Hello again. I am a Canadian woman who flew to Phoenix Arizona to pay to have my hip replaced because I couldn't wait the 6 months in Canada. I am one week and 2 days post op. It has really taken me for a loop and to be honest I knew there would be lot of pain but this no energy/sluggish felling is what concerns me. I am suppose to fly home Tuesday night at 8....I am dreading the long journey but also know I would love to get home as I feel I would heal better there....Does everyone think that is a good idea? Should I stay a couple of extra days so it is 2 weeks post op? Would that really make a difference? From the surgeons side I am good to go. Thoughts?? I appreciate any advice as I feel quite vulnerable having never experienced anything like this....Thank you all in advance!!!!!!
Apparently flying after hip surgery can cause serious problems
Hi
It took me almost 2 weeks to get over the sluggishness mainly caused by the anaesthetic and the assault on my body but it does get better, I am 3 weeks along now but still get hit by tiredness when I do a bit too much, Dont know how long the flight is but I would think by Tuesday you will be feeling better and I am sure if you let the airline know you will get help too. Good luck
Julie
Hello and welcome to this forum.
I am very surprised that you would be allowed to fly straight after this op? I know you must so much want to be back home. If you are OK to fly you will be fine at home..altho a bit wobbly physically and emotionally for a coule of weeks. I am now almost 3 months post op..can't believe it...I was worried about coming home as on my own but managed very well if frustratingly as I kept dropping stuff and grabbers not always as efficent! RE pin as there is some even if just form the op as it is a deep deep wound..painkillers should control it. If you have the chance to stay put for another week I would suggest you do..
Let us know..
Ali 2
Hi ...I would stay over at least untill the dressing comes off as you are very nearly there, and ask the docs how it is and what the risks are from flying, it must be the sitting and the comptression and the getting around in the airport, it could all be too much on crutches, perhaps, that is the worry I would wait another week in a designated rehab place if you can afford it.
Keep us posted as to how it goes and what the experts advise please. Ian.
Flying can cause dvt in veins and clots. The nhs says not to fly for 3 month after hip surgery
I would think the biggest concern on a flight would be blood clots.
be sure to question surgeon, and perhaps put off flying for a couple or 3 weeks.
I deffo agree with you. You might even need to get a certificate of flight
HI Savy:
I thnk the sluggishness you are feeling my be a reaction to the anaesthesia. I remember that when I had surgery on my hand in San Francisco in 1987, I was given a local and sedation. I was sluggish for days after. The body also goes into shock and tries to repair itself. Also this is quite major surgery, and there is blood loss that is replaced, but that is an added burden on your system. You still have a few days, and by Tuesday, you may feel well enough to travel. So rest and relax while you are in hospital, and if you still feel unfit to travel, say so.
All the best,
Susie
Wear compression socks and stand and walk around alot, and take a blood thinner/aspirin, DVT very common after THR....Good Luck, have a safe trip...
So agree and was told it is the hippie blues....
Ali 2
Hi there.....I am also Canadian....live in the Yukon Territory and had my THR 3 weeks ago today in Edmonton, AB. I was out of the hospital on day 3....stayed two nights in a hotel and flew to Whitehorse on day 5...had to land in Calgary first...but didn't get off....total flight time about 3 hours...and then i endured a 5 hour drive the next day to Dawson.....no problem....
I do suggest you fly in either the front row or exit row that has extra legroom...and get a window seat so you can lean against it. I had to stand up every 20 min to take pressure off. I took a hip cushion...but ended up using it under my feet and not on my seat (i am short). For the drive the next day i put all the seats down in my suv and put down a mattress... sat for the first 1.5 hours and laid on the mattress for the rest of the trip...with leg elevated and pillows supporting both sides so not to wobble. I have to say the mattress was a brilliant idea and it was the most comfortable in the 5 days since surgery.
I arranged for a wheel chair in the airports....but ended up using my crutches as it felt better to stand than sit...and putting carryons/pillows in the wheelchair. I had my husband with me to help - there is no way i could have done the trip on my own.
Best of luck,
Mel
Oh and also....blood clots are a concern ...but my doc put me on blood thinners for a month so he ok"d it. I was told it is best to do your flight travel in the first 2 weeks from one dr. but when i asked about doing my 6 week follow-up by telehealth from home with a dr and a physio here...my surgeon said I ablsolutely had too be at the appointment in person...and gave me extra blood thinners to take starting 2 days before i come for the 6 week apt. Seems there is differing opinions on the matter.
Hello!... This is a great sight! What a trip you endured.....Thanks for some tips for example a cushion for the flight. I cannot get over how vulnerable I feel with this surgery. We (my daughter and I) are set to fly home Tuesday night. Originally I was to have the surgery on Nov 11 but had a sore throat so it was held off a week. It messed everything off but I felt better being safe.....My husband is in Ontario working and couldn't stay longer.....Anyway how are you doing? I have said on this forum that the surgery wiped me out way more than I anticipated but I am on the road to recovery. Thanks for your input....
The surgeon had me start blood thinners once I was out of the hospital which would have been last Sat. So you have to fly back for your 6 week?
This is a process that is for sure!!!!!
Thanks....I realize that I must have effects from blood loss as I look so pale......It's been a real journey and I assumed it would be a faster recovery but after reading many comments I accept to go with the flow and everything just takes time.
Are u flying home or long road trip? Both wouldn't be a good idea. Are u taking blood thinning meds to avoid dvt?
Hi Savy,
Go with what feels right to you . ...if you still feel you are not up to the trip, postpone it for a couple of days ... it is a good thing that your daughter is with you ...
ask for wheelchair assistance at airport - hopefully you'll be assigned a seat with extra leg space-
big warm hug ... it will be okay - have faith
renee
I am doing pretty good I think...although i feel i have taken a few steps backward in the past few days in terms of pain. I woke up this morning with a cold so that probably explains it. I use a walker on the main floor of my house and use crutches to get upstairs to my bed. I actually upgraded to using one crutch about 5 days ago because the walker is so bulky, but switched back after having more hip pain. Not sure if it was from the one crutch or overdoing it with exercises. Sounds like it is normal for some to have up and down days. I nap when i need to and find icing a few times a day makes a big difference in taking that butt cheek ache away. Hardest thing for me is not bending over and keeping the "right" angles. It is getting better. During the two weeks i found it more comfortable to stand than sit but it is getting more comfortable now. I was pretty exhausted before surgery so am taking advantage of the down time. Everything can wait....don''t want to undo what we have been waiting so long for! Yes, i have to go back to Edmonton (fly) for appointment on December 14. Best of luck!
Thank you Renee....I am feeling a little but bagged today as I feel my leg legnth is a fair bit out. One tries not to complain as at times I feel my thoughts are so negative. When I bend my knees they are really different. Oh well happy thoughts......