Flying / Travel home from hospital after surgery - any suggestions to make this easier and more comfortable?
Feb 3rd, 2007, 08:22 AM
#41
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,785
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Debi,
One more thing about the wheelchair in MSP. I haven't originated from there, but every other airport I used with my mother seemed to be different as to how to use the chairs. I'd check with DL there, the airport, or maybe someone here will know the current protocol.
At first when my Mom was in better shape, I had requested wheelchair in advance, then when we checked in the ticket agent called for a chair that was brought to the counter and depending on staffing either I pushed it or an airport employee pushed it and assisted her with putting her items through the xray while she walked through and they brought the chair around, then on to the gate where she and the chair were left.
Once in MCO a couple said they had been waiting at the counter for an hour for a chair, so I went in search of an abandoned one near security check and took it for my mother.
After that, I started trying to use curbside checkin when possible and put her in the wheelchair from the car, then place her inside the terminal while I parked or returned the rental car.
In DEN I could not take a wheelchair without a staff person to push it to the concourse. At the security check they did not help with her hand baggage, giving it all to me to take through the regular lane. When we got to the concourse she was handed off at a help desk to concourse wheelchairs.
One more thing about the wheelchair in MSP. I haven't originated from there, but every other airport I used with my mother seemed to be different as to how to use the chairs. I'd check with DL there, the airport, or maybe someone here will know the current protocol.
At first when my Mom was in better shape, I had requested wheelchair in advance, then when we checked in the ticket agent called for a chair that was brought to the counter and depending on staffing either I pushed it or an airport employee pushed it and assisted her with putting her items through the xray while she walked through and they brought the chair around, then on to the gate where she and the chair were left.
Once in MCO a couple said they had been waiting at the counter for an hour for a chair, so I went in search of an abandoned one near security check and took it for my mother.
After that, I started trying to use curbside checkin when possible and put her in the wheelchair from the car, then place her inside the terminal while I parked or returned the rental car.
In DEN I could not take a wheelchair without a staff person to push it to the concourse. At the security check they did not help with her hand baggage, giving it all to me to take through the regular lane. When we got to the concourse she was handed off at a help desk to concourse wheelchairs.
Feb 3rd, 2007, 08:53 AM
#42
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 34,738
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
http://tinyurl.com/325gg6
This is the page on the MSP site for you
Kay makes some very good points, every airport does things differently..we used Newark/Nashville when our daughter needed the wheelchair etc.
This is the page on the MSP site for you
Kay makes some very good points, every airport does things differently..we used Newark/Nashville when our daughter needed the wheelchair etc.
Feb 3rd, 2007, 10:10 AM
#43
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,466
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Debi.
Lots of great advice. Good luck on your surgery.
One thing I didn’t see mentioned is to arrange for some in-home nursing care when you get home. Ask your doctor to approve it ahead of time and work with the MDs staff now so that when you return home, you’ll get an aide or other assistance early. Many times it can take several days to weeks to get someone to come in for help.
Lots of great advice. Good luck on your surgery.
One thing I didn’t see mentioned is to arrange for some in-home nursing care when you get home. Ask your doctor to approve it ahead of time and work with the MDs staff now so that when you return home, you’ll get an aide or other assistance early. Many times it can take several days to weeks to get someone to come in for help.
Feb 3rd, 2007, 10:20 AM
#44
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 45,322
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi Debi, did anyone mention it would be good to bring some kind of a throw that you could put over you on the plane? Planes as you know can get cold especially when you are not at your physical best. You will want to stay warm.
Feb 3rd, 2007, 11:36 AM
#45
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 4,129
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Interesting...whenever I travel with my mother (who requires a wheelchair from the ticketing area to the gate), I've always been given the choice between going straight to the gate right then and there, or coming back to the ticketing area at an appointed time, and a wheelchair would be ready to take her through.
There have been times where we had to wait a while, but never an hour. Maybe 30 minutes tops, because someone took my mom's wheelchair person. They usually have a description of the person needing the wheelchair, or at least a name. If too much time has passed, I would recommend going back to the ticketing counter and reminding them of your wheelchair request.
My experience passing through MSP was they put us on one of those airport carts and drove us to the gate. Of course, we were only passing through, not starting our journey there, so there may be differences.
As for pills, put them in a zip lock ready for inspection at the security check points, instead of having to dig them out at the gate. Of course, this also depends on the TSA people there...some just xray the entire booty in the carry on and let it through (this is from our recent experience).
As for your xray films, I completely agree with rhrd on buying an artists' portfolio case to lessen the mishandling of your precious films. This way, they can hand inspect them without bending. Something along these lines
http://tinyurl.com/yqa6u7
Hope some part of this was somewhat helpful...
There have been times where we had to wait a while, but never an hour. Maybe 30 minutes tops, because someone took my mom's wheelchair person. They usually have a description of the person needing the wheelchair, or at least a name. If too much time has passed, I would recommend going back to the ticketing counter and reminding them of your wheelchair request.
My experience passing through MSP was they put us on one of those airport carts and drove us to the gate. Of course, we were only passing through, not starting our journey there, so there may be differences.
As for pills, put them in a zip lock ready for inspection at the security check points, instead of having to dig them out at the gate. Of course, this also depends on the TSA people there...some just xray the entire booty in the carry on and let it through (this is from our recent experience).
As for your xray films, I completely agree with rhrd on buying an artists' portfolio case to lessen the mishandling of your precious films. This way, they can hand inspect them without bending. Something along these lines
http://tinyurl.com/yqa6u7
Hope some part of this was somewhat helpful...
Feb 3rd, 2007, 11:39 AM
#46
Join Date: Jun 2004
Posts: 20,199
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My MIL had to wait an hour for her wheelchair after she landed in Heathrow. She was by herself and just waited, even though we requested the wheelchair in advance. I don't think you'll run into this problem, Debi, because you are traveling with your husband who can push the issue. But is was a very long time for my MIL to wait, after a very long flight.
Feb 3rd, 2007, 03:25 PM
#47
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2003
Posts: 27,868
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I want to start out by saying a big THANK YOU ALL for all of your great suggestions and good wishes.
"Could they be sent in the mail? The pathology slides especially, I'd hate to see some security guy mucking with them." Mayo Clinic specifically said to hand carry them. I will be sure they are in baggies and that no one touches them.
Great idea about the artist portfolio but not sure I can find one here where I live in time. And think it is too late to order online for delivery on Monday, but I'll check it out.
I just got a lovely "serenity shawl" from a lady that I work with at the library. She crocheted it since hearing the news last week! {we only work together on Saturdays} It will be perfect for the plane and in the hospital bed to keep me toasty warm up in the cold of MN! She's had chemo last spring before I started working and told me so many people were so good to her, she thought it was time to "pay it forward" What a nice thought.
I will be "paying it forward" too -- you can bet on that.
Thanks,
Debi
"Could they be sent in the mail? The pathology slides especially, I'd hate to see some security guy mucking with them." Mayo Clinic specifically said to hand carry them. I will be sure they are in baggies and that no one touches them.
Great idea about the artist portfolio but not sure I can find one here where I live in time. And think it is too late to order online for delivery on Monday, but I'll check it out.
I just got a lovely "serenity shawl" from a lady that I work with at the library. She crocheted it since hearing the news last week! {we only work together on Saturdays} It will be perfect for the plane and in the hospital bed to keep me toasty warm up in the cold of MN! She's had chemo last spring before I started working and told me so many people were so good to her, she thought it was time to "pay it forward" What a nice thought.
I will be "paying it forward" too -- you can bet on that.
Thanks,
Debi
Feb 3rd, 2007, 04:17 PM
#48
Join Date: Aug 2004
Posts: 2,391
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Debi, many prayers will be coming from our house...
My main concern regarding your travels is the regional jet... If you have to use stairs, that will be tough...and if it is not a large plane, that is not easy either. When I flew from Denver to Montrose or Telluride the plane was pretty small. That would not be good. Just check into that.
I'm sure I speak for everyone on this post that we are all with you in spirit and really ache that you have to go through this. All best...
My main concern regarding your travels is the regional jet... If you have to use stairs, that will be tough...and if it is not a large plane, that is not easy either. When I flew from Denver to Montrose or Telluride the plane was pretty small. That would not be good. Just check into that.
I'm sure I speak for everyone on this post that we are all with you in spirit and really ache that you have to go through this. All best...
Feb 3rd, 2007, 04:23 PM
#49
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2003
Posts: 27,868
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
cabovacation - We really didn't have too much choice about the flight. we are lucky to be able to fly out of Durango. Otherwise it would be a 4 hour drive to ABQ or 8 hrs to DEN. I just don't think I could have sat in the car that long. As it is, it will be over an hour drive home from there.
Since the abdominal part of the surgery doesn't involve muscle, I am hoping that I will be able to climb the steps, slowly for sure.
Debi
Since the abdominal part of the surgery doesn't involve muscle, I am hoping that I will be able to climb the steps, slowly for sure.
Debi
Feb 4th, 2007, 06:51 AM
#52
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 78
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Maybe large ziploc bags again would help, although I'm not sure if 2 gallon size would be big enough. I have a folder for MRIs, but it is open on one side so they still can fall out. The problem with the ziploc bags is that they are a bit slippery, but I always manage to drop the cardboard folders too, and with those the films can fall out.
If you know of a place that sells frames for pictures, they might have some appropriate size boxes you could have for free, but again it's the see through part that you need to get also, in case you have to take the films out as a bunch. Seeing what I have in my own house, I'd use a box from a picture and put the films in a ziploc bag, even if they weren't completely enclosed by the bag.
If you know of a place that sells frames for pictures, they might have some appropriate size boxes you could have for free, but again it's the see through part that you need to get also, in case you have to take the films out as a bunch. Seeing what I have in my own house, I'd use a box from a picture and put the films in a ziploc bag, even if they weren't completely enclosed by the bag.
Feb 4th, 2007, 07:11 AM
#53
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 23,138
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I will be the one to bring up another possible embarassing reality - using the bathroom. While I am not sure exact nature of your surgery, many types of abdominal surgery have as a part of hospital recovery use of a urinary catheter - with subsequent problems with voiding for a time after - either incontinence, leakage, urinary retention.
Also, bowels are rarely "normal" after hospitalization and surgery. With the realities of air travel ("no, you can not get up and use the bathroom, the pilot has the seatbelt sign on") plus any post-op disturbances of bowel and bladder function plus your decreased mobility, it is something to think about.
If you have a catheter in the hospital, do not let them remove it only a few hours before discharge - make sure you can pee OK before getting on a plane. If you are constipated in hospital because of surgery or pain meds, do not let them give you a laxative 24 hours before flying - that is a set up for an embarassing disaster.
You might even consider incontinence pads, briefs, etc. for the trip. If you expect an urgent need to use the bathroom, I do not know if a note from your MD might help with bathroom access, but it might. Not meaning to be gross - just practical.
Also, bowels are rarely "normal" after hospitalization and surgery. With the realities of air travel ("no, you can not get up and use the bathroom, the pilot has the seatbelt sign on") plus any post-op disturbances of bowel and bladder function plus your decreased mobility, it is something to think about.
If you have a catheter in the hospital, do not let them remove it only a few hours before discharge - make sure you can pee OK before getting on a plane. If you are constipated in hospital because of surgery or pain meds, do not let them give you a laxative 24 hours before flying - that is a set up for an embarassing disaster.
You might even consider incontinence pads, briefs, etc. for the trip. If you expect an urgent need to use the bathroom, I do not know if a note from your MD might help with bathroom access, but it might. Not meaning to be gross - just practical.
Feb 4th, 2007, 09:35 AM
#55
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 78
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Wow, I didn't think of that, but it's an important point. We were allowed to take home a few of those cloth "chuks" from the hospital, which look more like blankets than the plastic ones.
An important thing to bring when concerned about adult or kid bodily functions is a healthy supply of grocery store plastic bags, as well as wipes. Probably best to bring the wipes in a plastic bag rather than the container, security might be more upset about the container. You can fit many plastic shopping bags in a small ziploc bag.
I just saw the OP's note about the seat belt. The seat belt should be across the hips, and first extend it to its longest length before attaching it. If you think it will be pressing on a bandage, you could bring some extra plastic pads and use them to cushion; I know the Depends ones have a nice fold where they can be kept as a compact cushion instead of spreading them out. Also ask at the hospital after your surgery if you are still concerned, they may have something there for you to use for extra cushioning.
An important thing to bring when concerned about adult or kid bodily functions is a healthy supply of grocery store plastic bags, as well as wipes. Probably best to bring the wipes in a plastic bag rather than the container, security might be more upset about the container. You can fit many plastic shopping bags in a small ziploc bag.
I just saw the OP's note about the seat belt. The seat belt should be across the hips, and first extend it to its longest length before attaching it. If you think it will be pressing on a bandage, you could bring some extra plastic pads and use them to cushion; I know the Depends ones have a nice fold where they can be kept as a compact cushion instead of spreading them out. Also ask at the hospital after your surgery if you are still concerned, they may have something there for you to use for extra cushioning.
Feb 5th, 2007, 09:33 AM
#57
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2003
Posts: 27,868
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thank you all for your wonderful suggestions! We leave tomorrow on 8 a.m. flight.
In gathering info about my upcoming surgeries, I happened upon a wonderful web site and thought perhaps they would be interested in your replies.
I compiled a list of all of your ideas and they will be adding it to their site.
The site provides information for womem about to undergo mastectomies and reconstruction. It is a non-profit organization that makes "necessity bags" for women to make their recovery a little easier.
If you know of anyone that might benefit from this info, please share the link with them. Also, in my attempts to "pay it forward" if you might be able to spare a few $$ as a donation, there is info on the site on how to do this. Be sure to tell them you heard about them here on Fodors.com
http://necessitiesbag.org
Thanks all!
Debi
In gathering info about my upcoming surgeries, I happened upon a wonderful web site and thought perhaps they would be interested in your replies.
I compiled a list of all of your ideas and they will be adding it to their site.
The site provides information for womem about to undergo mastectomies and reconstruction. It is a non-profit organization that makes "necessity bags" for women to make their recovery a little easier.
If you know of anyone that might benefit from this info, please share the link with them. Also, in my attempts to "pay it forward" if you might be able to spare a few $$ as a donation, there is info on the site on how to do this. Be sure to tell them you heard about them here on Fodors.com
http://necessitiesbag.org
Thanks all!
Debi
Feb 5th, 2007, 11:54 AM
#58
Join Date: Nov 2006
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi Debi,
Been there done that. So good luck to you. One thing that really made a difference to me after open heart surgery on a plane was one of those pillows with the tiny beads in them. I held to my chest the entire flight to stop bumps from hurting me too much. It was a life saver.
Best of luck...
Been there done that. So good luck to you. One thing that really made a difference to me after open heart surgery on a plane was one of those pillows with the tiny beads in them. I held to my chest the entire flight to stop bumps from hurting me too much. It was a life saver.
Best of luck...
Feb 13th, 2007, 08:06 AM
#59
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2003
Posts: 27,868
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
As some of you may not read the "Lounge" board, I wanted to follow up on this thread.
I ended up leaving Mayo Clinic without having surgery. Long story..it's on the Lounge board if you are interested.
I wanted to thank all of you for your wonderful ideas, input and suggestions.
I will be doing the surgery in April I believe, but will be going to MD Anderson in Houston. I will be flying from ABQ to Houston, so not having to change planes will help alot. I will still all of your other suggestions with me and will be sure to use them.
Thanks all!
Debi
I ended up leaving Mayo Clinic without having surgery. Long story..it's on the Lounge board if you are interested.
I wanted to thank all of you for your wonderful ideas, input and suggestions.
I will be doing the surgery in April I believe, but will be going to MD Anderson in Houston. I will be flying from ABQ to Houston, so not having to change planes will help alot. I will still all of your other suggestions with me and will be sure to use them.
Thanks all!
Debi
