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Traveling long distance after the NF "The Wrap"

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Posted 4/26/2013 12:44 AM (GMT 0)
My surgery has been pushed up one week. However, I have to trave 12 hrs away for 2 days which will be 4 days after my surgery. Has anyone traveled right after surgery that can provide me with some insight/heads up about anything?

Originally I was going away first and the surgery was scheduled for 2 days after I returned but because I am getting worst the date was moved up a week which is now before the travel. Yes, it is important for me to do what I have to do or else I would cancel but canceling is not an option.

I have 2 people who will be driving so I do not have to drive.
Posted 4/26/2013 10:23 AM (GMT 0)
Lady G

Well my thoughts are you will be very uncomfortable taking a trip that long. If it were me I would reschedule the surgery until you get back. Your belly is going to be sore and probably swollen. I had to travel 3 plus hours home from the hospital after my 1st redo and although it was bearable it was still uncomfortable. Especially with seat belts.
You are going to get tired very easy after surgery for quite awhile too. Bit I do understand you are having severe issues now and want to get the surgery as soon as possible.

Take care,
Bill
Posted 4/27/2013 3:58 AM (GMT 0)
Bill

Thank you for your input. Yes, I am getting worst. I thought having 2 drivers so I can have the entire back seat to myself would work out for me. I will keep what you have said in mind.

Thank you.
Posted 4/27/2013 4:13 AM (GMT 0)
LadyG,

I agree with Bill.  Better to suffer with your symptoms a little longer, than have the surgery and have to take a long trip.

Good luck!

Denise

Posted 4/27/2013 4:46 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks Denise -

Hopefully my surgeon has an opening for this Tuesday coming so at least I would have 2 full weeks of recovery before I need to leave.

My only other option would be to fly which would get me where I need to be in 2 hours with a 20 minute ride from the airport to the hotel. I am just trying to weigh my options. Especially if I talk to the surgeon and find out that my original date is no longer available. I love this forum.
Posted 4/28/2013 6:48 AM (GMT 0)
Lady G-

Having the 2 weeks to recover would be a better idea, but although your incisions will be healed pretty well the wrap area will be a peak swelling. The biggest issue this would cause should be with eating and you will still get tied very easily.

Seems you have found the dreaded rock and a hard place.

Take care,
Bill
Posted 4/29/2013 12:52 AM (GMT 0)
Just dope yourself up for the ride and sleep through it. I rode home in the backseat of my parents' car for 5 hours. I piled lots of pillows around me to lean over on, wore very loose jogging pants and top, I had a cooler full of liquids and puddings.
You can wear your seat belt down low across your hips like you do when your very preggs. The shoulder strap will hurt though you may want to tuck it behind your back.
Have the driver stop every hour to allow you some stretching.
Posted 5/1/2013 12:53 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks everyone -

Unfortunately my first date is no longer an option so I am preparing to go in this Monday. Needless, to say I am still excited to end this book in my life and starting another book on healing and a better quality of life. I am also nervous about what to expect in the pain & discomfort area.

I am going to have to take the ride and pray for the best. From what I am understanding from everyone is that the incisions will be what bothers me the most so I have pulled out all of my pain meds, sundresses and a cooler for my ice packs to take along for the ride. Weeks #2-4 (could be longer) is when the wrap will actually start to bother me so I will be home and able to rest during this time.
Posted 5/1/2013 9:59 AM (GMT 0)
I travelled 1200 miles 3 days after my surgery. Everyone thought I was nuts for doing it but, like you, it was not something I could postpone. I was tired & sore, but would lie down in the back seat & sleep. Make sure you have enough pillows to prop yourself in whatever position you are most comfortable in. Once you get to your destination, you will be very tired - pamper yourself & get as much rest as you can. The 1200 mile trip back 6 days later was ok too but I was seriously ready to not be traveling & just rest. Fortunately, I had another week off from work when I got back & I was feeling good enough I was ready to go back to work. It is doable to take your trip - just know you'll be really tired & rest as much as possible. Good luck!
Posted 5/1/2013 1:22 PM (GMT 0)
Lady G-

You have a good plan in place and please take Josie's advice at heart and you should do well. I agree being home for the peak swelling is best.

Take care,
Bill
Posted 5/1/2013 11:46 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you Josie and Bill-

My sons (23 & 26) will be driving and I have the entire back seat. I have my inside car bag (the one you keep with you inside the car so you don't have to keep going to the trunk) already packed with pillows, water bottle, ice packs & just waiting on the medications.

While I am out I will take 1/2 dose so I can be coherent (no more than 2-3 hours). Once I return to my hotel room I can relax and then I have to be at an event at 7:30pm (no more than 2 hrs) then I will be back at the hotel. Sunday (Mother's Day) me and my eldest brother will be taking mom out for breakfast (of course I will not be eating....lol) and then we are hitting the road to come back home. Hopefully I will be home by 8-9pm and resume taking my normal dose of pain medication if needed.

I think I will start a journal the day of the surgery. Thanks everyone I feel like I am going in with my eyes wide open.
Posted 5/2/2013 4:20 AM (GMT 0)
Wish you the best. I only took Advil during the day & then at night took my regular dosage of pain medication. This seemed to work well for me & helped me get the much needed rest at night without feeling uncomfortable. Best of luck & enjoy your trip.
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