12 hour drive 10 days post-op?

[drmeow 323]

I'm pretty sure the answer is going to be no, but thought I'd ask anyway. Due to delays by the psych office in faxing over my report, and then the surgeon's office in submitting to insurance, my surgery has been delayed until mid-June at least. I am supposed to go visit my sister at the end of June, and due to a job change and other factors, there is no other time for that visit this summer. Long story but I really do have to go visit her. We will be driving and it's about 12 hours in the car. If I stop every hour to walk around is this even do-able at all? Always assuming there are no surgical complications of course.

Otherwise, I have to delay surgery until September. I know that's the most responsible thing to do, but I was so counting on getting started losing weight this summer, not spending another summer miserably hot and sweaty due to chafing, and not having the energy to do much outside.

I cannot afford to fly (my kids are going too). I may have to do all the driving, or my oldest son might come along and split it with me, but either way I would stop hourly to prevent any clots.

[esskay77 785]

Everyone is different. You should not be on pain medications by that point, so theoretically this could be doable. THe problem is that you will be very tired so driving that distance could be problematic. It will depend on if you do it all in one trip or if someone else does the driving, how many times you will stop. I would have done it but you will be tired.

[Djmohr 6,965]

I would have had no problem on a long car ride even one week later. Assuming there are no complications you should be just fine.

The most important thing will be to stay hydrated. At that stage Water is the most important thing and if you don't drink enough of it you can get sick really fast.

And of course get out and stretch every once in a while.

Enjoy your vacation....

[drmeow 323]

wow, very encouraging news so far! I did not expect that. It sounds like it will be important to have my son along for some of the driving so I can rest. That makes sense. Unfortunately we'll need to drive it all in one day most likely, due to limited time off for both of us. Of course I am still waiting on the insurance anyway so this may all be moot.

[rte837 141]

You would be fine. One week after my RNY, followed by a SBO fix, I flew from Fl. to Las Vegas. Wear TED hose, stop every 2 hours. You should be fine. My flight was about 4 1/2 hrs. NS.

[eowynmn 3]

Your biggest concern with this, and why the physician might advise against it would be a risk for throwing a blood clot. A car seat/airplane seat are the highest risk positions for this. I would Definitely discuss your plans w your doc and ask for his exercise recommendations and he might put you on something like prophylactic lovonox injections or something like that?

[Homecie 41]

I would have had no problem after a week post op. No problem if you walk and continue to walk right after surgery. On your trip, stop and walk, drink and rest. It would be no difference that sitting in your easy chair at home I would think.