Personal Introduction and Quick Question For Travel Patients

[RollTideRosss 5]

hello everyone!!

I thought since this is brand new to me, and I just joined today that I would introduce myself to everyone since I've seen other people do that. My name is Ross and I am 34 years old. I was born and raised in the Dallas-Fort Worth area of Texas, and last June moved to Tuscaloosa Alabama. I moved to Tuscaloosa with my little brother who is a student at UA and a member of the coed cheer team. I also cheered for many years of my life, so it must run in the family. haha! I am an unapologetic Disney nerd who truly loves anything and all things Disney. Also, in my part time when I need a little decompressing I like to crystalize Water bottles and phone cases for myself and friends. I would say I've been a food addict or someone who relied on food for emotional support majority of my life, unfortunately, due to outside influences that encouraged the eating.

A big reason why I am having the surgery is simply I want to live. I really can't say it more straight and narrow than that. Another reason is I had Covid in 2020 like I'm sure many of y'all did but unfortunately, my case was a little different and I ended up on ECMO for four days and a ventilator for a month. I coded twice while intubated at which point the hospital staff told my family i would have about a 15% chance to live and if i did i may have severe brain issues. Thankfully when I woke up I was myself for the most part, but I had severe paralysis on my left side which required me to spend an additional three months in the hospital learning how to stand and walk again. I still have a pretty significant neuropathy on my left side. My left arm has some weakness with things and my left leg is completely numb to the touch. So I have low hopes for any kind of change, but still keeping hopeful that maybe with the surgery and weight loss some of the mobility and feeling will come back. I have been "creeping" on the forum for a few weeks and I can't tell y'all how much your stories, encouragement, and transparency has helped with my own journey without even meaning to.

I am paying out-of-pocket for my surgery due to not having health insurance with the job I currently have. I've done all the required testing and I am hoping that tomorrow 8/21/23 will be the day that I get my surgery scheduled. We are aiming for the last week of the month for my date, so fingers crossed! I am going to be flying back to Texas for my surgery and staying there for a couple weeks to recover with my family. Which leads to the question I had for those who had to travel for the surgery. When you flew back post surgery with the weight lifting restrictions, how did you go about getting your bags and things like that? Did you notice any real pain post surgery when you were taking off for landing? Any other tips or experiences are always welcome to be shared as well!

Thank yall again for taking the time to read this little bit about myself and my journey. I look forward to being on here more and more and sharing my own journey with yall as yall have bravely done already!

[summerseeker 2,398]

Hello and welcome in the forum.

I cant help with the flying issues but I can give you a pointer. I never had a no lift veto, I just knew it because, boy was I hunched for a while. In the UK we can get our luggage posted so that we do not have to deal with it. Ask the couriers and or the airline and see what they say. You cant be the only person who has needed this service.

Good luck

[hills&valleys 130]

I was also self-pay. After tons of research, I chose Dr. Alvarez in Mexico. Granted his fee is substantially more than the majority of surgeons in Mexico but after reading too many horror stories about some of the surgeons in Tijuana, I wasn't willing to sacrifice my health for a bargain price. I am sure the majority of surgeries performed in Tijuana are successful but we all choose our path and surgeons for our own reasons.

I only packed a rolling carry-on for the round trip flight. It probably weighed less than 20 pounds. I was able to lift the bag to place in the plane's overhead compartment without any issue. I think if you must lift any weight (slightly) heavier than your surgeon's guidelines, the important issue would be to lift "straight-on" and make sure your torso is not twisted.

I wish you success in your journey. I can attest that I have not had one moment of regret in getting sleeved. My health has improved immensely and hopefully yours will too!

[Sigh 199]

I flew to Mexico Thursday, and had surgery Friday. Sunday afternoon i was on a cross country flight home. I only carried a carryon bag that i tucked under my seat, and was able to carry the little bit i needed. No real pain flying that soon, more fatigue and nausea— made the entire flight and threw up before I got in the car to drive home. (Which I also drove myself home).

But keep in mind, i have a high pain tolerance. At home for the first few weeks- I really didnt pick up too much more than a case of sodas, just made my son move big things. I have flown several time in the past 5 months, and no trouble at all. My advice- if there is something big/heavier you want to take back home after recovery- mail it to yourself. Just have an essentials bag to fly with, you will be happier- and with baggage costs, it may be cheaper anyway.

[New To This23 102]

Let the airline know that you'll need help with your luggage. Since you're staying a few weeks in Texas you're going to have more than a carry-on. Tell them it is for medical reasons (get a doctor's note just in case) you may even want/need to schedule a ride from drop off to your gate, you know one of those little carts they have with a driver that can load people and luggage, you may call the airport directly to ask about that. An agent for the airline you are flying can most definitely load up your checked bags, just let them know ahead of time, since you are checking bags, my suggestion is don't bring a carry-on unless you think you absolutely will need something while in flight.

In the past, I had to ahead of time ask for a wheelchair for my mom when she hurt her leg on a trip.

Double-check the airline is ready for you before you get there and get there early in case they have lost your assistance reservation in the shuffle, so you do not miss your flight and you can relieve some travel anxiety.

[ChunkCat 737]

New To This 23 is right, when you book your ticket you can request medical assistance like a trip to the gate and help with your luggage! Its a bit of a pain and it makes me self conscious but I have medical issues that make it impossible for me to walk all the way to the gate or lift my own bags so I always have to request this to have a wheelchair available to get through the airport. It makes travel much easier and much less stressful. Have you heard of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower card? Some airports participate in the program. You wear the card on a lanyard when traveling and it signals to staff you have disabilities that may not be apparent that can cause you to need extra assistance. https://hdsunflower.com/ You can order a card at that link! I've found it to be helpful when traveling...

Also, welcome to the forum!!

[NCL04321 164]

On 8/20/2023 at 11:34 PM, New To This23 said:

Let the airline know that you'll need help with your luggage. Since you're staying a few weeks in Texas you're going to have more than a carry-on. Tell them it is for medical reasons (get a doctor's note just in case) you may even want/need to schedule a ride from drop off to your gate, you know one of those little carts they have with a driver that can load people and luggage, you may call the airport directly to ask about that. An agent for the airline you are flying can most definitely load up your checked bags, just let them know ahead of time, since you are checking bags, my suggestion is don't bring a carry-on unless you think you absolutely will need something while in flight.

In the past, I had to ahead of time ask for a wheelchair for my mom when she hurt her leg on a trip.

Double-check the airline is ready for you before you get there and get there early in case they have lost your assistance reservation in the shuffle, so you do not miss your flight and you can relieve some travel anxiety.

i used to work for an airline and neither agents nor flight attendants will lift your bag into the overhead bin. Its not that they don't want to, but that they have sustained too many injuries by doing so. They will probably offer to check your carry on bag in at the gate prior to boarding without charging you, then you will not have to worry about lifting your bag. Also, not all airports have a cart service, but they will definately have wheelchair service if you need it.

[New To This23 102]

1 hour ago, NCL04321 said:

i used to work for an airline and neither agents nor flight attendants will lift your bag into the overhead bin. Its not that they don't want to, but that they have sustained too many injuries by doing so. They will probably offer to check your carry on bag in at the gate prior to boarding without charging you, then you will not have to worry about lifting your bag. Also, not all airports have a cart service, but they will definately have wheelchair service if you need it.

I never mentioned attendants, lifting bags into the overhead bin, in fact, I suggest he check all bags. With that being said, I am a frequent flyer and countless times I have watched attendants assist people by lifting their bags into the overhead bin, including my own. I guess they all are breaking rules, across every airline.

[NCL04321 164]

No need for attitude NewtoThis, this is not a forum for attitude. I was merely stating what my major airline did/did not do, and i worked there for 30+ years as an agent. I just didnt want this post op patient to be surprised when they board the plane. I agree with you, better to check the bags and then no worries about lifting.

[New To This23 102]

8 minutes ago, NCL04321 said:

No need for attitude NewtoThis, this is not a forum for attitude. I was merely stating what my major airline did/did not do, and i worked there for 30+ years as an agent. I just didnt want this post op patient to be surprised when they board the plane. I agree with you, better to check the bags and then no worries about lifting.

I am sorry you feel I have an attitude, but I felt I needed to clarify since I was misquoted.

[NCL04321 164]

No worries, let's agree to move on 😉 Nothing but love and support here

[ElleRodri 39]

I lurk a lot too. Not too far from Tuscaloosa myself, just a few hours north of me as I'm down on the beach in Destin, Florida. So howdy neighbor!

I'm traveling for surgery but I'm driving to Jacksonville. So I'm not helpful there. But I have had abdominal surgeries before and I've found that light compression helps with bumps along the road and coughing, so I've gotten a binder in the past. If your surgeon is ok with it and you ask at the hospital they'll usually give you one or you can buy one on Amazon (which is what I did this time just in case I forget to ask because I have the memory of a goldfish at times). Might be something to ask about prior to making your travel arrangements.