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Flying after surgery tips

Posted , 12 users are following.

gina1111
gina1111

i will be having my first hip replacement next week. This will be my fourth hip surgery; previous were Labral tear repairs.  Im going to fly to another state to have it done, and will be flying home 7 days after. The flight will be just under 4 hours. Any helpful tips on what to use to comfortably (lol) sit for that long or any other tips with flying? It will be a posterior approach.  Much appreciated!

0 likes, 27 replies

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  • steve86482
    steve86482 gina1111

    Posted

    My Surgeon told me no flying for 2-3 months. At 7 days I had a hard time just getting in bed and making it to the bathroom. I did fly for 3 hours at 3 months. Still a bit still when the plane landed. I guess it can be done but I would not recommend it. Then again 47 years ago I was flown from Vietnam Nam to California after a week.
  • Rocketman_SG6UK
    Rocketman_SG6UK gina1111

    Posted

    Oh my goodness, I just KNOW that I would not be fit to fly so soon after this major surgery.   I waited 9 months before venturing into an aircraft.
  • gina1111
    gina1111

    Posted

    Thank you everyone who replied. I'm hoping I am replying to everyone and you can see this post (my first post).

    Yes, my Dr knows I am flying home. I'm going to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester Minnesota. First class wasn't an option because the seats are the same, so it wouldn't make a difference.  We did get an upgraded coach seat (which is the same seat leg room etc,. as a first class seat on the airplane.) i got the seat next to the window so I can diagonally put  my leg out. I'm 5'4 125 lb so I'll have some more legroom an someone like my husband.   I have already told the airline I'll need assistance from my rental car through security on on/off plane. Is there a certain pad, cushion, etc to make sitting more comfortable? I bought a hip replacement tool kit but the high pad seems so hard. going to buy the socks today, thanks! 

    • AnnieK
      AnnieK gina1111

      Posted

      Yes, we can read your post, Gina! Your doctor approves, so good luck with this! As others have said, I considered myself doing well getting home from the hospital via car at 4 days post-op and then just being able to get to my bathroom (with high toilet seat) from my bedroom, and maybe to the dining room and back again at 7 days. Others do much better than I did, but you never know ahead of time how those first few weeks of recovery will go. 

      I trust that you have a system for who to see if you have any problems or questions that require an appointment when you are at home. And you must be seen by someone for follow-ups. My follow-ups were at 2 weeks, 6 weeks and 13 weeks.

       

    • steve86482
      steve86482 gina1111

      Posted

      Make sure you tell TSA that you have an artificial hip. I forgot and got the patti g down of my life.
    • renee01952
      renee01952 gina1111

      Posted

      hi gina, 

      I believe that those special cushions are supposed to be firm to keep your hip straight - not comfortable but those airline seat are not comfy to begin with .. 

      If your surgeon has cleared you for air travel than you're good to go .. it won't be so pleasant but I can imagine that going home is worth it ..

      good luck an please come back here to let us know how you are getting on, okay ...love to have you here 

      big warm hug

      renee

       

    • suep67
      suep67 gina1111

      Posted

      Hi Gin

      I just wanted to say good luck with it all, i had a TLHR 3yrs ago unless things have changed you could fly for at least 3mths risk of a DVT (bloodclot) I couldn't handle sitting in a car for more than 20mins without causing me pain. Im honestly shocked that your surgeon is letting you fly so soon. I wish you well and good luck in hopefully it all works out for you.

  • ann43383
    ann43383 gina1111

    Posted

    Hi Gina, same as everyone else, I can't imagine it. Surely the risk of DVT is heightened too when flying so early. Hate to say it, but of course your surgeon agrees because you are paying him to do the op and you are the one who will suffer. If you go ahead with your plans, I hope you will be ok. 

  • gina1111
    gina1111

    Posted

    Just an update. Surgery went well, first week recovery went well, with some lows of course. And surprisingly, flying 7 days after surgery wasn't  too bad. I wore compression socks, took my daily aspirin and had my pain meds throughout the flight.  I was more uncomfortable and fidgety mostly.  I had an egg crate cushion to sit on, and a small back pillow for the corner of the back, seat. Did my foot pumps the whole time (because I was nervous). I had wheelchair service to the airplane door and when I got out. And I didn't use the restroom in the plane, even though the flight attendants said they would get my crutches if I needed them.  Thanks for the helpful little tips you all offered, I took them all and I think it helped make my flight a success. 

    - Gina

    • judith12644
      judith12644 gina1111

      Posted

      Oh I'm so pleased that the flight was ok and you're doing well! Onwards and upwards!

    • AnnieK
      AnnieK gina1111

      Posted

      How wonderful that the surgery went well and that you are home safe!
    • madla39168
      madla39168 gina1111

      Posted

      Hi , pleased surgery went okay and you back home safe.

      Madla

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