Question:
Flying for surgery

My HMO (Kaiser, No. CA) will probably fly me to San Diego for the surgery. Have any of you done that and how did you do your post-op walking?    — Shrinking M. (posted on March 29, 2004)

March 29, 2004
Mary, I flew to Spain for my surgery! I live in Oregon - so yeah, quite a flight! I just got up and walked to the bathroom once an hour. I also did lots of pedal exercises. My surgeon also has us on heparin (blood thinner) injections for 10 days after our discharge from the hospital, so that doesn't hurt either! It was actually not a bad experience at all. Lots of us who are self-pay patients end up traveling for surgery - it's pretty common! Hope that helps a little! Blessings, dina
   — Dina McBride

March 29, 2004
I flew from Las Vegas to San Diego and then drove to Ensenada Mexico. I never had any problems. If your flight is long, make sure you stand up and walk a little bit. I had a long wait at the airport on my way home....I got up every 1/2 hour to walk the length of the terminal.
   — jennap

March 29, 2004
Hi Mary, I'm flying down to San Diego for surgery on April 7th. According to Dr. Mary Murphy, we will be required to stay in town for 5-6 days after surgery {sans complications of course}. During that time we will be required to walk at least ten times daily. I'll be sure to let you know how things went. If you have any other questions about P.B., feel free to contact me. Cyn
   — CYN I.

March 30, 2004
Hi Mary, I just had my surgery in Jan 2004 flew out from Sacramento (where I live). But it was a great experience, the girls in the office take good care of you. I was in the hospital for 3 days and then put up in a hotel down the street (Sommerset) for 2 days. How I did my walking, I started right away the first day. I walked a couple laps at a time. trying for a total of 8 laps ina day. I just walked as much as I could, and it really does help with the pain control, I thought that was BS but it was not. The nurses are fantastic and very helpful. Once at the hotel I just started walking up to the hospital from the hotel and then to the Drs ofc. It wasn't far but i just needed to have goals. Good luck, it is well worth it.
   — lstinson