I've said again that I'm available and (genuinely am) very happy to drive her there and back. She I think is worrying that I have the kids in tow this week and we would have to wait around etc etc.... I've made it very clear that we will go out somewhere local to the hospital and amuse ourselves for one, two or three hours quite happily, but she is adamant she will drive herself.

I'm worried firstly about the "moral support" angle, but secondly and from a pure safely point of view, will she be fit and able to drive after this type of procedure under a local anaesthetic??

TIA.

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cravingcake · 10/04/2013 19:15

Depends on what surgery she is having. I recently had a local anaesthetic for 'down there' surgery and there's no way I could have driven after. Also, the nurse advised that you should wait 24 hours before driving but to trust your body in how much or little to do.

I personally would just insist and say its all organised, and you are picking her up at x time and will drive her home. Also, she may be feeling a bit 'woosy' after the whole procedure, so driving from a safety point of view wouldn't be advised. You could always call or check the NHS website for their guidelines to back you up.

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TattyCatty · 10/04/2013 19:25

I've driven after local anaesthetics a number of times - no feeling woosy, because they only numb the area that they need to work on. As it's for a biopsy, I imagine that they will only use it in a small area, so it will wear off fairly quickly. Worth taking painkillers beforehand though as it can be sore for a few hours afterwards.

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AnonymousBird · 10/04/2013 19:28

I have also realised that I am in our "old banger" car because DH's driving his dad to the funeral in our half decent car so it won't be a very comfy ride for her. Noisy, slow and bouncy journey!!!!

Thanks for the answers.

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MrsMorton · 10/04/2013 20:17

There's no pharmacological reason why nt but some people might feel shite after the op because any sort of procedure can send your adrenaline levels through the roof, then they crash down and you can feel rough. Also if it's going to be sore (I had one on my toe, saying it hurt like hell doesn't get near). I tried to drive but couldn't because I couldn't use the clutch etc etc.

Hope it all goes ok!

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digerd · 10/04/2013 20:46

Her hospital dr will have given her instructions on whether she can drive afterwards or not.
Locals don't usually affect driving ability. But could do depending on where it is and the severity of the biopsy.
Some people go into shock, like my DD and semi fainted. They gave her a cup of tea afterwards.
She was OK driving home, but felt awful the next day.

How old is MIL? And what is she having biopsied?

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gordonpym · 10/04/2013 20:57

I did. I had a mole removed on my back under LA and then drove 30 miles home. But then a mole is not as deep as a biopsy.

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AnonymousBird · 11/04/2013 09:19

Thanks all. I am sure she will be ok - and also she is highly "sensible" IYSWIM, if she isn't ready, or doesn't feel right then she will either call for help or wait a bit longer.

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Lonecatwithkitten · 11/04/2013 14:11

It really depends on site of procedure. I had carpal tunnel surgery under local and there was no way I could have driven. However, I had core breast biopsies done under local and drove immediately and went back to work for the afternoon.

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