Question:
4 1/2 hours away from Surgeon should I travel after release or stay

We live 41/2 hours away from the BTC center in Belvidere that I plan to have my surgery. My husband and I have discussed me staying at a Extended Stay hotel after the surgery to ensure if I have any problems that my Dr. can help. Any advice on travel 3 days after, I know several of you have travelled to go home, but I don't think I found anyone that rode more than 3 hours in a car. Please help me try and make this decision. Hugs:o) Kimberly    — Kimberly B. (posted on May 16, 2003)

May 16, 2003
Ultimately its a question only your surgeon can answer. Im general get up and walk at leasyt 10 minutes for every hour traveling to help minimize blood clot risks. Long periods ofd sitting can be dangerous. Our surgeon requires anyone living 2 hours or more away to stay in the immediate area for 10 days till the first follow up appointment. You dont want to be 4 hours away when you first get out of the hospital. Stay safe and ask your doc.
   — bob-haller

May 16, 2003
Many surgeons require that their patients stay in the area for 1 to 2 weeks after surgery. Be sure to check with your surgeon to see what they require.
   — [Deactivated Member]

May 16, 2003
Kimberly, My surgeon requires anyone who lives more than 45 minutes away to stay in town for at least two or three days after they are released from the hospital just to make sure everything is ok. Most stay at the hospital hospitality house and only stay a couple of days. He even made me stay after my tummy tuck - for 10 days - I live 3 hours away and have a transportation problem. Be sure to talk with the doctor about what you should do.
   — Patty_Butler

May 16, 2003
Four hour trip for me - was released a day early BUT I had zero complications and was extremely healthy to start with. I think it would depend on your state of health prior to the surgery and how well you come through it. Make sure you take some cool water with you for the trip though and stop as often as you can to walk a bit.
   — [Deactivated Member]

May 16, 2003

   — Jazzy

May 16, 2003
I lived 4 hours awy from my surgeon/hospital. He kept me in hospital for 6 days following DS surgery. He suggested I stay in hotel nearby for 7 days after release. I had my first followup appt and then left town, stopping every hour to walk, in order to avoid blood clots. It was worth the peace of mind. Good luck.
   — Leslie E.