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Traveling after an abdominal myomectomy

Posted , 7 users are following.

alexyyz
alexyyz

Hi everyone, 

I am looking for advice/experience from people who have had a laparotomy/abdominal myomectomy. I am having the surgery on Dec 6th, and wondering about traveling Dec 23rd, it would be a 2.5 hour plane ride, and I'd be with my family the whole way so would have plenty of help. My surgeon says it's technically OK, but that I might just not feel up for it/it might be very uncomfortable. Anyone have any thoughts on this? How did you feel 2.5 weeks after your surgeries?

Thanks smile !!!

1 like, 15 replies

15 Replies

  • sufa83890
    sufa83890 alexyyz

    Posted

    I guess it depends on the size of Fibroid (How long the incision will be). That will determine how fit you will be after the operation. 
    • alexyyz
      alexyyz sufa83890

      Posted

      I have 3  large ones, I think the biggest is about 10cm, my surgeon said she will try to do it laparoscopically but will likely have to make a mini "bikini cut", so I don't totally know yet...

    • sufa83890
      sufa83890 alexyyz

      Posted

      A Friend of mine has just has a similar surgery 2 weeks ago (Keyhole and mini incision) she is recovering very well.Quicker than I  as my cut goes right across the Bikini line. But she still has to take it really easy. It depends how you feel after the surgery. It is really hard to judge beforehand what you will feel like or how your body will adjust. My insurance said that I am not allowed to fly for 3 months. Thats also something to consider. 
    • alexyyz
      alexyyz sufa83890

      Posted

      Oh interesting about the insurance, that's definitely something to look into. Thanks for your input!

  • Jazzydelreal
    Jazzydelreal alexyyz

    Posted

    Hi,

    I'm having myomectomy November 7th also. My friend had one 6 months ago, and she advised that she had trouble going to the bathroom. She needed to get a lot of rest. She said not to be suprise if you feel boloated and gassy. Also, she did take a 6 weeks off from work, because during that time she got an infection, but was controlled immediately, so you want to ask the doctor for time off, just in case there is some complications. Btw, I am driving 6 hours to my surgery but will be resting in a hotel after the surgery, dr. said it would fine. I hope this helps. 

  • Cecile914
    Cecile914 alexyyz

    Posted

    I had my surgery 6/20. My fibroid was 11cm. Like one said the bloating/gassy/heavy feeling requires rest. But something else to consider is you will be fresh from surgery with your scar and germs are plenty on planes. On top of that if you have the bikini scar like I do the plane seatbelt would be resting possibly on your scar and turbulence would be a factor.  Sorry just want you to gave the things to consider
  • heather34376
    heather34376 alexyyz

    Posted

    Just something else to consider may insurance don't like you flying for 3 months due to the whole surgery blot clot / flying blot clot issue. Consider & research to avoid any complications. Best Wishes x

  • f91864
    f91864 alexyyz

    Posted

    It depends on how your surgery goes, I had abodominal myomectomy and started feeling better at 3 weeks. Most people who have this type of surgery have swelling for sometime around the incision and lower energy levels and usually need pain killers for at least 2 weeks. If you are reasonably fit before the surgery i.e. someone who exercises regularly and has healthy eating lifestyle then your recovery could be quick. Also it depends how many fibroids are being removed and how large. I had 32 removed so needed a lot of rest in the first 2 weeks with daily short walks. If you can book your flights after the surgery that may be a better time as you'll know then whether you feel strong enough. Because abdominal myomectomy is considered major surgery, 6 weeks is usually stated as the period for recovery. Good luck with your surgery.

  • claudia58302
    claudia58302 alexyyz

    Posted

    Honestly, I wouldn't of. But if you decide to, ensure you mobilise well after surgery, drink plenty of water and wear compression stockings as you will have increased risk of DVT.

    Personally after undergoing abdominal myomectomy I still felt very sore and easily tired at 2.5 weeks. That is very early days from major surgery. I don't know what the trip entails but you may not feel up to much! You need rest as you heal. Tip - take a pillow for underneath the belt and wear something which does not sit tight over the incision.

    All the best, hopefully you are able to have laparascopic surgery!

    • alexyyz
      alexyyz claudia58302

      Posted

      Thanks Claudia, yeah the more I read post-surgery blogs and your responses and just thinking about it, the more I'm leaning towards no. It also seems like it would be really hard with insurance...I was just hoping to go because it's a trip to Florida, and I live in Canada, and the idea of recovering laying in the SUN was very appealing cool, but not at the expense of feeling worse or having complications...

    • sufa83890
      sufa83890 alexyyz

      Posted

      Florida! How nice. You are however making the right decision to stay home. Honestly it is what you will need.
    • claudia58302
      claudia58302 alexyyz

      Posted

      I know when I was recovering the recliner was the most appealing place. Haha. If you have doubts don't do it.

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