3-Hour Car Trip?

My husband wants to take a 3 hour car trip tomorrow to visit friends in Chicago. I'm strongly debating this. The past couple of days I've had some twanging and panging in my belly, my incision seems to be a little sore--I assume this is all a new phase of healing. I'm 4 weeks post-op, 2 weeks post-bacterial infection. I'd hate to jinx my recovery (my check-up is next week and I have a trip scheduled to Florida to visit my daughter on 10/15). Any thoughts?

Hi there!

Um....well, I think from reading your post, you've already answered your question as to whether or not to go. Personally, I would have declined. I didn't want risk being away from home and not feeling well. (it's bad enough to be *at* home and not feel well) I don't blame you one bit for thinking twice about this.

I don't think it's likely you'd be doing any physical damage, but it could prolong your healing, as you've indicated.

I know you'll do what's best for you ~

I think that's quite a long trip. If it were something urgent I could see but just to visit people. I'm 3 weeks post and just driving to the dr was enough time in the car for me. I would think you would be exhausted by the time you got there and then you'd have all the "ON" time having to be with the people and if you got stuck without some place comfortable to sit. I think it would be a very exhausting and draining trip.

Just my opinion though.

I think that if you want to maximize the likelihood that you'll be able to make that Florida trip, I'd stay home this weekend. As the other ladies suggested, you could probably make the trip, but it might be quite difficult and you might cause yourself to have a much longer and more complicated recovery.

Let us know how you're doing, OK?
s,
-Linda

Hi!

When I was 12 days post-op we had a week's vacation driving to upstate New York and Canada. And that was with a good chunk of my incision open, which my husband irrigated and dressed twice a day on various hotel beds and at friends' houses! We never drove more than 6 hours a day, stopped plenty and I kept a pillow between the seatbelt and my incision.

The difference, however, is that I WANTED to go on this trip whereas it doesn't sound like you're too keen on going to Chicago. (But hey, you could go to the Cubs game!!) So tell your husband everyone said you can't go.

Pam

I wouldn't do it. I did something similar at 3 weeks post-op because I wanted to be there for my daughter's rheumatologist appointment. Well, my incision split open...yes after 3 weeks! It wasn't anything a few steri-strips couldn't handle. It sounds like you already know the answer. I hope you listen to your body and be a good princess!

(((((HUGS)))))

Robin

Swandiver,
I had surgery the same day as you, and I went on a 6 hour car ride to Phx, AZ at about week 3. I was ssssooooooooo tired when I got there, that I did nothing - at all! It wasn't fun, and I was crabby because I was tired. Then, 4 days later, just when I was feeling better, we turned around and came home. We are limiting our car rides to 2 hours only now. Don't do anything you aren't ready for yet, we all heal diffrently, and need to give ourselves permission to take the time to heal.

I know that trip from Lafayette to Chicago. If you decide to go, take a tummy pillow, put your feet up on the dash and recline some in your seat. Stop at least twice on the trip, and stop in Merrillville and get out and sit down for a meal or something.

I had to make several trips during my recovery (I am 8 weeks and on vacation right now). The worst was the trip from Michigan City to Indy.

If your hubby insists on going, drink lots of water and make lots of stops, but especially the one where you get out and walk and sit.

Diane

PS> Wear something really loose and comfortable and slip on and off shoes

I don't think its a good idea I know I couldn't. I'm 3 weeks and 3 days and went out for a few errands with my husband and I was exhausted plus uncomfortable all afternoon and night between my legs but I had repairs done there besides hysterectomy too. Love, ((((STITCHER))))

I went! I woke up Saturday and felt good. I used my tummy pillow -- which I haven't been for in town riding and driving. We stopped a Merrillville (90 miles N) for lunch at Popeye's Chicken--my first spicy food since surgery and that's another story in itself! My friends and family treated me like royalty, kept me from doing much more than resting. We took a walk an hour after we got there. I don't think I'd want to do it again in the near future. My trip to Florida on 10/15 will be easier, just 2 hours on a plane. Thanks for all of you Princesses' concern!