Driving After Bladder Surgery

There are several types of bladder surgeries, including bladder suspension surgery (for a sagging bladder) and incontinence surgery (for a leaky bladder). Doctors typically try to avoid performing bladder surgery and will first try medications, Kegel exercises and other remedies before attempting the surgery. However, patients who do have the surgery may have various questions about recovery, including driving afterward.

Recovery Times

• Recovery times will vary from patient to patient, depending on the type of bladder surgery the individual has had. Some types of bladder surgery (open retropubic suspension surgery) require a hospital stay. Recovery time, including feelings of discomfort, may last up to six weeks after the surgery. Other procedures are outpatient procedures and are done outside of the hospital. Vaginal and laparoscopic procedures are completed with a shorter recovery time, whereas procedures done through the abdomen will be a longer recovery. How soon the patient can drive is dependent on the recovery time and type of surgery.

After the Surgery

• Each patient is given specific instructions, depending on which type of bladder surgery they had and how well the surgery went. They are usually asked to make a follow-up appointment within two weeks of being discharged. Most patients will be instructed to avoid driving, taking bubble baths, swimming, douching and having sexual intercourse until their follow-up appointment. Some patients leave the hospital with a urinary catheter in place. Patients who leave with these urinary catheters are taught how to deal with the catheter and should have a clear understanding of what to do. Activity levels are usually increased gradually and in time after the surgery. Patients are typically advised to get plenty of rest and to take it easy for the first few weeks and should not do any heavy lifting.

Tips on Driving After Surgery

• According to an article published by the Ulster Medical Society, there should be national guidelines advising patients on driving after surgery. Most regulation and guidelines state that it is up to the driver and the doctor to decide when a patient is ready to drive again after surgery, however, many feel that national guidelines should be in place.

  General guidelines will tell the patient to resume normal activities, such as showering, driving and going to work, as soon as they feel they can. Loose-fitting clothing should be made available, especially when planning on driving or riding in the car. Patients are advised to walk around throughout the day to speed up recovery time.

  At first, patients are advised not to sit for more than 45 minutes, especially in an automobile. Patients who are prescribed pain medication are advised to avoid driving until they have completed their prescription. The same recommendation goes for patients who have catheters in place. These patients should not drive until the catheter has been removed.

  All normal activities, including driving, can be resumed within two weeks, with the exception of resistance and weight training.

Pain and Driving

• Bladder surgery is usually described as having a somewhat painful recovery time. Even though the patient is usually allowed to drive within two weeks of having the surgery, he or she may experience a great deal of pain doing so. Depending on what type of vehicle the patient has, getting in and out may be difficult and a stepstool may be used to make the process easier, particularly for patients who drive SUVs, pickup trucks and bigger vehicles. Patients should avoid getting in and out of low vehicles and, if money permits it, may consider renting a vehicle that is easy to get in and out of if driving cannot be avoided.

  There are many everyday actions that may be painful for the patient after surgery. For instance, the amount of pressure that is needed for the foot to be pressed down on the floor pedals may cause some discomfort and pain. In fact, it may be rather difficult to apply any pressure at all. Wearing thick-soled shoes may help with this.