Driving a Car with an LVAD

I'm 7 weeks in, too. Had my HeartMate II implanted on May 23. My surgeon has never mentioned driving at all. The nurses on the VAD Clinic team advised upon my discharge that I be either a backseat passenger or otherwise ride where there was no airbag. Our car has a passenger side airbag but it can be turned off, so I do ride in the front.

I imagine we drive at our own risk... if an airbag can pose a danger to us, then a steering wheel to the sternum certainly would. I plan to ask at my next clinic visit next week!

I started driving about 2 months after implantation. I'm not concerned about airbags , as any serious accident , no matter where you're sitting , could impact your health. In my province , we receive I.D. cards to wear around your neck (like a concert pass) , which identifies you as a special patient , and alerts first responders that you may present without a pluse or blood pressure , and how to handle patient , as well as which hospital to take you.

As I recall, I was able to drive six weeks after surgery. They want to ensure enough time as passed for the sternum to have healed properly. Yes, it is the airbag they fear - that it will re-open the sternum. But, I think that every hospital and surgeon could be different regarding their guidelines.

essentually, you can drive once your sternum has completly healed which is the Surgeon's call . You have to remember to ask the nurse practitioner on your clinic visit's and ask her/him to ask the surgeon if he/she think's you've healed up enough to drive. I find it helpfull to write all the question's down that I have for the surgeon and pass them on to the nurses. Remember, the more direct route of communication with your surgeon is through the nurses/nurse practitioner's

I was told specifically not to drive with with the LVAD.

I had my LVAD implanted on 6/12/2013. I waited about 7 weeks before driving when I was past sternum precautions. There is always a danger of accidents and air bag deployment. The alternative could be a lot less wanted. I was also told to start off slow, just around the neighborhood and have someone with you for your first long drive (30 minutes). Good luck

Your government is very lenient. The British "Driver Licensing Vehicle Authority" suspend your driving license and you don't get it back until the LVAD is explanted

I had my LVAD in June of 2011. After a couple months I was driving short distances. I do not over do it. Yes, you do drive at your own risk. Most LVAD friends I know do drive, albeit with varying degrees of frequency.

I received my OK to drive after my 3 month visit. I have not been brave enough to venture behind the wheel not even for a short distance. I do ride in the front seat but with the passenger seat back as far as it will go and the back of the seat tilted back a little.

Carol70

MY HUSBAND STARTED DRIVING IN ABOUT 8 WEEKS, WHEN WE WENT PLACES HE ALWAYS SAT ON THE PASSAGER SIDE, WE FIGURED THAT IF WE WERE IN AN ACCIDENT IT WOULD'NT MAKE A DIFFERENCE WHERE YOU SIT.