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Flying and hip precautions

Posted , 15 users are following.

kris1964
kris1964

Hi all,

I now have a date for my THR 20th June.

we have a family holiday booked for the end of August which will be 8 weeks after. This means a 4 hour flight and obviously I won't have any control over height of seats, beds, toilets and sun beds!  

The Pysios at the hospital reccomend folding hip precautions for 3 months, which seems a lot to me. I am 51 and am in relatively good shape. 

Wondering if I should cancel holiday or should I be good to go?

Has anyone travelled by plane 8 weeks post THR?  How did you get on?

will have husband and grown up boys with me so shouldn't have to lift a finger - hopefully?!

will be having uncemented hip with standard UK anterior approach. 

I have been to the joint school at the hospital but did not have a date for surgery at that time. 

Wil try and contact the hospital as well as need to make a decision in the next few days.

Getting scared now!

Thank you all for any advice 

Kris X

1 like, 27 replies

27 Replies

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  • Jacquijill79
    Jacquijill79 kris1964

    Posted

    Great advice so far.

    Another safer option would be to let the airline know you are disabled and book a disabled buggy with the airport, they will transport you on first and give you more leg room anyway.

     

  • amit473
    amit473 kris1964

    Posted

    Hey kris,

    First of all have a great weekend trip.

    Last week on 26 may my THR op. Done.

    My uncle was my surgen as he is one of the renown doctor in india specialized in ortho.

    Well i can suggest just take vare of your sitting and movement of your hip.

    I believe your physiotherapist all ready gave you do and donts instructions just follow them because some time there will be chances of damage femoral head.

    So just take care

    Cheers.

    Amit

    • kapil29494
      kapil29494 amit473

      Posted

      Hi amit, last year march end 27th march , i had my hip joint replacement operation by doctor in pune ,complication of same happened to me as foot drop , doctor told me to do exercise as the nerve heal at his own by exercise , so i m doing there is improvement in that with exercise hip joint musscles get strong , so i m doing it do you have more idea on this (foot drop)
  • steve86482
    steve86482 kris1964

    Posted

    On my first trip post replacement I almost did not make it thru airport security. I forgot to tell them about the new hip as I had forgot I had it. After 2 attempts to get thru without setting off alarms my wife, laughing, said, what about your hip. Oh yea.
    • kris1964
      kris1964 steve86482

      Posted

      You made me laugh!  Good to hear that you felt so good you forgot you had had it done!

      looking  forward to feeling that way myself!  Yes must remember to tell airport security. Just need to work out the Spanish for Hip Replacement for the way back. 😀

    • renee01952
      renee01952 kris1964

      Posted

      yes, important and also ask for wheelchair assistance , like jacqui suggested - you will pass all check-in lines, security etc ... don't be shy or feel shame okay ... you need it !!!
    • kris1964
      kris1964 renee01952

      Posted

      Good idea to ask for Airport Assistance although will feel like a right Wally!

      Airports are huge and sometimes the departure gate is miles away. Date is 20th June. Excited and nervous in equal amounts!

      Kris. X

  • annone70291
    annone70291 kris1964

    Posted

    Hi Kris. I flew to Verona 2 months after my THR. Surgeon was happy for me

    to do so as not long haul. I was fine. Like you I was in good health and had made a very good recovery from the op. And you shouldn't need a wheelchair by then as walking is good recommended exercise. 

    • kris1964
      kris1964 annone70291

      Posted

      That is what I like to hear!  I shall hope for the same. Physio said it should be fine. So positive outlook I think. Will take a cushion with me. 

      I shall look forward to my holiday now. It will be a big treat after recovery. 

      2 weeks until surgery. Eeeek!

      will let you all know how I get on. I have planned properly and am doing exercises religiously. I have read all the posts and found everyone has helpful and positive advice. 

      Thank you. Kris. X

    • whizzymaz
      whizzymaz kris1964

      Posted

      Hi Kris I am having my THR the day after you on the 21 June, also been wondering when we can get away on holiday.  Good look with yours and fingers crossed you get away at the end of August.
    • kris1964
      kris1964 whizzymaz

      Posted

      Hi. Yes I spoke to the Physio at the hospital. While they talk about hip precautions for three months. He said that they do relax them after 6 weeks and I should be fine for a 4 hour flight at 8 weeks post op. So good to go I think. Also spoke a GP friend of mine who said the same thing. Crikey not long now!  I don't know about you but my hip has got significantly worse over the last week.   Good luck. X
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