Question for Dr A's patients.

How soon would you be able to fly after surgery? The dh and I got into a fight last night about surgery and so I am thinking about flying home for the 2 weeks post-op to have someone with me to help me better. I really don't know if I can count on the dh since he does tell me he will drop me off and pick me up when I ask him about visiting me in the hospital.

Kathy, check with Lois or Stacey at the office; otherwise, support at home is critical, not just for the few days post-surgery but throughout this entire journey. I don't know you or your husband but it sounds like you both have some issues that need to be dealt with to ensure optimal success for you - get an appointment with Kim Daniels - why don't both of you go in to talk with her? She's terrific and will be very supportive as well as lay out they ways in which your husband can be a good partner to you throughout. Best of luck. Maureen

Hi, My husband had his surgery in late June and Dr Aranow let him fly in late Aug...now, I don't know if this is his normal procedure for patients...I'd ask him... Like Maureen said, you absolutely NEED at home support.  There may be times when you feel weak and need a helping hand, just for re-assurrance.  Why would your husband just drop you off?  Is he afraid of hospitals himself?  Dr Aaraow would like him to be with you in the pre op area while you're waiting for your surgery, and then to speak with him out in the waiting area when you're done. Is there someone that can fly out here to be with you for the first two weeks or so?  That woudl be ideal, actually. Good luck...call/ask Dr A or Lois for sure...you never know..but, you will have an incision with tape on it, and internal sutures that will be pulling and tugging.  Where would you be flying to?  How long of a flight?  I'm not so sure you'd be physically up to flying...and, an airline might not even let you fly, by their own rules... Paula

I seriously dobut you'll be cleared to fly immediately post -op.  You will have to speak with Dr. A about it- but due to blood clot risk and probably the need for you to be present in case of complications problems and for general follow up- I can't see how it would be feasible.  Sorry. Alot of the post op care you need depends on how self sufficent you are to begin with- can you currently take care of your own personal needs?  If so- then you won't need a 24/7 nurse post op.   However, you will need a helping hand with: 1. DRIVING you to and from the hospital and all Dr. appointments 2. Someone to get your prescription meds for you 3. Possibly someone to help you change your clothes once a day- as that cen be somewhat difficult

4. Someone to keep an eye on you the first time you shower is helpful, for sure!

5. someone to watch over you now and again and make sure you're feeling OK...perhaps even someone who is just available by phone in case you desperately need something. 6. Someone who can do any heavy housework/laundry/lifting of anything for a few weeks. (including things you might drop- LOL)  You can still do light work- like dusting or perhaps a dish or two. 

Long and short of it- you aren't going to be a total invalid when you get home- but you will be uncomfortable and in need of some occasional general assistance and someone who can check on you to make sure you are well. Sounds like you and the hubby have some talking to do about this!  I feel for you- my husband wasnt 100% on board eather- but he came around. Good luck to you.

OK, I talked to the hubby and he was joking about dropping me off but you never know with him. I am trying to get Mommy (yes I call her that when I need her) to take an FMLA leave and come help out. I don't feel comfy asking the father-in-law and I REFUSE to ask the mother-in-law for anything. I doubt if the dh will help since he really didn't help too much after hand surgery. Plus, Mommy is a nurse which is a bonus. She was a great help after my partial hysterectomy (I know that's spelled wrong. I never could spell).