Travel Post-Op

[ZoobDude 7]

I am slated to have my surgery on June 19th. I am SO dang excited, I can't even describe it (I'm guessing most people here can understand). I've waited two years to do this.

My question is this: prior to getting my surgery date, I scheduled to take my kids on a roadtrip from Washington State through Disneyland and off to the Grand Canyon. This will be a lot of driving. Right now I'm scheduled to go about 7 days after I return from Mexico (11 days post-op). My wife will be with me, but I'm worried as to whether the drive will be manageable? I'll rest for most of it and criticize her driving as co-pilot. Is 11 days going to be too soon to take that long of a drive?

Also - while I don't plan to ride space mountain, when will I be able to go onto the rides at Disneyland? Should I forgo it this summer, or if I wait a month or so, will I be able to tolerate some of the less extreme rides?

Any advice will be great. I know we're all different, but I want to make sure my kids are prepared for what their summer holiday will entail.

Thanks!

[karenb4729 309]

Well, my Dr won't let me travel for 30 days after the surgery. At 7 days you aren't even healed yet. But, I'm kind of a wimp and am having a hard enough time thinking of the pain.

[kwindham 57]

At that stage, I was tired seemed like all the time. It just depends on how well you think you can handle the fatigue & trying to learn how to eat away from home.

At 3 1/2 weeks I flew 16 hours to Big Island, HI (still here btw) My dr knew I was going before surgery & said I could travel @ 2 weeks to places where there were medical facilities. At my 3 week postop I took a list of things I wanted to do & he cleared me for everything but Scuba (to much weight) and zip lining (the brakes sling you pretty hard sometimes). However, I can snuba, hike lava fields (tough hike), snorkel, deep sea fish, parasail, swim, etc. I have to say, some of those things I wouldn't have been able to do preop, 30 lbs makes a huge difference in how you feel! I haven't had any problems yet except for finding food I'm comfortable trying in public. We have been to Outback 3 times because I can eat there ribs(ok only 1) and they are so tender they melt in your mouth!

Btw---grand canyon is awesome but last time we were there it wasn't the easiest walk along the rim. Uneven ground but they were doing work on it so it may be better now. In any case, watch where your walking and don't trip on uneven ground. Ouch!

[mzeo 11]

Dont do it leave it for another time. U still gonna be healing specially the inside .

[topgun 63]

At 7 days post op you are going to be too weak to enjoy the trip and, health-wise, I don't think it would be advisable. Your family will understand... take care of yourself first and avoid problems later.

[Mews 37]

I was pretty miserable for about a month post-op. I would recommend postponing your surgery until after the vacation. This way you can enjoy the time with your family. Also, you don't want to be anywhere too far from a good hospital in case you develop a complication.

[starsleeve 31]

I also agree it will be tough. I am 4 weeks post op and just barley starting to get back to a normal state....