Flying after hip replacement

[H2Otstr]

My husband had a total hip replacement on Dec. 8th. We are scheduled to fly from Dulles to Basel with British Airways at the end of March. Are there any hints on what to do to be comfortable on such a long trip?

 

? Bring own pillow of some type to sit on?

[6rugrats]

In what cabin are you traveling?

[PennyAgain]

He needs to get advice from his surgeon about this and what exercises to do during the flight (if any). Likely he won't be comfortable even if in a higher class of service but if he is a big person, he could be miserable in economy.

[H2Otstr]

In what cabin are you traveling?

 

We are flying coach. :(

 

The airfare was included in our cruise.

[Laurie S.]

I flew three weeks after hip replacement surgery. It really isn't that bad. Be sure that he gets an aisle seat so he can get up and walk every couple of hours. That's essential. Grab a pillow and place it between the armrest and the operated hip. That helps when there's a bump. That's about it.

[klfrodo]

:D

Also, don't forget the wonders of modern pharmicuticals

[Globaliser]

We are scheduled to fly from Dulles to Basel with British Airways at the end of March. Are there any hints on what to do to be comfortable on such a long trip?

When you have talked to your doctor, you might want to contact the airline. There is information on this page about extra assistance that it can provide: http://www.britishairways.com/travel/healthmedinfo/public/en_gb, and in addition, you may be entitled to be pre-allocated seats of your choice free of charge to ensure that you have an aisle seat and a seat next to it, and perhaps one with a lifting armrest to make it easier to get out into the aisle - see the seating policy page: http://www.britishairways.com/travel/mmbseatingpolicy/public/en_gb.

[H2Otstr]

Thanks for the tips. I will bring an extra travel pillow with me.

I have booked aisle seats and requested a wheel chair for Heathrow.

[jsygrl]

I would also plan on additional time to get through security. My father had both hips replaced and sets off the metal detector every time and has to get hand wanded, even with the xray card showing the replacement (it does nothing).

 

Definitely talk to his doctor and ask for in-seat and out of seat exercises that he can do during the flight. You may also want to ask if wearing the pressure stockings during the flight will help or hurt.

[yellowbird23]

Excellent advice, but most importantly get the clearance from your doctor before going. It is very important to get up and move around the cabin often to keep the blood circulating in that area. You don't need to have to worry about blood clots while on vacation. Have a good trip.