TKR Flying with ice

[Flying Away]

Hi, I’m 5 weeks out of TKR and am leaving next week for 4 weeks in Europe. I want to take my DeRoyal Ice Jet with me. Will airlines let me check it as baggage and will they count it as one of my checked bags? I’m bring small Tupperware containers which are great for freezing water quickly and will be staying in apartments that have freezers. I LOVE icing my knee after therapy and exercise and would hate to leave this gadget home. Anyone have any experience with international travel and medical devices?

Thanks!

 

[Jaycey]

@Flying Away Welcome to BoneSmart! I would check with your airline about whether they would count this as an extra bag.

Issues to consider - you will need a transformer to run any US machine in Europe. US appliances run on 110 volts versus most of Europe is 230-240 volts. Transformers can be expensive and heavy. I would check with the manufacturer about whether the device can run at 230-240 volts.

You will also need various international travel adapters so that you can plug in the device.

Very early days for you to be doing a long haul flight. Be sure and wear travel socks and get up and walk around during your flight. Did you discuss this trip with your surgeon?

 

[Flying Away]

Thanks for the advice. Not sure why I would need a transformer. It’s 110v and have the adapter. It hardly draws any current since it’s only running a small electric pump.

I have discussed the trip with the surgeon and PT. I’m wearing a compression sleeve during the flight and getting up every hour to walk around and continuing the 81mg aspirin to prevent blood clots.

The trip is not with a group so my wife and I can take it at a comfortable pace.

I will check with Turkish Air on what is allowed. I’m going to put the unit in a duffel bag and pack a few towels around it for protection. It’s very sturdy though.

Thanks again!

 

[WFD]

A note from your doctor or PA on letterhead explaining that this is important medical equipment may help.

 

[Jaycey]

Not sure why I would need a transformer. It’s 110v and have the adapter.

Unless you put it through a transformer the unit will blow up. It is currently running on 110 volts and if you just plug it in using an adapter 240 volts will destroy the unit. Unfortunately many people from the US make this mistake. It can be costly and dangerous if thing start smoking. I've seen it many times.

 

[sistersinhim]

@Flying Away, please tell us the exact date of your surgery, and which knee it was. I will add it to your signature for you. Knowing this information will help others to relate to you.

 

[Flying Away]

@Flying Away, please tell us the exact date of your surgery, and which knee it was. I will add it to your signature for you. Knowing this information will help others to relate to you.

My surgery date was July 26, 2023 and it was my left knee. I’m scheduled to have the right one done on 2/2/24

 

[Flying Away]

Not sure why I would need a transformer. It’s 110v and have the adapter.

Unless you put it through a transformer the unit will blow up. It is currently running on 110 volts and if you just plug it in using an adapter 240 volts will destroy the unit. Unfortunately many people from the US make this mistake. It can be costly and dangerous if thing start smoking. I've seen it many times.

Ok. So why does my wife’s hair dryer and our phone chargers work just fine with the adapter? We’ve been to Europe many times.

 

[sistersinhim]

Thank you. I'll add this info to your signature.

 

[Flying Away]

In Croatia since September 8th. The Us adapter to the Euro is working perfectly for my ice machine. I ice my knee every morning and evening. We’re in Dubrovnik Old Town. It’s nothing but steps!

 

[Layla]

Happy Two Month Anniversary!
I hope you’re enjoying your time in Europe.
Safe travels back home!
@Flying Away

 

[Layla]

Happy Three Month Anniversary!
I'll bet you enjoyed your trip. How did you fare with your new knee? Any tips for those traveling early on as you did? Hope you're having a good week. All the best!
@Flying Away

 

[Flying Away]

Thanks! My advice is do what you feel comfortable with. Long flights require sitting in tight spaces. I got up about every hour and tried to walk the aisle. I brought the ice machine with me and once we landed and got checked into our apartment I iced the knee for several hours. I kept icing every morning before we went out site seeing and then again when we got back. We were in Europe for over a month and after about 2 weeks I began to forget my cane upon leaving the apartment. We were in Croatia which requires a lot of uphill/downhill and steps. I think it really helped me rehab quicker. I highly recommend Croatia but it’s an expensive rehab stint.

 

[Flying Away]

So now I’m 4 months out and 4 weeks ago I stepped off my tractor without thinking and went past the 130 degree “locking point” that the implant has. I saw stars and was in a lot of initial pain. After a few days it wasn’t as bad. 2 weeks ago I had. It X-rayed and the PA told me everything looks fine and recommended I “take it easy” (whatever that means) and ice it. I’m taking Tylenol and 600mg of Celebrex (been on the C for 10 years due to arthritis in knees, hips, hands, etc. I’ll be going back in a week to have it rechecked if the pain persists. Just to give the full picture, I had a RTHR in 2019 and am scheduled for a RTKR on February 2, 2024. I’ve also had the cubious (?) bone removed from my left thumb post and repaired. Also need the right thumb done. I have spinal stenosis and will have that cleaned out when my knees are finished. It’s all good

 

[sistersinhim]

I hope your pain goes away after your mishap 2 weeks ago. It usually does take a while for these knees to calm down after they've been angered.

 

[Layla]

Sorry to read about that misstep. Hopefully the pain isn't as intense as it was four weeks ago.
I am guessing that in saying "take it easy" the PT means to refrain from doing anything that may cause you additional pain. Wishing you comfort and speedy relief.
@Flying Away

 

[Flying Away]

I hope your pain goes away after your mishap 2 weeks ago. It usually does take a while for these knees to calm down after they've been angered.

Thanks for the encouragement!

 

[sistersinhim]

Are you feeling any better today?

 

[Flying Away]

Not really. But thanks for asking. I have an consultation with the PA on Monday. Also setting up an appointment to receive nerve ablations and corticosteroid shots in my back. Thanks!

 

[mendogal]

Best of luck with the treatments for your back - I hope they provide lots of relief!