Airplanes?

I am scheduled for July 19th - and have the opportunity to attend a conference starting 3 weeks after my SAH. I know each case is different, and I will be speaking to my Doc. on Monday - but I wanted to know what others have experienced and do I have any chance at all of making this trip. It would involved a 3 1/2 - 4 hour plan ride. I wouldn;t normally ask this, but I have never been to New Orleans and really want to go!

Thanks

Hey Nutbar, I am at 6 weeks post and would only now consider such a trip. I know for me sitting in an airplane seat for sooooo long would have sent me to bed for a few hours at 3 weeks. Do you think you will have time to recuperate from the flying. I needed down time after long and sitting upright types of activities that early in my recovery. If the conference involves lots of meeting and schlepping your self around I would think more before deciding to go. And as they say here "you only get one chance to heal correctly" or something like that.
I was under the impression that I would be able to fly from California to Virginia at four weeks. As the time came closer I realized that it would be taxing and exhausting and not worth the trip. My friend understood my cancelling on her and I am glad I did. I have had no compications whatsoever and I give myself and God lots of credit for protecting me from further pain.
Let's face it we are young and New Orleans is still going to be there waiting for you.
Stay optimistic, Angie

I personally won't try to fly in 3 weeks, even though I feel fine today (one-week post-op). Travelling is stressful. You will have to lift your carry-on all over the place, and in addition to the sitting on the plane, you will need to get to the hotel, etc.

I travel a lot for work, and have told everyone no planes for 6 weeks. I will be going to Europe for work mid Sept though. But that will be a full 12-13 weeks post-op.

Judy

Personally, I couldn't have handled it. I don't know that I could handle it now at 5 weeks. It''s not just the air travel; it's all the sitting and walking during the conference.

Maybe you could plan a vacation for New Orleans in the fall?

Or put off your hysterectomy for a few weeks?

Or hope that the conference is in New Orleans again sometime in the future? (I know that conferences I go to tend to rotate through the same few cities...)

Nutbar,
I had a LSH/BSO and I could of flown with no problems, sure sitting for long periods of time can make you sore and I would have probably been tired but I'm sure if you needed to stand for awhile you could go to the rear of the plane. It is really hard to tell how YOU will feel. But I was released to do anything I wanted at my 2 week checkup (and I'm not real young...48). My only problem was/is fatigue.

Thanks. The fatigue factor may very well play into it rather than the airplane time. I already told my boss it was probably a "no go" and she has been extremely support of the time off. Especially since i only started this new job on May 1st. But thats a non-profit for you! As my husband said "Now I owe you a trip to New Orleans!"

Thanks a bunch to you all for your input.

Hi Nutbar
Pat here from the U.K.Had T.V.H.22/04/05 and holiday to Italy already booked before surgery, due to go on 27/05/05,before surgery I was very sure 5 weeks would be plenty of time to recover for the holiday but at 3 weeks post op it became obvious I would not be able to go even though my recovery was ok ,it was just the sheer fatigue when it got to mid afternoon and I just had to give in and rest.I cancelled holiday and as the 27 th May came round I was glad I did as I doubt I would have made it to the airport never mind board a plane for a 3 hr journey.
The turning point for some reason seems to be about 5 weeks post op as I'm sure other sisters will agree.
Good luck whatever you decide hope, you get to New Orleans but it will always be there ,you only get one chance at healing.Hugs Pat xx

I had my surgery in Bangkok, Thailand. Our trip home was at 3 weeks postop -- 23 hours flying time, 6 hour layover. It was a horrible trip, but we had to get home. My doctors here, and in Thailand both said it would be ok 2 weeks postop. I had some complications and had to stay an extra week. You'll need to get up and walk a bit, and move your feet and legs while sitting, drink plenty of water and DO bring a pillow.

One of the things you want to ask your doctor about flying so soon after surgery is the increased risk of blood clots. Remember too, that once you arrive at your destination you will be far from your own doctor in the event you experience post-op problems.

If your doctor okays your trip, here are some precautions you can take in flight to avoid geting a blood clot:

• 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. This will help promote circulation.
• 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 to keep hydrated.
• Drink plenty of water or other non-caffeinated products.
• 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 don't have to be present. I had a blood clot (deep vein thrombosis) at three weeks post op and my *only* symptom was pain in my inner thigh.