Flying after a lap for Endo - Advice needed!

[London Kiwi]

Hi Ladies,

I was wondering how soon people have flown after a laparoscopy for Endo.

My consultant has refused to write me a letter for the airline, which I totally understand as she needs to cover herself.

I feel ok to fly. I understand Its alot to do with the c02 gas they put inside me and that i'd also need to walk around a fair bit to avoid clots but what else do I need to think of...

Should I cancel the whole trip (lets be honest, i am not keen to do that!). I understand I wont be covered by my insurance....

My surgery was Monday, im due to fly Friday night. Im doing nothing except lying in the sun for 9 days when im on my trip so coming back will be fine, its just getting there.

What does everyone think??

Thank you xx

 

[London Kiwi]

Forgot to add, the flight is 11 hours... so not exactly a short trip!

I personally think i'll be fine..... but just need some reassurance!

 

[swedengirl]

Oh I feel really crappy saying this. And of course it is one story out of 1000s where it doesn't happen, and they are a bit different procedures but you do need to be careful.

An acquaintance flew shortly after having her appendix removed on a long-haul (1 week after if I remember correctly) and she developed clots at site of the surgery and this went to a brain and this made her lose the majority of her eye-sight.

I am sorry! I know it is not what you want to hear. BUT having your appendix removed is wayyyyyy more invasive so maybe you'll be fine and I just scared you for no reason!

Just thought it was important to warn you that there are risks to flying after procedures....

 

[swedengirl]

I hope I didn't just ruin your trip! As I said they are completely different procedures....

I feel all guilty now!

 

[London Kiwi]

Eeeek thanks for letting me know Sweden! That sounds awful. The poor thing.

I work in the NHS and have just asked some of the nurses, they said "i should be ok" but i was hoping that someone might've had the same thing and then flown with a good news story...

Im a little weary now!

 

[London Kiwi]

Hahaha! Noooo dont worry.
I asked the advice, and I got it - thank you for responding! x

I hope I didn't just ruin your trip! As I said they are completely different procedures....

I feel all guilty now!

 

[swedengirl]

Yes I just googled for you and found this on the NHS website and it says 1-2 days after keyhole surgery. So you should be fine after 5 surely?

Maybe take an aspirin before and ensure regular walking?

https://www.nhs.uk/chq/Pages/2615.aspx?CategoryID=69

 

[London Kiwi]

Thanks hun, I have read that website - and figured i'd be ok.

I only began to worry when the consultant said that she would not write me a letter saying I was fit to fly...

I have the compression stockings from my op so i'll be wearing those and I think i'll pick up some asprin today. Im going to acupuncture tonight so he might have some tips for me.

Then I guess i'll decide on Friday depending on how I feel...