Plying

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!

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.

4 hour flight after 11 weeks 

Get clearance from your surgeon

Hi Anna

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

Good Morning,

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!

Could you fly before the hip surgery?  Sorry but I was in a bicycle accident once an in route to the hospital in an ambulance.  While gaining my consciousness and not remembering even who I was but remembering that I had an impending ski trip to Tahoe, I was apparently saying this over and over and the ambulance crew was responding the same as I Have done.  Actually you should call your physician office.

...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

 

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.