I'm nearly 4 weeks and progressing at a normal and steady pace. Before the op consultant said 'no long haul flights for 3 months'. So, I've booked my return to work in Abu Dhabi for the 12th week but I haven't booked flights yet. I only go for a week and have always found it tiring as I'm on my feet everyday training a group of 20 people over 4 days. This combined with long walks in airports and jet lag from time difference, I'm wondering if I've been too ambitious. Would appreciate your thoughts before I commit to flights etc.
i Laura
3 months seems rather quick but hey, everyone is different and recovery is quicker for some, but I would not rule it out, what about hiring one of those little disabled scooters, I still hire one when I go abroad, I usually pay the price with too much walking and find I have to rest up next day which you wont be able to do in your job. the other alternative is airport assistance, don't be shy about this trust me those long walks in airports can take their toll
Regards May
Thank you, haven't ever considered a little disabled scooter. Can they be lifted in and out of taxis ? I had to use help in airport pre-op so may do so again. I wonder when I'll be strong enough to do all the walking without suffering the next day? I know everyone is different and we all bring a different amount of baggage pre op.
I thinkyouhave been rather ambitious because if you swellings in your legs it will l get worse with a long flight, and would you be allowed to walk round? I would think very hard about and take advice from the surgeon
Also remember long fights produce blood clots in the legs in normal healthy people.
Hi Laura, its a 7hr flight from Mcr so you must wear anti-embolic stockings for the flight, I would also go at least 2 days prior to working so you can let the swelling go down. I travel to UAE frequently with Etihad and leg room is not as good as some airlines unless you can use your airmiles to upgrade to BC for a few flights.
My advice would be to delay your return to work until 16wks. Best wishes, Dot.
Thanks Dot, I go there about 4 times a year and always wear the stockings but I am beginning to think that I need to tell them sooner rather than later that end of August is too soon. Unless they can provide an assistant for the duration of the programme which may be a possibility. May also be worth speaking to Etihad or BA about what they can suggest to help. Xx
Hi Laura
Regarding the scooter, some of the bigger taxis will be able to carry it no problem, there are light weight ones too i'm sure you can hire anyway, ginger said even healthy people get clots on the flight which is true in minority. You have probably made up your mind by now anyway what you want to do, by i'm rooting for you if you decide to go, you mention training students, does that mean you have to be on your feet the whole time, a wheelchair can be hired and delivered to your place of work, people will understand if you have to use it and hopefully your boss too