Re: To & From Belgium

February 29, 2004

> LA vs Belgium. One thing that I was wondering was how long most

> folks waited to fly home after the procedure. One week post surgery

> seems fast?

Yes, it is, although some people do it. One thing that helps a lot

is to request a wheel chair at both airports (departing from Belgium,

plus your arrival airport) for the flight home. One of the big risks

of long flights is thrombosis (blood clots) in your leg, especially

after surgery. It's essential to wear your TED stockings (I would

recommend wearing them on BOTH legs, not just the operated one).

>Is it essential to fly 1st class or business for the leg room?

It certainly helps to have more leg room, especially if you are

tall. If you are stuck in economy, get an aisle seat with your

operated leg beside the aisle, for sure. Make sure that business class

actually has larger seats. On British Airways their " World Traveller

Plus " seats have immovable arm rests that contain the table and video

controls, and I actually found the seat in economy with the arm rest

raised gave me more width and caused less pressure on my hip. And I'm

not overweight, although I am almost 6 feet tall. If you are tall and

heavy, first class would certainly be a lot more comfortable.

> Are you even able to sit normally in a seat that soon after

> the operation? (Will I need a Giant Donut?)

I had brought a pillow from home, and I sat on that. I tried just

sitting in the seat, and the pain was much worse. A donut would be

helpful for using the airplane's toilet. It was impossible for me to

sit on the seat and keep my leg out straight in those tiny washrooms,

although I do have very long legs, so it might be OK if one is shorter.

>How long would you

> recommend waiting befor getting on a plane?

Dr. McMinn refused to let me fly (it was an 8.5 hour flight) until

two weeks post-op, because he believes the danger of blood clotting is

too great before that. There were a few advantages to this timing:

1)I felt a lot more steady on my feet, comfortable using the crutches,

negotiating stairs, etc., and was just in better condition after two

weeks than after one week. At one week, I was still getting car-sick

and nauseous occasionally (after effects of the anaesthetic perhaps),

so I might have had nausea on the plane as well.

2) I had my staples removed before flying (on day 12 post-op); before

removal they really hurt when I was sitting;

3) Since I wasn't at home, I didn't have to do any household chores,

(my sister did a load of laundry for us) and since I was in England, I

was motivated to get out and do as much walking as possible, in order

to see the sights. Plus the sightseeing was a nice diversion; it took

my mind off minor aches and pains during the day, increased my

appetite, and the fresh air helped me sleep. When I got home to

Vancouver's constant rain and the cooking and laundry, even though I

had some help at first, I was a lot more exhausted, and didn't have

the time or energy to do as much walking.

Of course, the disadvantage of staying longer is usually the cost.

I had free places to stay with friends, and just chipped in money for

food, hot water, etc.

Good luck with your operation; I hope you can schedule it soon.

n

rBHR Oct.03 McMinn

March 1, 2004

I didn't fly from Belgium, just Illinois back to Seattle. The first

time I flew in 6 days, that was too soon. I think I had an anxiety

attack in the hotel the night before I flew, no sleep, really

exhausted when I got home. The second time I waited 10 days and

that was much better, not really bad at all. Keep in mind though

that my flight was about 4 1/2 hours. My husband and I inquired

about first class but it was about $1,500 each compared to about

$250 economy so we ended up buying an extra seat in economy so we

had the row to ourselves and could raise all the arms and put me on

the aisle of my operated side. We also made the mistake of

requesting the bulkhead isle and the arms don't raise so we traded

with the row behind us who were delighted to have the front seats.

The first response you got was full of great info on how to avoid

DVT, I would just add to drink plenty of water the day before and

that day. If it keeps you going back and forth to the bathroom all

the better to get exercise breaks.

Mainly just tell everyone at the airport and airlines what you need

and you'll get first class service even if you aren't sitting there.

Best luck,

Barb

> I have finally come to my senses and decided to proceed with hip

> resurfacing. Thanks to everyone on this site for sharing so much

> valueable information. It's nice to know your not alone in this

> battle.

>

> I have been weighing the Pros & Cons of doing the procedure

locally

> in LA vs Belgium. One thing that I was wondering was how long most

> folks waited to fly home after the procedure. One week post

surgery

> seems fast? Is it essential to fly 1st class or business for the

leg

> room? Are you even able to sit normally in a seat that soon after

> the operation? (Will I need a Giant Donut?) How long would you

> recommend waiting befor getting on a plane?

>

> Certainly would appreciate any info/advice any fellow travellers

> could share.

>

> Thanks

March 1, 2004