Fying Post Surgery

[matti]

I'm wondering if anyone has any advice when flying back from surgery. I'm scheduled for r. hip resurfacing with Dr. Gross in August and am getting ready to book a flight. Should I request a bulkhead seat? Should I try to book a non-stop flight?

Thanks,

Matti

[roosevelt heights]

Depending on the airline, some charge an extra fee for bulkhead or emergency row seats...some are only booked the day of the flight via the counter at check-in, so I would contact your airline and ask...

[Lopsided]

I'm wondering if anyone has any advice when flying back from surgery. I'm scheduled for r. hip resurfacing with Dr. Gross in August and am getting ready to book a flight. Should I request a bulkhead seat? Should I try to book a non-stop flight?

Matti, I hope you can get a good seat. I have got a flight book for a couple of weeks after my operation, and the airline have not been too helpful so far. They have just said that I should ask when I check in.

I think you should get a non stop. The less messing around with airlines and the quicker you can get home the better.

D.

[Pat Walter]

When I scheduled my flight from Ohio to Belgium and back, I told them I was having a hip replacement.  United Airlines gave me a normal seat going, but a free upgrade to a bulkhead seat returning.  I really liked it coming back since I could actually stand up and stretch at my seat.  There is quite a bit more room in the bulkhead seat.  You just need to talk with the airlines yourself and see what you can do.  I flew 4 years ago.  The flight was 8 1/2 hours and I got up and walked every hour.  I had to give myself extra shots of heprin in my stomach before my flight.  I was also able to use the handicapped restroom using the bulkhead seat. That was a bit larger and easier during the longer flight.  They put my crutches away during take off, then gave them back to me during the flight.

Pat

[Jerome Arnold]

Hello Matt,
I just had my surgery on 23 June 2010.  Dr. Gross was also my surgeon and I opted for the BioMet uncemented recap.  So far I am feeling wonderful.  With each day I am feeling stronger.  Now to answer your question.  I live in California, I flew from Raliegh, NC to Tennessee, to California.

I would recommed the following:
-  Purchase Immodium just in case...why you will be given a stool softeners post surgery and you may ingest foods or drink that may affect your bowl movements.  I may case, I had a productive response to the above to day before my return to home.  The immodium was immediately affective and I had no issues on my way home.
-  I waited to fly 4 days after surgery.  I think this made my travel much more tolerable
-  Ice the night before and the day of your flight
-  Columbia, SC is about an 90 minutes from Charlotte International and over four hours from Raleigh's airport.  Where ever you are departing, stay at a hotel in the city in which you are departing from.  This was a huge benefit as I was minutes away from the airport.
-  Communicate in advance to your air carrier that you are recovering from surgery.  They will arrange for wheel chair transport and will also facilitate your processing through TSA.  I used Southwest and they were incredibly kind and efficient.
- Even through you will have priority seating (meaning you should be able to board early), get to be the first to board and select your seat.  I sat in the first row, aisle seat, right side as my operative hip was my left.  This enabled me to extend my left leg.  I also stood, kneeled on the seat and bowed resting my hands on the arms of the seat.  It sounds unpleasant, but it really was not that bad...
-  If you can afford it, business class or first class may be an option

Safe Travels,

Jerome

[matti]

Thanks for all your help! I ended up booking a non-stop flight out of Charlotte NC and will be taking a shuttle to the airport- They've given me a bulkhead seat and the ride to the airport is 90 mins.  Will definitely ice and take immodium.