Travel after op

Posted , 6 users are following.

I'm having my gallbladder removed next Thursday, however the local hospitals waiting list was huge so being sent 70 miles away. I'm going down the night before but don't know whether to stay down for the night of the op or come home.

For those that know the area I am in Inverness and am going to Fort William which is not a great road. I'm keen to get back to my own bed but the journey is worrying me.

Any advice greatly appreciated

1 like, 11 replies

11 Replies

  • Posted

    I had to travel to Aberdeen from Inverness for my operation a few months back. I had to be at the hospital early morning, so went down the night before and although usually they let you out the same day, the surgeon kept me in overnight because he didn't want me to have to travel that far on the same day. I was released about 10am the next day and travelled back to Inverness. No problems other than usual discomfort after operation.

    If it were me and they don't keep you in overnight after the op, I would make arrangements to stay overnight someplace down there.

    Good luck!

  • Posted

    Hi Nicola 

    i live in Cornwall my local hospital is 30 miles away Truro. I came back that night but couldn't sit up in the front seat ..so laid down across the back seat and was quite comfortable .. The bumps are awkward . But you are suffering with the gas they inflate your abdomen with causing pain as it leaves you. And sitting up is more painful. Lying down I could wriggle about and was quite comfortable .. 

    Hope that helps ..

  • Posted

    Personally having had mine out in nov 2014 I would plan to stay the night. I was due to be a day case but ended up staying til late the next evening because things a little bit more difficult, not that I knew about it or felt any worse for it. I have to say I didnt suffer any great pain although did have I.v pain relief. Once home I would say discomfort not pain. I wouldn't have fancied a journey like that on day of surgery and you will proably feel more comfortable by the next day. Then back to your own bed for plenty of rest and healing. Good luck with whatever you decide.
  • Posted

    Hi, have you asked if you can stay over night. You would be better off as 70 miles is a long journey back especially when you have just had an op. I ended up having to stay in for several days. Was so glad as it reallywas a struggle for me. Best of luck.
    • Posted

      Do you need to go by car, the train station is right by the hospital. Would that be a better choice?
  • Posted

    Ask to stay over night. U will need to be on pain meds and don't need to drive. Or is there a hotel near by where u can stay until u feel better. Hats a very olny trip with no pain meds. 

    Hoping the hospital has bus services. Most do. Or even a taxi. 

    Best of luck to you on surgery day. Things will work out for you once you start the ball rolling.

    Kind Regards

    HOPE

  • Posted

    I would talk to the hospital. You haven't said but if you're driving yourself I don't think you are allowed to drive for at least 24 hours. Nor do I think you would feel able to. Sure they would be able to let you stay under the circumstances.
  • Posted

    Thanks for the replies. I have spoken to the hospital & they said that I would be discharged around 5pm and unless there's any complications should be able to travel home. Staying an extra night in hospital is not an option. My husband is driving me there and back. May look at hotels with a good cancellation policy so the choice is there depending on how I feel.
  • Posted

    Gosh, yes I think it would be wise to look at hotel even if you need to stay the night in hospital it means your husband has to go home and come back the next day. It would give you peace of mind that you are not too farfrom hospital on your first night if you feel unwell (hopefully you won't). I think that is a long journey home on day of your op even if you feel ok. If you do decide to go home take pillow etc to give you some padding for the journey.
  • Posted

    Personally would book hotel. I found it difficult trying to walk to the toilet after my op, let alone if I had was travelling home. A fair few hotels etc.. near hospital.

    Good luck to you on your op.

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