Traveling after surgery

Eli, It's difficult to provide an answer to this question, especially without a few "general" details on what type of surgery was involved (without being too specific or personal). In the same situation, I would base my decision on the recommendations of my Physician and other specialists (I'm assuming a specialist was involved?) and also whether I "felt" I could handle the trip. I'd also consider the medical insurance aspect. As you'd be travelling with somewhat of a "pre-existing condition", would the insurance still provide coverage if a complication arose during the trip and a visit to a foreign Hospital was necessary? Depending on the circumstances, would a means of evacuation (ie: MedJet Assist) be necessary? Good luck with your decision!

Ken, I had a hysterectomy. Have not been cleared for the gym yet, but can walk as tolerated. Would be away 19 days. The easiest part of the trip would be in Brittany because we'd have a car and my sister would be taking care of Christmas.

If you can sit for 10 hours, try to get a non-stop flight to Europe. Even if you think you can handle walking thru the airport upon arrival, ask for a wheelchair to meet you at the plane. It can help a lot to have that help. As I understand it, you request the wheelchair while you are on the flight, but there may be a way to order one in advance. I've seen people moving thru airports on the motorized vehicles, too. I've seen your name a lot, so I assume you are a seasoned traveler. You might try to get an aisle seat on the plane if you think you will be getting up a few times. Work now at strengthening your arms and legs. The stronger you are, the less stress on the rest of your body. Considering the other somewhat "handicapped" people I've seen on planes, I don't think your situation stands out as too unusual. Since you are traveling with another person, let them do more than half the work with luggage, etc. You can return the favors later.

I went to a conference in Prague six weeks after the same surgery and I was fine. If you are otherwise in good health you should be OK but of course, consult your doctor for the best advice.

With all respect, why would you ask a question about a personal health issue on a public travel forum? This is between you, your doctor, and your physical therapist. Only you and they know if you are in condition to deal with the stresses of travel, such as a long plane ride. And your PT may be able to suggest exercises to help with healing without unduly stressing the abdominal area. But if you are truly interested in hearing others' experiences, there is a web support group where you can ask your question more appropriately: http://www.hystersisters.com/

Eli, Well, that's somewhat "specific and personal", but as long as you don't mind sharing the details, my original suggestions are the same. If your Physician and specialist (I'm assuming an Ob/Gyn was involved?) feel that you're capable of the trip, that's one factor. The other factor is how you think you might feel at the time of departure. To reiterate my original caveat, be sure to have a "plan" on what action you'll take if you do require medical assistance during the trip. Be sure that the firm providing your medical insurance will provide coverage under these "new" circumstances. You might find it helpful to have a look at This Organization, which provides a list of English-speaking Doctors in many cities in Europe. Be sure to allow for frequent "rest breaks" in your daily touring activities, and don't try to see too much. As someone else mentioned, a Travel Message Board is perhaps not the best place to obtain medical advice, but I suspect your intent was to find out how others may have dealt with a similar situation. If that's the case, then it's certainly reasonable to "reach out" for suggestions (at least IMHO). Good luck!

One thing to keep in mind is insurance to cover possible repatriation (shipping you home) should you need it. You may have to get it several weeks before your trip to cover existing conditions. Also, be aware of potential problems arising from sitting still too long (blood clots).

Won't you have problems lifting things for a while ( regarless type hysterectomy). Also, say you get infection, etc you'll be away from usa. Seems very soon after to fly such a long way. You'll be worn out. Definitely take medical advice
S

I think most of the advice for people with limited mobility would apply in your case, Eli. I traveled last year while still recovering from foot surgery; I rested more and moved more slowly than I normally would. Most of us past our teens are tuned into our own physical needs and limitations and can adjust accordingly. You may need to remind your travel companion that you aren't at 100%; let them know how they can help.

I agree with Susan. I understand your op was a month ago, and its not clear when your trip is expected to be. I remember when my wife had a similar op, it was 30 days to the day before our wedding. She made it and we had a great wedding, but she did still get tired. We traveled Texas for our honeymoon and she was still tired. We had done walking with her as soon as she was able, lots, and plenty of specialist exercises but she was still tired. That was some time ago and people probably heal faster and recover better now.

Eli- if you can, I'd upgrade to business class so you can rest better if that isn't possible, try for "Coach Plus" or at least for a bulkhead seat to get more leg room. Be sure to do the leg/foot exercises that help prevent deep vein thrombosis while flying and get up and walk a bit every hour or two at a minimum. Drink pleanty of water. Talk with your doctor about whether you need precautionary antibiotics and pain meds and maybe something to help you sleep. You may find the air pressure change causes come discomfort near the incision or in your abdomen. Definitly ask for special transport (wheelchair) to and from the plane- all the way from the door of your home airport to your ground transport in Paris (for one thing, it may get you and your family through security faster- which is a plus if you have trouble tolerating standing for longer periods). It will also help you conserve your strength. Stay hydrated, too. Dehydration can contribute to lots of problems. Take info abou the surgery, why you had the surgery, lists of all your meds with both trade and generic or chemical names, the dosages, when you take them, your doctors' and pharmacy phone numbers and copies of the prescriptions or the info sheet the pharmcy gives you with your prescription (it has the name(s) of the medication, side effects, etc.) Most importantly TALK HONESTLY WITH YOUR DOCTOR AND LISTEN TO AND FOLLOW HIS ADVICE.

Eli,, I had that surgery too,, and only you and your doctor can judge this situation. |I personally recovered fairly well, and walked a little bit every day,, by 4 weeks I could walk my usual 5 km,, but it did take those 4 weeks to build up to that. I went on the website suggested by another poster and found it depressing, mostly people with complications seemed to post and some of their stories were really dramatic,, not feeling recovered YEARS after the surgery,, which frankly I had to wonder about.
I then started talking to my friends and found most of us will and do have great full recoveries. Talk to your doctor , if he clears it and you feel ok, go for it. Wear super comfy clothes( no tight waist bands) take a cushion , and pain meds your doctor oks. Definately get hotel with elevator!!

Eli, so much good advice here, there's not much left for me to say. I was going to say have a conversation with your doctor about this, but it's already been said. Great points above by Toni. I would add to that, have your doctor write a letter detailing your surgery (in case of emergency overseas you can show them the letter) and stating that you have internal stitches that will be tender if you are subjected to a pat down by airport security. (You will be naturally protective of your abdomen which may make TSA suspicious.) Carry this letter with you at all times overseas. When I had my hysterectomy (are we all about the same age, or what??), my biggest problem was that at your stage, and for 2 months after, I felt like my internal stitches were pulling when I over-exerted myself. You said your doctor has not released you to the gym yet, so beware of over-exerting. Ask your doctor or his nurse about the use of a support girdle designed just for this situation (I had one). The muscles that support your lower abdomen had to be cut for this operation unless yours was done laproscopically (lucky you if so). Another poster has an excellent suggestion to wear loose clothing. Totally agree! A shift dress with warm tights or leggings would do. Get the tights or leggings for pregnant women so you will have a non-tight waist. Get slacks or knit pants also at the maternity store. I say this because I don't know how much swelling or discomfort you still have. Tunic tops are great too. Eli, Wishing you a speedy and trouble-free recovery.

Agree with Pat; get a hotel with an elevator. Beware; pain meds and stairs don't mix. Pain meds can make you drowsy and cause falls, even when walking from your bed to the bath. At your point, you shouldn't need pain meds, but everyone is different, and you should ask your doctor. They also can constipate you like you wouldn't believe; gross to say, but can be a medical emergency in itself, my doc warned me. Again, this is between you and your doctor. My personal experience was that I took pain pills for one week after release from the hospital, and then switched to Tylenol. The number of stairs you will encounter in museums, restaurants, and on the street; you don't want to be drowsy. Have a great trip.

There is no PT for this surgery. My doc could care less if I travel. He's the gyno who did thr surgery and to him, all women should be able to bounce back in two to four weeks. As a precaution, I am going to my GP to have some blood work done and a quick overall health check. Nigel, we leave on the 19th. I've been walking the last 10 days and trying to get my strength back. Swan, thank you! I will have an isle seat because we are a family of four sitting together. I won't be lifting bags. Will order the wheel chair ahead of time. We have president's club membership so I will relax before flight. Ken, that's right. I wanted tips on coping, and since we've been to this area 3 times before, touring won't be as frantic. Staying with family. Good point about travel insurance! Anna will talk to doctor this coming week about the potential for blood clots. Good point. Thanks for the reminder. Toni, excellent advice and points. I'm taking notes. Didn't think about coach plus. Will work on that tomorrow. Did you notice a difference? Omg Rebecca, I never thought about a pat down! This is WHY I asked on this site for help. Thank you. I had one of those pat downs last year at CDG airport by a rather large African woman and I seriously felt violated. Didn't dare complain though. Hmmm.. About the support girdle... I wouldn't want to wear that on the plane, but for regular short outings, it might be a good idea. Won't be doing much sightseeing that requires a lot of running around. I am not in pain meds anymore for the same reason you mentioned! The hardest part I think will be the airport and flying, bit with these tips I should have a relatively comfortable time. I will take a small pillow for my lower back because the pillows on planes are awful.

After surgery I found that regaining my stamina was the last part of recovery. I traveled a couple of times during my recovery and simply ran out of gas a few times. Then I rested. A friend being treated for a serious illness traveled with wife and friends. He went out with them in the mornings for a little touring, then he returned to his hotel to rest all afternoon while the others continued with their activities. Then they all went out for dinner. It worked well for them; everybody's needs were met.

If you can upgrade to coach plus, I recommend it. The leg room is so much better. I lucked out and had the row behind the seats where the crew slept on an overnight flight to Heathrow. There was actually one row missing between my seat and the crew's seats. I could stand up and move around "in place" without having to walk up and down the aisle to stretch. Or waiting for the restroom to be free! I would encourage you to speak to your doctor about blood clots. It is better to be safe. Best wishes on your travels.

I just had the same surgery and turns out I did too much too soon and ended up having some problems. The main thing you should be careful about (according to my gyn) is straining of any kind. You don't want to pull on the internal stitches at all. (I did - I don't reccomend it!) Make sure your bag and purse is less than ten pounds (is that possible?!) don't pick up anything heavy, don't push/pull carts or bags that are heavy. Walking, while it may tire you out shouldn't do any internal damage, however pace yourself and take lots of time sitting in cafes. My doc suggested doing lots of walking - zero lifting, pushing, or pulling. Good luck!!!

Eli, I had some abdominal surgery on 20 May, flew from Cincinnati to Houston on 26 May. I thought I could walk thru check-in, security etc, but when i saw the security line...luckily my friend with me got me a wheelchair, wheeled me to the gate and was able to wangle a 1st class seat. Nice, but i couldn't even enjoy the alcohol! I was basically exhaused from that day (Thursday) till next Tuesday (laid around mostly), then flew from Houston to Orlando. Felt better in Orlando but couldn't do much, maybe 3-4 hours max. Spent 3 days there then to Illinois, where we did a w/e trip about 2 hours away. Was able to do things 5-6 hours. Basically not in pain but really tired till 6 week mark. You could probably do it as long as you realize you'll be tired, and are smart enough to stop when you reach your limit for that day, or a little before. My doc told me to walk on plane every 2 hours religiously, the flight attendants helped wake me up when i flew back to Germany. Obviously you know no heavy lifting. You can do it just know when to stop.Stairs were hard for a couple weeks postop, but Paris might be difficult in the metro, take taxis as needed. Take a pillow to put over your abdomen for the flights for comfort, can also use on trip. Make sure you have enough pain drugs. Ask for free upgrades on any flights due to surgery. Take medical history. Take the little free carts between gates/baggage claim at airports, sometimes you have to wait a few minutes but they are so worth it. You will probably not want to walk to gates. Have fun!

As long as you don't try to lift the luggage or walk too much at one time you should be fine. Make sure you take your medicine with you for pain, and rest as much as you can. Hope you have a great trip.

Elaine, I can't imagine doing as much as you did! My doctor hasn't given me the go ahead for the gym yet because I wanted to use weight machines and the pool! I will wait until the New Year to tackle the weights. Right now I am able to do 2 miles without too much discomfort. We ordered the wheelchair and extra leg space. Is there significant leg space on Continental?? Thanks for all the helpful suggestions.

Eli, Yes I was a bit too optimisticwell, a LOT too optimistic! But it was a trip to the US and I wanted to see family/friends. I probably wouldn't do that again, tho now I know who I'd stay with if I have to recover from surgery again!

Just wanted to let everyone know that I did make the trip and had a good, relaxing time. We got into Paris quite early, but the room wasn't ready so they let us wait in the dining area with comfy seats. I told them of my surgery, and our room was top priority! Only went into Paris in the evening for a little walk around because I was so tired, then early night. Left bright and early next morning for Brest. First train out. It was not packed, but 4 1/2 hours wore me out. By the time I got into Brest, all I wanted to do was lie down! We took little side trips on the days that didn't rain heavily, and I actually hiked a few times, though I needed to rest for several hours afterwards. All in all, I had a great trip. Drank a bit too much, ate a bit too much, and rested more than I generally do because of the rain. Thank heavens it was the most rainy Christmas trip we ever had out there!!!

I'm so glad the trip went well! I hope and pray that your recovery continues smoothly.

Eli, Thanks for the uppdate. I'm pleased to hear that everything worked out and that you had a nice holiday. While you continue your recuperation, you can start planning the next trip!

As a med/surg nurse the best advice I can give is that you MUST move your legs frequently while on the plane. You are at high risk of getting a blood clot because of the fact that you're post-op and because you're not as mobile as you usually are. It would also be a good idea health-wise for you to wear some sort of compression stockings on the plane as well. Believe me, I've seen healthy people with life-threatening pulmonary embolisms from leg blood clots sustained during long flights, and you are a problem just waiting to happen. You can do this well, but need to move your legs. Just make ankle circles or flex feet up and down a minimum of 10-12x/hour. You need to stay healthy. Otherwise, you'll do fine on your trip. Being not so mobile as usual will just give you the opportunity to take things slowly and enjoy the details you might otherwise overlook.

Eli, Thanks for the trip report! Glad everything went O.K. and you had a good time!

Eli, glad you had a good trip!

Hi Eli, My husband and I traveled to Paris shortly after his medical procedure and this is what we learned: 1. Inform the airlines he needs a seat near the restroom. 2. Travel with a cane, and request a wheelchair at (larger) connecting airports the wheelchair also was a great help when getting through security. Remember to tuck some bills in your pocket to tip the wheelchair aide. 3. Contact hotel(s) ahead of time to request use of a refrigerator for certain meds one place let us use their kitchen fridge since there were no mini-fridges in rooms. 4. Reserve a hotel on or very very near the bus line (turned out to be easier for my husband than taking the subway). 5. Reserve a hotel with a lift near suitable restaurants and/or take-away spots (Rick Steves' Rue Cler favorite suited our needs). 6. At B&Bs or smaller hotels, staff will express concern when a guest spends as much or more time in the room as sightseeing. We found it helped to briefly mention the medical issue when checking in.
7. Travel with a companion who is willing to take in the sights alone while the differently-abled traveler rests in the room or waits on a nearby bench. Happy Travels! Gail

Eli, so glad to know that your trip went well. For those considering trips after surgery, I want to reiterate what others have said: besides talking to your doctor and taking it easier than usual, it is absolutely critical to know what your travel insurance will or won't cover. Some years ago, I flew to St Louis on business from Seattle about a week and a half after major surgery (Yeah, dumb on two fronts. Too soon to be back to work and too soon to be traveling! But I was younger and felt more invulnerable then. ) I had some complications that, frankly, were completely unrelated to travel and would have happened anyway, but the travel insurance that my employer purchases for us while traveling did not cover any of the expenses on the ground that I had a 'pre-existing condition.' Luckily for me, my employer took pity on me and reimbursed me for the nearly three thousand dollars it cost me for medical treatment there, not to mention the additional eight hundred dollars to the airline to get me home right away, but it taught me an important lesson about the limits of travel insurance.