Is a post-op road trip possible?

[Blund 0]

Anyone had experience with this? My family is supposed to drive about 1700 miles (each way) during Spring Break. I don't have a surgery date yet, but was wondering how anyone may have survived a long car trip. I'm not so much worried about having the right soft foods or being a few days late for my 1st fill, just the comfort/pain part. I'd hate to have to say "no, I can't have the surgery until next month because I'm taking a trip...."!! Especially after all of this dang WAAAAAAAAIIIITING!!!!! :tt2:

[libra 13]

I think it would depend on how close to your surgery date the trip would be. It would also depend on how well you personally handle the surgery. I had an allergic reaction to the morphine drip and anesthesia and ended up back in the hospital two days later. I'd say as long as you're talking a week or so after, you should be okay. But I'd plan on a week of recovery time.

[minock 0]

I think the big concern is blood clots that can develop after surgery. Definitely discuss it with your surgeon. I think it's because you are in a stationery position for too long. I can image how hard it would be to put off the surgery after waiting (my date is finally Monday), however, please put your safety first.

[AAA022414 13]

I wanted to drive "home"...about 1200 miles after surgery and recover there with my family since i'm going to be taking alot of time off from work...my doctor advised me not to...the risk is too high for blood clots and if something were to happen i would be way to far away to get to him in a timely manner...so i would definetly ask your doctor. i REALLY wanted to go but i'd rather be safe and do everything i can to ensure i'll be healthy then to take a major risk and cause serious problems.

[steph_co 9]

Whew. I took a 3-hour trip home from my surgery...only 170 miles. I don't think I'd chance 1700 miles. 170 wasn't bad at all. I got out every hour to walk. I really doubt I would have felt up to being on a vacation anyway right after surgery until about 10 days post-op. Before then I felt weak, tired, and achy. I did go back to work at 4 days post-op, but that definitely wasn't for "pleasure." I would have been miserable on a vacation.

If it's 7 days or more after your surgery, then you may be okay for the roadtrip, but I would highly recommend you stop about every 2 hours to get out and let yourself walk and stretch your legs. Healthy people should do that anyway, but how many do? But I agree that asking your doctor would be the best route.