Is just under 6 weeks realistic for a transatlantic cruise?

Hi,
Just got a call from MD office; my surgery has been rescheduled as they could not find an assistant surgeon! I was psyched up for this Friday, now have to wait until next Wednesday, March 11 @ 10:30. So I'm not even the first case of the day, which was a factor in my original scheduling. Now I have to work three extra days and take a 12 hr on-call shift on Sunday. Although I am nervous about facing pain and nausea, the idea of rest is very appealing at this time. I need a stress break! I am also concerned because we have a trip planned and paid for for April 19th; what if I still don't feel recovered? This is supposed to be a LVAH-BSO, but MD says she may "go open" depending on what she finds. Is just under 6 weeks realistic for feeling well enough to go on a transatlantic cruise? I am generally healthy, but 62 y/o. Any feedback will be appreciated.
I just joined last week but am really finding this site so helpful!
Thanks,
Mermaid47

Do you have travellers' insurance that would reimburse you for the cost of the trip if you cannot go?

I personally would not advise going on a transatlantic cruise at 6 weeks post-op, particularly if she "goes open." I had a TAH/BSO and healed well and recovered quickly, but I would not have gone on a cruise at 6 weeks. If such a trip entailed only sitting on a boat for a week, it would be ok, but I am assuming you have to travel to port, and then I assume you would be disembarking abroad and will be travelling around.... THAT would be the hard part.

If you DO decide to take this trip, I very strongly advise you to buy insurance in case you have some problems abroad and need medical attention.

Great idea on the travelers insurance.

Just my opinion here but...If I had a cruise planned that fell at 6 weeks post op...I'd so go. If you have to have an abdominal hyster I would think that depends on your health now and no complications post op.

I was back at work at 2.5 weeks post op and at 6 weeks I was rockin right along. I still get tired (later in the day now) but over all I'd say I was waaaaay ready for a cruise. Bring on the lounge chair and those cute little drinks with the umbrellas in em.

You might talk about it with your Dr and see what her thoughts are.


Try not to stress too bad,

I went on a transatlantic at 5 weeks out, but I also had my done with the Da Vinci, though I did end up back in the hospital a week after surgery because of an infection. I would recommed the travelers insurance in case you don't feel up to it though. Good Luck!

Hi mermaid47 and

this is a toughy one because everyone recovers differently, it also depends on the kind of surgery your doctor will be performing and if there are any complicaionts (I pray there wont be any), I would keep things the way they are, just keep in the back on your mind that "maybe" you wont be able to go and in that case you can always get a doctors letter and the cruise company may issue a credit for you to go at a later date.

I hope that it all works out for you....God bless....

I would have loved to go cruising at 6 weeks and would have been fine as long as someone else carried all my bags for me :-)

As long as you don't have any complications post op I am sure it will be a great way to end the initial recovery period. But of course you do need to make sure you have the Dr's OK and you MUST have travel insurance.

What ship are you going on? I did the QE2 from Southampton to New York in 1995 and it was heavenly.

you most likely will be perfectly fine to go on a cruise. unfortunately, no one knows how long it will take to feel better..some recoveries take longer, so you'll probably just have to wait and see. good luck and i hope you get to go!