pOST OP TRAVEL @ 4 WEEKS

AM 50 YEARS YOUNG AND HAVING VH, OOPH, CYSTO/RECTO REPAIR ON MARCH 11. NEED TO ATTEND RARE CONFERENCE IN MY FIELD ON APRIL 15-19. WONDER ABOUT TRAVELING BY PLANE AND USING WHEELCHAIR IN AIRPORT OR TRAVELING IN BACK OF CAR, LYING DOWN. IT IS ABOUT 950 MILES. CAN BE SELECTIVE ABOUT ATTENDING ONLY MINIMAL PARTS OF CONFERENCE AND RESTING AS NEEDED. DOC SAYS ONLY RESTRICTION IS TO NOT CARRY HEAVY CUPS OF SILVER DOLLARS THRU THE CASINOS WHILE THERE. HUBBY IS VERY PROTECTIVE AND WILL PAMPER ME THROUGHOUT. WHAT DO YOU THINK??? ALSO, SHOULD I REQUEST A HORMONE LEVEL AT MY PREOP SO WE HAVE A BASELINE?

Is anyone going on the trip with you? I would be concerned about the lifting restrictions at 4 weeks and luggage. I would definitely have a talk with my doc about this one- although I was feeling pretty good at 4 weeks, I am not sure I would've wanted this type of activity. I am 53 and consider myself very active, but if you are only 40% healed inside at 6 weeks, the risk of injury might be a consideration. Just remember, the work done inside your belly is the same as with a TAH, the approach is the only difference, so there are lots of sutures and healing to go on before you get too active. Good luck with your decision - I am a professional person also, and I know how important these seminars can be, but there is a lot to be considered here!

I do not think it will be necessary to use a wheelchair or lie down in the car for the trip after 4 weeks. Having husband carry luggage is a good idea, as is resting during your trip.

I doubt that having your hormone level tested at preop will be worthwhile. Hormones fluctuate on a daily basis, so having the test on any particular day won't tell the doctor very much.

LOL, only restriction is not to carry heavy cups of silver through casinos? Sounds like a dr with a sense of humor.

Sweetie, we all heal differently and at different rates, so it's hard to predict how you will be at 4 weeks. My guess would be with the TVH & oopherectomy, you should be ok to go, but with the repairs, I wonder how comfortable you will be at that point with all the sitting on the plane & in the conference. Luckily, you are flying instead of driving, so you can at least get up and move around. Walking is good for you, so I also wouldn't think a wheelchair would be necessary unless you have to walk a long way in the airport with little time to get there. Hopefully, you will allow for plenty of time at the airports so you won't have to worry about walking too fast.

Just be careful, listen to your body, and have a great time.

Hi Mikie, it sounds like you are being careful and mindful of your needs during recovery which is good. I know what you mean, I have to take my son to Japan for 12 days when I'm 6 weeks post (he's on the junior national karate team and they're competing over there) and I'm more than a little nervous about it. My son and some of our friends from the team have all promised to do all the carrying of luggage for me so my DR said it's fine (I had my 3 week checkup yesterday). It helps that your hubby will carry everything and pamper you. And rest is important. I was in great shape prior to surgery and still feel that even though I can get out and do things now I do get tired relatively easily and have to rest. Also, you might want to have a donut pillow or two to sit on while you're traveling...with the repairs it makes it much easier to sit. I use a standard foam donut at home but also have an inflatable one to travel with. If you underinflate it so it's not too thick and hard it's almost as comfortable as the foam one and fits into a purse. As long as your DR says it's OK and you don't get carried away and forget to rest, you should be fine. Good luck with your surgery!

s,

- Linda