Opinions on flying 3 months post-op

[Sandy R]

Okay, my surgery date is Sept. 29th for a RTKR. Our son and his fiance just got married in Bali, Indonesia and her father will be giving a reception for them on the east coast toward the middle or end of December. Our son wants us to be there. The flight is Los Angeles to Boston plus a 90 minute drive to our destination. What do you think... will a 69 year old, 3 months post-op, be up to the challenge? Do you think the OS will even okay it? By the way, does it snow in Rhode Island in December? My husband could go alone, although he's not happy about that prospect. And, I'm not happy out about a 5-6 hour flight each way. Adding to my stress is that we should buy our tickets soon as the cost will go up the longer we wait. Would love your opinions.

 

[Josephine]

I see no reason at all that you shouldn't be able to, Sandy, providing there are no complications, of course. Hope you have a wonderful time!

 

[JudyS]

Sandy,
I am debating about flying east from Los Angeles as well. I am 7 weeks now and would do this in the next 3 or 4 weeks . Just seems like a tiring day.
You will have some excitement to look forward to. I would give an extra day before the festivities to hang out in RI.

Funny thing is I am in LA and born and raised in Rhode Island. Yes, it can snow in December. What town in RI? Some get more snow than others even though it is a tiny state.

Judy

 

[1jt@atime]

Sandy, I just flew last week between 5 and 6 weeks into the recovery process. My flights were to be 4 1/2 hours each way. There were delays and each trip took 12 hours from airport to airport! It was no FUN but I did it. The flight attendents were great and made ice packs for me and I tried to elevate my leg whenever possible. I would do it again.

I don't think traveling at 3 months should be an issue for you. You should go on and schedule the trip. Karen

 

[ship4]

Okay, my surgery date is Sept. 29th for a RTKR. Our son and his fiance just got married in Bali, Indonesia and her father will be giving a reception for them on the east coast toward the middle or end of December. Our son wants us to be there. The flight is Los Angeles to Boston plus a 90 minute drive to our destination. What do you think... will a 69 year old, 3 months post-op, be up to the challenge? Do you think the OS will even okay it? By the way, does it snow in Rhode Island in December? My husband could go alone, although he's not happy about that prospect. And, I'm not happy out about a 5-6 hour flight each way. Adding to my stress is that we should buy our tickets soon as the cost will go up the longer we wait. Would love your opinions.

Hi,
I am 58, soon to be 59 in September and had BTKR 5 weeks ago. I was given my driving consent back at 4 weeks as long as I do not drive within 2 hours of taking my medication in the AM. Not a problem as I am working for 9 hours daily........
I do believe you will be fine to fly and to attend the reception! I am walking without assistance and have been working on my ROM and scar management.
Go for it!
Best,
Crystal

 

[Sandy R]

Thanks for your opinions. I'm so happy I found all of you. You've made me feel like there's a good chance I'll be up to this December celebration. I think part of my problem is that I was so hyped for my original surgery date of July 21, that when it was delayed to Sept. 29th., it was like the air was knocked out of me. I'm normally a very positive, very take charge person... I really have to stop feeling sorry for myself! One good thing is I'm now on Mobic, which seems to be helping more with the pain.

Judy, daughter-in-law's family lives in South Kingstown. Are you familiar with the area? And, does it snow more there than other areas of RI?

 

[ship4]

Sandy,
I live in NH. We get considerably more snow than MA, or RI in December. This is something that is very difficult to predict...
They do make "ice feet" for crutches and canes. It is a piece that drops down and "picks" into the ice if you are walking on any..... It is mostly the "black ice" you want to watch out for, as it is black (looks wet rather than icy) and is very thin and slick. I would still make every effort to attend. JMO
Best,
Crystal

 

[JudyS]

Like Crystal said, it really is very unpredictable. I don't remember South Kingston being one of the snowiest. Of course I am basing my snow info on the school radio closures. It was always Foster and Gloster that had the day off!!
I met some young guy up in the mountains a few months ago who is backpacking the Pacific Crest Trail who is from RI. We took him and another hiker into the nearest town for cold beer and dinner. We had fun talking about things like the towns that always had school closures. Also the official drink of RI which is coffee milk.

Glad you are booking the trip
Judy

 

[Nonnie]

Sandy,

I had my surgery on May 5, and on August 3 I left for a two week trip to the northern Pacific for my work. I went from the east coast of the US to the Marshall Islands, then to Guam, then to Saipan, and the back to the east coast from Saipan. The trip back was almost 19 hours, with a 90 layover in Honolulu.

Except for the long trip back I flew coach class and had no trouble. I got an aisle seat so I could extend my leg when I wanted, and got up to walk around about every 90 minutes. I was exhausted from the trip, but my leg made the trip much better than the rest of my body! ;)

You will have to tell the security people at the airport that you are "going to beep" before you go through the metal detectors. They will ask you to step into a specific area and get you a same-gender inspector to wand you and pat you down. They were all very nice, and all offered to do the inspection in a private place, which was not necessary. It does, however, add 10 minutes or more to your security screening, so plan ahead for this.

Nonnie

 

[hollyhobble]

I too think you should be able to make the trip by December. Just be sure you have ample time at the airport so you don't have to hurry to catch your flight. If a connecting, that could be a problem! You certainly won't want to fun between gates, etc.

MY OS gave me a card to carry that explains that I may set off alarms. Actually, I know that I do as I had to show my card at the courthouse. Perhaps you can obtain such a card which might simplify the security check a bit.

If you can, it would be a good idea to have AT LEAST one extra day to rest and recover before you are thrown into all the fun activities. Enjoy your trip!! Work hard on your therapy before hand and you should be fine to go, if your recovery is anything like mine has been.

Holly

 

[Rowdy66]

I am very near your age, almost 67 and at three months post op I was pretty much back to normal. Just be sure you don't sit through the entire flight, you will want to get up and move around a bit frequently so an aisle seat would be best. Rowdy

 

[Sandy R]

Thanks to all for the posts. Looks like we won't be flying to the east coast after all. Celebration will be the evening after Thanksgiving (Nov. 28th for those not living in the U.S.)... 2 months after my Sept. 29th TKR. The event will be catered and son and daughter-in-law insist they will see to everything (where have I heard that before!) In any case, I will no longer concern myself about flying... just hope no one spills food on my off-white sofas. What's the saying... life is what happens while you're busy making other plans. Sandy