2 wks post op 4 hour car ride

I am two weeks post op and my dad is very sick. I may have to take a 4 hour car ride to get to see hhim one last time. I have been riding a couple times for short trips and it is very painful bouncing around in the car. Anyone else have to do this? What suggestions do you have to help. My doctor said I could make the trip if I had to but didn't suggest how I might ease the pain.

Hi,
I had to do the same thing 2 weeks after my TVH. I had to drive myself with 3 chidren on a 4 1/2 hr. drive. I just took extra strength tylenol because I was driving but if I were you I would take a prescription pain med and try to sleep. By the way, I hope your dad gets better and I will keep him in my prayers. Good luck on your trip.
Lots of love
Tara

I am so sorry about your dad. If you can get someone to drive you, take pain meds before you leave, have plenty of pillows, and stop at least once or twice to get out and move around. You may wish to call your dr and ask them for suggestions as well, and what to watch for while traveling, and where to go if complications arise.

Best wishes to your family during this time.

Thanks Weisser and Abby000 for your prayers and thoughts to my family. I do not have to do the driving. My hubby or best friend will be doing that. I am hoping my dad can hang on for a few more days until my DH can have some days off. He has used most of his time off with my surgery and had to go back to work yesterday. He works from 1:00am to 3:00 or 4:00pm then its dinner and off to bed.

Hi Lookingforhelp,

I say go for it. My Dad passed away 6 years ago and I still treasure the last few days I had with him. We had nothing new to say to each other and it was just being there next to his bed that was so important for me, and I know for him.

If your DH or friend is driving, possibly you could rent an RV for the trip?? It would give you a place to stay when you get there and you could rest on a bed if you needed a nap during the trip. Sometimes just being able to stretch out can make a world of difference. Just a thought.

Best wishes.

Mary

I'm so sorry you're facing this right now.

I agree with the other (((sisters))) -- make yourself as comfortable as you can, and plan to stop at least twice during the trip so you can move around a little bit. Lots of pillows, pain meds.... and how about a relaxation CD in a portable CD player with headphones? Might help you relax.

Hope this helps.

Bring a couple of pillows along to cushion yourself. I think they really help.
Sorry to hear your dad is ill.

I use a lap blanket and then I put the seat belt over that, so it doesn't hurt if I hit a bump in the road, a small pillow or folded towel over your lap would work well too. Keep the incision cushioned and take your pain meds, and you should be fine.
I will be praying for you and your Dad and hope all goes well for you.
If you have heated seats, turn on the heat, wow, that feels really soothing, too.

Here are a few things that help:
Have someone else drive.
Recline your seat a bit -- it makes a big difference, since your abdominal muscles don't have as big an effort to hold you up.
Take a handtowel or something small to cushion the seatbelt.
Ask the driver to imagine that he is carrying something fragile and precious! Avoiding sudden starts, stops and swerves really helps.
If you stop for a break, do make the effort to take a little walk -- it will help even if it is uncomfortable at first. But have someone go with you if possible.

Looking for help...My sympathy on your ill dad.
I had a horrible ride home from the hosp and did not want to go anywhere by car for a long time. You sure do not have that luxury with this situation. Call dr and ask if he can give you an Rx for something to make you sleep in the car...then pad yourself well with blankets etc. I see where you are from...and West Virginia curvy mountain roads are an experience with out being newly recovering from surgical procedure! Call and ask for what you need...he can only say no....and if he does..he needs to give you a good reason!
Kaegea