Posted , 8 users are following.
Hi folks. It's been 16 weeks since my bilateral TKR's on Mar 21. I have travelled for a fee hours by car and paid a price of stiffness, pain and it took me a couple of days to improve. Now my Asia flight looms and I would love tips on how to cope on a 8.5 hr flight. I do not drink booze. I know to drink water snd walk around but I would love to hear from others who have flown within 6 months of a TKR and how they coped. Tks x
0 likes, 7 replies
chris01382 lyn32416
Posted
Site mucking around you make get this more than once this is my second attempt If you are in the Uk have you asked for airport asitance to the steps of the plane they wish you through and you don't have to stand around which takes it toll also if it's not to late can you get extra leg room if so pillows to lift your leg to hip height is the very best it's the hanging down that causes the pain bit hard to take a pillow maybe worth looking on Amazon for inflatables and of course take little walks maybe worth asking your do. If you should wear flight socks if he can't provide I think you can buy at airport
Hope I haven't said stuff you know about have a fantastic trip ooo in flight have a plastic bag with you I'm sure they'll have ice they can let you have which will also help C
lyn32416 chris01382
Posted
jo15573 lyn32416
Posted
shannon95042 lyn32416
Posted
Hi. I flew at week 7 post op & have flown 5 hours each month since then. Bilateral...WOW! You can call the airlines & book a cart to take you to the gate and have a cart or wheel chair pick you up to take you to baggage claim. I'd call ASAP to book that both ways. I upgraded so I was in the first row & could keep my leg elevated. I also iced twice on the flight & the stewardess was more than happy to make ice packs. Take your meds to help with the pain & swelling. Have a great trip!
Oldfatguy1 lyn32416
Posted
That's about the only things that I can think of other than the support hose. ((white surgical over the calf). They can help with circulation. Be sure and start your hydration process.at least 24 hrs befoe flight time. Its not going to be a the most pleasant trip you ever took but with walking the aisles every hour you can cut down a lot of discomfort. Enjoy your trip and try not to worry about what might be. One thing to try and time, bathroom Trips. With the extra hydration try and watch for short lines availability. We had one of those touchy situations on a trip back to the States from Amsterdam. A lady apparently was very dehydrated and was in long line to the bathroom. When she finally got very close to her turn she passed out right in front of the door. The guy in the lavatory couldn't get out and no one could get arond her. They had to get her back on her feet to get the line moving. Lots of very uncomfortable people in line and one very embarrassed lady that rec a lot of unwanted attention the rest of the trip.
Wish I could offer you more. Others on here will be of more help, I'm sure.
joyce_61477 lyn32416
Posted
Hi Lynn,
I too had a bilateral TKR in March 2015. I agree with everyone's advice regarding getting a seat on the aisle and one with more leg room. I flew at 10 and 12 weeks...and I know the stiffness early on...no fun. I needed a w/c to make my gate. But by 6 mo I was zipping independently through the airport. So it's not forever. Get up often on the plane. Also, my mad recommended taking a baby aspirin starting a few days before and a few days after the flight . By the way my flight was 6 hours.
Good luck....just takes time.
Take care
Joyce
lyn32416
Posted
Thank you all for the great information. I didn't think about many of the tips and I am very grateful to you folks for replying. I met a guy this morning, on my puppy walk. He was my age and said he had NO pain at all from his TKR in Feb 2016. I told him he was unique and that he should be very grateful. That there are thousands of people, all over the world who are still suffering pain. Some folks are so fortunate.
Every day I am improving and I remain hopeful of a complete recovery. Travel is a big part of my life and your help is very much appreciated! Xx
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