Whether you’re commuting to the office or dropping the kids off at school, driving is a necessary part of life. But when you undergo a surgical procedure, it might be difficult to get behind the wheel. Patients planning on getting surgery should take time to arrange transportation services for assistance after the procedure. Here are a few reasons why you won’t want to rush to get back on the road.

3 Reasons You Shouldn’t Drive After Surgery

1. Effects of Anesthesia & Prescription Drugs 

During surgery, general anesthesia is often used to inhibit pain and provide sedation. But once the procedure is over, the effects of this medication can linger. Since anesthesia impairs consciousness, driving home from the hospital after surgery isn’t safe for you or others on the road.

Similarly, your doctor may prescribe medications to keep discomfort at bay. While prescription drugs are effective at relieving pain, they can also dull senses that are required for driving, like vision and reaction time.

To reduce the risk of an accident, never drive while having had anesthesia or using prescription pain relievers. Instead, rely on transportation services to get you where you need to go.

2. Limited Mobility

While you can focus on the task of driving, your recovering body might not be up to the challenge. You may be instructed to wear a cast or other protective items that restrict your movement. Healing surgical sites can also make it challenging to use your limbs, twist your body, or react to stimuli on the road. If you can’t move your body freely or have to rely on the use of assistive devices, like walkers or canes, hire a transportation service that’s equipped to help disabled patrons until your rehabilitation is complete.

3. Increased Fatigue

After surgery, your body will be working harder to help you recover. As a result, you’ll likely feel more tired than usual, and expending energy on activities, like driving, can make it challenging for your body to heal and slow your recovery. Take it slow and allow your body the time and rest it needs to get back to 100%.

If you’re about to have a surgical procedure or currently recovering from one, contact the skilled team at RERK Transport in Waipahu, Hi. These professional drivers will assist you at every stage of recovery, including hospital transport and doctor visits. Prioritizing customer safety, this family-owned company operates handicap-accessible vans to transport patrons to any location, including the post office, grocery store, or shopping malls. Learn more about their stress-free transportation services online, or call (808) 671-7242 to make a reservation.