Question:
Has anyone had to travel by plane shortly after their surgery 3 to 4 weeks.

I have a friend getting married about 3 weeks after my surgery and i ll need to fly is this going to be a problem?    — David A. (posted on January 12, 2001)

January 12, 2001
I dont see where this would be a problem, unless, of course you have complications with surgery. I've known many people who fly out of state to have surgery. They fly home as soon as a week postop... Good luck to you!! ---->>
   — [Deactivated Member]

January 12, 2001
I flew out of state to have my surgery. My surgery was on a Friday, I got out of the hospital the following Wednesday and got on the plane on Friday to return home. My pain medication made the traveling bearable. The plane was very full and I think only one seat was open (it turned out to be the seat next to me) so I was lucky to not be crowded.
   — newmexico

January 12, 2001
I flew out of town 2-3 weeks after surgery and didn't have any problem at all. I just asked someone to lift my luggage at baggage claim off the carousel and explained that I couldn't lift over 10 lbs. My luggage was on wheels and I recommend you use the same. Good luck.
   — Beth W.

January 12, 2001
I live in Dallas & had my surgery in San Antonio. I am self-pay (cash) since my company is self-insured & elected NOT to pay for the surgery. I flew home and it was my 5th day post-op. My surgeon told me it wouldn't hurt me. My children got a wheelchair at the airport and wheeled me around. I did well....be sure to get a seat belt extender to keep from being too uncomfortable.....GOOD LUCK!
   — Thom C.

January 12, 2001
I had my surgery out of town and flew back home at 3 weeks post op. I could have come home right away, actually right at discharge from the hospital which was four days post op. I was able to stay longer (out of town) because I had family there and didn't have to spend any money for a hotel or what not. People travel all the time. Sometimes it may be a bit unpleasant so just be sure to take pain medicine (even if you only are a little bit uncomfortable) It is good insurance!! Let the airline people know that you had major surgery and will need to board the plane first so that you don't get jostled around and can get settled in more easily. Also have the atendants call ahead for a electric cart to bring you from the plane to baggage claim. Don't think that you can walk all over the place. You can but should conserve your energy and sometimes when you think that you can manage you could poop out mid way down the corridor and what seemed a short hike before may not feel the same!! As in all things, be practical and reasonable and do not be afraid to go out of town. It is done all the time for treatments much more involved than our "little old operation" :-)
   — Fran B.