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Travel Question

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missyc

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Hello all,
I'm scheduled to go on a business trip -- to a conference in San Francisco -- exactly 12 weeks after my BTKR surgery. I live in NYC. My Dr. cleared me, but I'm not sure. At this point (7 weeks postop) it seems impossible to predict how I'd fare on a 6 hour flight, plus dealing with a suitcase, etc.
I know we're all vastly different in our recoveries, but I'm interested to know people's opinions on traveling that kind of distance at that point in recovery.

Thanks!
 
I live in Champaign Illinois at 6 weeks I did a driving trip to Cincinati and then at 9 weeks
I flew to Disneyworld in Orlando. On both of these trips the trip was less of an issue
that the strenuousness of what I did while there. I ended up a doing a lot of evening
icing and elevation (more than I was doing at the time).

Now my word of advice. Flying to Orlando from Champaign is a 30 minute flight and
a 2 hour flight. I left myself plenty of time to be able to do a hand check at security
and booked a longer layover so I didn't have to be running through Ohare. I also booked an
aisle seat and did frequent strolls up and down the aisle to make sure I didn't get
DVT (which you're even more prone to after surgery).

The luggage issue depends on how you want to play it. I checked as much
as possible so all I had was a computer knapsack to deal with at the plane change.
Then then checked suitcase had wheels so all I had to do is get to the bus.

If you're working full time I don't know I would let the trip hinder you, but of course
I don't know you're situation. Of course I assume you can get a direct flight to SFO from
some NYC airport. The other problem is that depending on what your employers pays
for SFO to the city is a bit of a trek and there are busses, vans and cabs. And you should
make sure you could get to/from your hotel, not some public place half a mile downhill
from where you want to be. Eat some cioppino for me.
 
I was told by my surgeon that I could go no more than a 100 miles for 3 months. They also told me no flying until then. I live in So. Calif and wanted to fly to the Bay area to see my dtr (a very short flight) and they said no. He rold me the risk of blood clots was still too high at that point. He told me if it was an emergency, I would have to take Lovenox before and after.
I can't imagine how you survived Disney World with all that walking. MY endurance for walking is bad and I get shin splints! Anyone else having that problem. Thanks...
 
Thanks everyone. So interesting how different surgeons give such different info.
It's a great point about the transportation, but I use Access-a-ride here in NYC (its for disabled people who can't take public transportation, so it costs the same as the subway but they give you a ride in a van). They will take me to the airport here and apparently it's a federal program so there should be one in SF too. Which would probably solve many of my issues.
Anyway, thanks again! Melissa
 
Missy-
I am 3 months out on rtkr. When I signed up for this - travel was a big issue. I think my OS is very conservative overall and that might be why I had several travel restrictions. Airplane travel was out of the questions -unless extreme emergency - for 6 months. Long car rides were also banned - again - if necessary for emergency - he made it clear that we would have to take 30 minute break every 1 hour. He has always been concerned about blood clots - even back to my earlier scopes. Part of our issue is that unless you are flying in state the minimum flight is 3 or 4 hours in length just to get to Seattle. And if you are flying in state you are more than likely flying in a very small plane and you need to be able to be a pretzle to get in some of them. Driving is similar. An hour to town is ok, but if going down to Kenai or up to Fairbanks - plan on multiple rest stops.

Somewhere on this site it was recommended that you carry zip lock bags. That was a great idea. Prior to surgery I used that for when I travelled. You can always find ice. Also throw in an ace bandage to make the bag stay put. On a plane its easy to get ice - I don't think they are charging for that yet!


I would pack light, definitely wheelie bags and when you make reservations or at check in keep asking about the bulkhead rows- make sure they know you have just had surgery. And if you have the miles this is the time to bump yourself to 1st class. I had that opportunity this summer and it was so much easier on my knee. Also - although I hate them - those crazy white sox would probably be a good idea.


Have a blast!
Marianne
 
Actually it might sound contraintuitive but if you don't have a problem
with your carry on, you might consider getting a non-direct flight. It would break
up the 6 hour flight into a 2 and a 4 hour flight - which would give you a chance
to take a walk and sit around with your leg up. And don't be afraid to do what is
necessary. I once hurt my back before a business trip, and spent time in
waiting area with my back on the floor and my legs on the seat - would work
for swelling as well.
 
I have a lot of back misery and when traveling this summer with my 2 youngest kiddos I also layed on my back on the floor. I just wasn't smart enough to put my feet on a chair.
Judy
 
I am at 16 weeks now and my doc gave permission to travel after 12 weeks. I have been on one trip from Memphis to Tampa. The only thing I was told to do was get up about every 30 minutes and walk down the aisle and back just to keep my knee active. I was able to get a bulk head from Tampa to Memphis but had an aisle seat on the way down to Tampa. All went well and knee did fine. It was a little stiff after getting off the plane but that was all. Good luck with your trip.

Dale
 
Update from the plane itself! In case anyone's still looking at this old post -- I am currently on my return flight from SFO to JFK (wifi in the air). So far it's been fine. I am really glad I arranged for a wheelchair at JFK b/c the path to the gate was pretty long. I also requested bulkhead seats which saved my life. I'm still achey even with the extra leg room but it's tolerable.

I'm 13 weeks post BTKR, by the way and had to fly cross country on business. I definitely pushed a little too much on my trip, but I'm VERY glad I went. Partly b/c I'm a restless type and have been stuck at home way too long since the surgery.
 
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