Hi! New to this site. Looking for some advice and tips about a possible roadtrip. Surgery is 12/15 and I want to go on a 9 hr drive for a few days for new years. So 2 weeks post op. What are the things i need to worry about or maybe avoid? Thanks

Is the trip a straight 9 hour drive or leisurely? You will need to stretch, nap, and stay hydrated - sip almost constantly. Can you lie down for part of it or are you traveling alone? Not moving around will make your digestion slow down, and any constipation worse. I don't think I could have done 9 hours at once and I had an easy recovery.

Pack a cooler with ready-made shakes and drinks, take vitamins, and stool softeners with, maybe anti-nausea meds, your surgeon's phone number, etc. Good luck.

Hi Cac! I took a 2.5 hour road trip for work almost exactly 2 weeks after surgery. I thought it would be no big deal because I love driving and my recovery has been insanely smooth and easy. It turned out to be pretty grueling and unpleasant actually -- just too much sitting up and having to concentrate that soon after surgery.

Maybe you're tougher than I am though. I would suggest taking lots of water, planning lots of breaks if you can, and leaving yourself the flexibility to be able to reschedule your trip if your body's not up to it yet.

Is the trip a straight 9 hour drive or leisurely? You will need to stretch, nap, and stay hydrated - sip almost constantly. Can you lie down for part of it or are you traveling alone? Not moving around will make your digestion slow down, and any constipation worse. I don't think I could have done 9 hours at once and I had an easy recovery.
Pack a cooler with ready-made shakes and drinks, take vitamins, and stool softeners with, maybe anti-nausea meds, your surgeon's phone number, etc. Good luck.

Thank you good to know! It can be leisurely and i wont be driving so ill have to see how i feel closer to day of. You answered everything i was worried about.

Hi Cac! I took a 2.5 hour road trip for work almost exactly 2 weeks after surgery. I thought it would be no big deal because I love driving and my recovery has been insanely smooth and easy. It turned out to be pretty grueling and unpleasant actually -- just too much sitting up and having to concentrate that soon after surgery.

Maybe you're tougher than I am though. [emoji4] I would suggest taking lots of water, planning lots of breaks if you can, and leaving yourself the flexibility to be able to reschedule your trip if your body's not up to it yet.

Thank you i also love driving. I wouldnt be driving on this trip but im hoping ill be able to make it. Thanks for input very helpful.

I'm one week post-op, and I'd do a 9 hour road trip very happily if the following conditions were in order...

1. I could drive some, but the bulk of the driving would have to be someone else.

2. I'd want to stop and walk for at least ten minutes every couple of hours.

3. Would have to be with people I have a great time with and feel really relaxed with.

4. I wouldn't wear a bra, and my loose waist lounge pants would have to be acceptable.

1 hour ago, Creekimp13 said:

I'm one week post-op, and I'd do a 9 hour road trip very happily if the following conditions were in order...

1. I could drive some, but the bulk of the driving would have to be someone else.

2. I'd want to stop and walk for at least ten minutes every couple of hours.

3. Would have to be with people I have a great time with and feel really relaxed with.

4. I wouldn't wear a bra, and my loose waist lounge pants would have to be acceptable.

And I'd go commando to make peein easier and to not have any constriction at your groin - don't cross legs. Spend time in the back seat with your legs up and take pillows and Blankley. Yes, walk often! The risk of thrombosis (blood clots) is still very real at 2weeks. I'd personally be very leery of a 9hour trip at 2weeks out...

Edited December 12, 20178 yr by FluffyChix

I agree that the most dangerous thing at this time is a blood clot.

I see a lot of ppl admitted into the hospital around the holidays with blood clots due to travel. They fly, or drive, and end up with one without having surgery.

Its not something I would chance so soon post op honestly.