recovery and travelling

[Lindy]

I just posted something but forgot one thing that is concerning me. I am having the first of 2 tkr's Jan. 16.09 I have not had a holiday for a long time because of previous medical issues. What is the consensus about whether approx. middle to end of April that I can travel from Canada to Florida by car, with frequent stops? I need some relaxation time in the worst way and cannot go by air. Lindy

 

[JenniferG]

That is over 3 months, right? I think you could. I got the release from my OS at 8 weeks. Your's will let you know, but it sounds reasonable to me.

 

[richfriz]

I am no expert but at 8 weeks post op I am driving everywhere. My wife and I are thinking of driving with our caravan to Sydney in about a month. I am sure it will be fine. The drive is 5000 Kms

 

[Josephine]

You should be fine, all things being equal and frequent stops will be good, but just to be on the safe side, make sure you have the back seat to yourself so you can spread out on it if the need arises. The stiffness from being still is one thing but having your legs down AND immobile for several hours at a time will cause fluid to build up from gravity - otherwise known as dependent oedema. The only preventative for that is elevation though compression stockings might help a bit.

 

[Judles]

Jo is absolutely spot on! As long as you are serious about making frequent stops, and are in no hurry, you should be fine!

 

[Grandma]

Will I have any problem getting in/out of our Jeep Liberty or 4 x 4 truck to come home from the hospital after surgery. It will take approx. 4.5 hours, with no stops.
As I am having my left knee replaced I'm concerned about how far it will bend - as it must be the first leg in getting in and how much it will hurt for such a long drive.
I'm really braver than I sound, honest, I just worry!

Diane

 

[Josephine]

You should follow the directions for hippies getting in and out of cars.

Put the seat back as far as it will go.
Stand with your back to the seat and sit down
Keep your operative lef out straight
With your good leg, push yourself into the car
Have your helper lift the bad leg as you go back
When you are far enough in, mabe even onto the driver's seat, begin to swing yourself around until your feet are in the foot well.
When you want to get out, slide yourself onto the driver's seat, turning as you go until you can get your leg out of the car again
Have you helper 'receive' the leg and gently guide it onto the ground
Keep sliding forwards until you are able to put your good leg on the ground and stand up



Or if you're using the back seat, simple slide yourself in until you are sitting with your back against the far side of the car and leave your bad leg on the seat. Reverse the process as you get out.

Easy peasy!

But if your car is high, I suggest you get hold of a platform or block so you can follow the instructions above.

 

[1jt@atime]

Grandma, If you have to travel 4.5+ home from the hospital after your knee replacement, I would suggest you sit in the back seat and put your leg up on the seat. It will be painful to sit upright in a car seat for that long. You also want to make sure you have some ice bags for your knee. Karen

 

[Grandma]

Thanks Jo, your instructions are very helpful and easy to follow - maybe I'll try and practice before I must do it.

Thanks 1jt@atime, the back seat sounds like a great idea and I will try and remember to have Hubby bring lots of ice for the trip home.
If I do get a Polarcare machine I bet I could use the manual circulation for just this kind of situation.

 

[Josephine]

Oh I think that would be a given - what the manual pump is for, of course. And the water would only need changing every so often, not all the time.