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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

Driving myself home after surgical abortion?

92 replies

123Tung · 13/05/2019 11:35

Im having a surgical abortion on Wednesday. have anyone experience driving themselves home after a surgical abortion?

OP posts:
Sidge · 13/05/2019 11:36

You can’t drive yourself home after a general anaesthetic. And shouldn’t drive for 48 hours actually.

SnowyAlpsandPeaks · 13/05/2019 11:37

Had one was driven home. In no state to drive due to anaesthetic and pain- they also wouldn’t allow it unless someone could take you home.

Original poster
123Tung · 13/05/2019 11:38

i understand im not meant to drive myself home. but i'm here by myself and taxi are too expensive.

OP posts:
Langrish · 13/05/2019 11:39

They will insist someone collects you (can be a taxi).

Reaah · 13/05/2019 11:40

I don't think you are allowed to be by yourself either. They check who will be with you for the next 24 hours.

PlatypusLeague · 13/05/2019 11:40

Don't drive home. Can a friend give you a lift? Is public transport available?

BrainScience · 13/05/2019 11:41

I did it a few years ago Blush. You are supposed to be met by someone. I pretended to be on the phone to my friend and said she was just around the corner and walked out. I then had a couple of cups of coffee and waited around for a couple of hours. I really shouldn’t have done it but I simply wouldn’t have been able to have the procedure otherwise which would have been horrendous.

It’s not a full on general I don’t think, they referred to it as a twilight anaesthetic. I’m pretty sure I feel properly asleep for it though.

Prequelle · 13/05/2019 11:42

Are they doing it under GA?

You cant. You just cant. It's one of the questions we ask here before your OP, and on discharge we can ring the police if we knew you were going to drive soon after a GA. Don't endanger others and yourself. Your insurance would be void too.

Speak to the hospital if you're really struggling - they might be able to help, unlikely but worth trying. How much is too expensive? Could you borrow money?

Unicornshopkeeper · 13/05/2019 11:42

What a rubbish situation to be in OP, I'm sorry. I think you need to be honest with the hospital in advance and see if they have any non urgent transport available

BrainScience · 13/05/2019 11:44

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Prequelle · 13/05/2019 11:45

brain you are a lovely person.

Huggybear16 · 13/05/2019 11:45

What about other road users and pedestrians, OP? It's not just you who could get hurt by driving after surgery.

BrainScience · 13/05/2019 11:46

Crap, meant to send that as a pm. I’ve reported my post.

OhMyGodTheyKilledKenny · 13/05/2019 11:46

Have you got a friend who could pick you up? If they don't drive they could accompany you on public transport.

I once had to do similar to help a friend out years ago. It was before I owned a car so I met her at the hospital and took her home on public transport.

Huggybear16 · 13/05/2019 11:47

Also, another offer for a lift (NE Scotland)

Weenurse · 13/05/2019 11:48

If you killed someone on your way home it is jail for you, is it worth it?

Lemonsquinky · 13/05/2019 11:48

I think if you drive when the hospital tell you not to you won't be covered by your car insurance if you're in an accident. Also in the drugged up drowsy state you're in you could cause a serious accident. You need to be sensible about this. The hospital tell you this for good reasons.

ScatteredMama82 · 13/05/2019 11:49

Whereabouts are you @123Tung?

mindutopia · 13/05/2019 11:52

No, I wouldn’t. I had a d & c as management for a miscarriage (some procedure, different situation) and I would not have been able to drive myself home after. Can you speak to your healthcare provider about it? They may be able to help you arrange something.

MaiaRindell · 13/05/2019 11:55

You will be really sore. I was also emotional and was grateful for company.

Jemima232 · 13/05/2019 11:58

It has nothing to do with emotions or pain!

It's dangerous and illegal to drive after having had a GA.

planesick · 13/05/2019 12:01

I will come and get you (Derbyshire)

Divgirl2 · 13/05/2019 12:03

If you are caught you'll lose your licence. That along with the risk of killing someone means it is just not worth it.
How much would a taxi be?

elliejjtiny · 13/05/2019 12:06

It's really not a good idea. I had that procedure and felt quite dizzy and tired for a few days afterwards.

cuppycakey · 13/05/2019 12:11

Another one saying you cannot do this OP. Your insurance will be invalidated.

If you have nobody who can help and cannot afford a taxi you have to tell them and they may be able to arrange patient transport.