Travel post-op

Here's the facts:
- It will be 4 weeks since my vaginal hysterectomy tomorrow.
- My mom had quadruple by-pass surgery two days ago.
- My mom and dad are in the process of raising (and eventually adopting) my 3 yr old nephew.
- I feel the need to travel from Ohio to Nevada in my 5th week after surgery to help my dad with my mom and my nephew.
- If I go to help my dad, I would still follow the restrictions set forth by the doctor (no lifting, no major exercise, no bending, etc.)

Is it safe for me to travel by airplane in the 5th week after my surgery?

Thank you for your thoughts.
Michel

I can't tell you if it will be OK to travel. For that, you should check with your doctor. However, I did want to remind you to think about all the little things involved with travel, escpecially by plane. Even though your doctor may clear you to fly, there are lots of other little things to consider, especially if you are travelling alone.

After my doctor said flying wasn't an issue at 8 weeks, I bought my ticket and only then did I start realizing that getting on a plane may be OK, but most of the travel issues that may need to be addressed involved getting to and from the plane. I've listed some of the things you should think about below. Most can be accomodated with some pre-planning or are irrelevant if you aren't travellig alone.

• Can you handle your luggage? Don't forget this means getting it into and out of the car.
• If you were planning on trying to do carry-on only, would it be easier to check a bag so you don't have to drag it around with you as much.
• Can you handle the walking required at the airport, even if there is a last minute gate change to way down the other end?
• Can you handle standing in long lines?
• Will you need assistance? Airports and airlines offer it, you just need to request it in advance.
• Does the airline you will be using still have those little pillows (to cushion the seatbelt)? Northwest Airlines does not (don't know about others). If not, you will need to bring something of your own (a folded towel may be easier to carry than a pillow, although not as cushy).

Good luck in your decision and I hope everything works out for your parents and nephew as well.

s

JC,
Thanks for your thoughts. I have already thought about and planned around several of the items. The other items I didn't think about, but I will take into consideration as I make this decision. I really appreciate you letting me know what to look out for. I already have a doctor's appt this week, so I will check with him as you suggested.

Michel