Hello kpalms@,
I had surgery the morning of December 11th, and flew back to St Thomas on December 13th---so I actually checked out of the hospital on the morning of the 3rd day. I think my flight left Ft Lauderdale around 12:50 in the afternoon. Spirit air got a wheelchair for me when they saw me come in with a cane. I could have made it without the chair, but did not want to overdo it so soon after surgery---so I accepted the ride. I am stubborn and proud, so it felt kind of wierd being in the chair. Gives me a whole new appreciation for those who are wheelchair bound. I announced that I had just had a hip replacement and NSA automatically did the pat-down and didn't even run me through the metal detector---so I can't answer your question on that one.
NOTE: I got my prescriptions filled while on the way back to the Ft Lauderdale Airport on the 13th. Please be advised---You will want to fill your prescriptions at a pharmacy in the same county as Bethesda Hospital. (Palm Beach County I believe) I was told at the hospital that you may run into problems filling a prescription for narcotic substances (your pain meds) outside the area where your Dr practices. (especially out of state) I guess this is due to prescription forgery and such??? I was able to work a deal out with Dr Grandic concerning my post op utilizing electronic media due to the fact that I was an "international" patient saving me yet a third set of airfare and hotel expenses that were not covered by my insurance.
I am not going to swim until I amabsolutely sure my incision is completely healed. (sealed up well) Last thing I want is an infection to set me back. i am probably good to go, but why chance it. I figure next weekend I should be OK to do some paddleboarding with friends. My arthritis was so bad that I could not even stand to swim before the surgery, so an extra week or two is no big deal.
Last note is my disclaimer.
As over the moon as I am with Doc Grandic and the Superpath proceedure, this is still definately major surgery and plan on being really sore for a few days. Ice packs and pain meds will be your friends. That being said, try not to be overly paranoid about the surgery. This was my first major surgery and I was nervous as hell going into this thing, so I understand if you have some trepidation. I believe that is normal for most folks. Fortunately, I was able to completely discontinue pain meds after day 10. I am blessed with a high tollerance for pain and I heal really quickly, but your results may not be exactly as mine were. Everyone is different and recover at their own pace. This is not a race or a competition, and not something that can be rushed. Your body will let you know how much you can or can not do if you listen to it. After going through the process, I can say I would trust Dr Grandic completely should I ever need additional knee or hip surgery. I know there are probably a lot of great ortho surgeons out there, but I would not use anyone else. He really knows his stuff and is very personable and caring. I have full confidence in Doc Grandic and please give him my best regards when you see him on the 28th. I don't think you could have picked a better person for the job.