Article: Traveling Post Op Hysterectomy

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Article: Traveling Post Op Hysterectomy
Travel Post-Op (Airplane/Automobile).

How soon can I travel after my hysterectomy?

This is something you really need to discuss with your doctor. Besides the risk of a blood clot, if you should experience post op problems you'll be quite a distance from your doctor and would need to see a doctor who would be completely unfamiliar with your medical history.

Anyone who has recently had abdominal surgery should take extra precautions to avoid getting a blood clot due to airline travel. Here are some tips that may help:

Ask for an aisle seat so that you will be able to get up frequently during your flight in order to stretch your legs. Walk to the back of the plane and back often during the flight to help promote circulation.
Wear slippers or take your shoes off during the flight. This will increase both your comfort and the circulation in your feet.
While sitting, move your legs frequently. Rotate your feet in a circular motion at the ankles, wiggle your toes, push your feet against the floor, and do NOT cross your legs either at the knees or at the ankles.
Avoid alcoholic beverages right before and during the flight.
S-t-r-e-t-c-h. Stretching helps increase your circulation.
Drink plenty of water or other non-caffeinated products to keep hydrated.
Wear elastic anti-embolism stockings
Know the symptoms of a clot. If you experience any pain in the leg or thigh, if there is swelling or heat at the site of the pain, fever, shortness of breath, any upper back pain, you should call your doctor or visit the ER. All symptoms do not have to be present.

You might also want to keep the following suggestions in mind.

Have someone else carry your luggage.
Contact your health insurance company before your trip to be sure that any medical problems you may encounter will be covered.
Check ahead of time to be sure a wheelchair will be available for your use. This will be particularly helpful when you check in, as you may have to wait in line for quite a long time.

Long-distance automobile travel is a little more uncomfortable because you will be in a more cramped area. Stop the car every thirty minutes or so to get out and stretch your legs (even if only to walk around the car several times).

The important thing to remember with any type of travel is to keep your legs mobile. Keep your feet as far in front of you as possible rather than constantly bent at the knee. Picture a garden hose with a kink in it. The water cannot flow freely through the hose if it is kinked. It's much the same with your legs. If the leg is bent at the knee, the blood cannot flow freely.

Knowing the risks and necessary precautions before starting your trip may help prevent medical complications as well as making your trip more comfortable and pleasant.

This content was written by staff of HysterSisters.com by non-medical professionals based on discussions, resources and input from other patients for the purpose of patient-to-patient support.