Air travel post op

LiseA
LiseA Member Posts: 266
edited April 2016 in Head and Neck Cancer #1

Has anyone had to travel back home after their H & N surgery?

 We are due to return home exactly 14 days post op. I asked my plastic surgeon if flying was okay and he said yes.

A nurse friend however thinks the pressure might be a problem for me.  They removed 3 test, did gum flap, some bone was removed also, and there is still significant swelling.  I think going by car sounds worse.

 

any precautions?  I might try to ask the PA and see what she says, but I'm pretty sure she would say it's fine.

 

Just wondering if the cabin pressure would be too much.  I see the doc cut all the way from back of ear (that's throbbing right now) to almost my thyroid area. i have to get details to add on my profile. Sorry about the delay.

 

MDA isn't the easiest place to get these things. 

Comments

  • wmc
    wmc Member Posts: 1,804
    #2
    Not sure, but would guess ok..

    Plains are pressurised to 5000 to 6000 ft. so it would be just like going to the mountains. The only concerns are if the person has COPD, or any breathing problems that might need oxygen. I can't fly without oxygen because of COPD and I am a neck breather so I have to have constant O2 which is a tank. Most concentrators do pulse and not constant and you can't get on a plain with tanks. Plus the 3 foot take is empty in 6 hours on constant.

    Now when they did my surgery I was cut from ear to ear and had the neck dissection on both sides and took my larynx as well as the 86 lymph glands. I was required to have a portable suction machine to go home with for my stoma required that. Check with the PA because it might affect the swelling, but I would guess it will be fine and much faster than driving. Mine is a four to five hour drive depending what time you leave, traffic.

    Bill

  • yensid683
    yensid683 Member Posts: 349
    #3
    15 days after surgery....

    while I didn't have as extensive surgery as others, I did have a selective neck dissection that took out all the nodes along the left side of my neck, and then flew to Orlando just a little over 2 weeks later and had no issues with swelling or pressure concerns, but did have to enlist the help of my Drs. to get me authorization to take needed supplies through TSA.

    They were great and gave me letters to use at security to bring through the various medications, OTC items and bottles of water.  I had no problems with the men and ladies in blue because I had those letters.  I didn't even get a secondary inspection.

    If your doctors say you're good to go rocketing through the air in a metal tube, go for it!

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