Plying
Posted , 12 users are following.
I would like to escape the winter for some warmth. I am 8 weeks into left total hip replacement. Has anyone had any advice on when you can fly?
0 likes, 10 replies
Posted , 12 users are following.
I would like to escape the winter for some warmth. I am 8 weeks into left total hip replacement. Has anyone had any advice on when you can fly?
0 likes, 10 replies
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kelly1205 anna63659
Posted
Hello Anna, I was told by my surgeon it was ok to fly shorter distances at 8 weeks. I flew direct flight to Las Vegas for 2 hours and was ok during and after the flight. I took my cane with me and what wore my out the most was walking on the strip...I think as long as your flight isn't very long you should be OK, Good Luck!
hippy28 anna63659
Posted
If its any help, I had my RTHR done in January 2017 and we flew to Majorca (about 2hour flight) in June. I used flight socks to help prevent thrombosis and everything was fine. The most embarrassing part was going through the security at the airport as I set the xray machine off. I had to stand in Perspex tube with my hands above my head while I was scanned. When that was done I had to take my shoes off and I underwent a full body search. I tried telling them that I'd had a hip replacement but they weren't listening. Only when the woman scanned me with her magic wand did she say "I assume its your right hip, my fathers had that done!!!" Eventually I was allowed through and my partner who I was travelling with thought it hilarious. On the way back from Majorca I only had the scan with the magic wand and the official just asked if I had a metal implant. Much easier. I hope my experience gives you some idea. I can only speak about London Gatwick. Other airports may be different. Enjoy your winter sun
. The other option if you don't want to fly would be a cruise. I've done both. Security for the cruise was lots easier.
steve86482 anna63659
Posted
ed03050 anna63659
Posted
arlowood anna63659
Posted
I am coming up for 8 weeks post THR. I seem to recall my consultant saying that after 6 weeks you could do short haul flights maybe up to 3 or 4 hours. For flights longer than that he advised waiting for at least 12 weeks post op. Down to the risk of DVT when cooped up in a depressurised cabin I believe.
Hope this helps
shari11576 anna63659
Posted
I am almost 4 weeks post op and also a flight attendant so I can give you some advice.
It depends on your level of pain and how long the flight is. Can you sit for a long period of time? Be prepared for turbulence and not being able to get put of your seat. If you are bringing your cushion to sit on then you are not able to sit at emergency exit. Try and get a isle seat so you can get out of your seat easily. Aslo try to get the side that your hip will not be on isle as people can bump into you including the trolley!! Keep in mind how large the airport is as you could end up doing a lot of walking. You can arrange for assistance ahead of time if you feel the walk will be too much. I was told I cannt fly for 3 months by my surgeon. Some airlines ask for a Drs. note if you tell them you had major surgery. Can you swim or be in a pool now?
Hope this helps you and hope you make to to a nice warm hot spot!
anna63659 shari11576
Posted
Ducksoup anna63659
Posted
t3chiman anna63659
Posted
...any advice on when you can fly?
Hi Anna-
As others have said, the safety aspects are minimal at this point; it's mostly about comfort. If you need a wheelchair for boarding or exiting, call ahead. Otherwise, just show up with your cane and ask the agent for early boarding.
In my case, I waited a year, passed the aviation physical, and got a pilot's license. Then I could fly whenever I wanted.
HTH
Rocketman_SG6UK anna63659
Posted
Don't want to grow wings just yet ....... sorry, that's a dad's humour.
On my website I note ...
Short haul (less than 2 hours) : Between three and six weeks after your operation, confirm with your physio or consultant. Use your TED stockings.
Medium length (2 to 4 hours) : Between six and nine weeks after your operation, confirm with your physio or consultant. Use your TED stockings for the flight.
Long haul (over 4 hours) : Over twelve weeks after your operation, confirm with your physio or consultant. Consider using your TED stockings for the flight.
Remember that these are general recommendations, best option is to ask your surgeon as he may recommend different times based on your condition.