Nikki Sommer, a nurse with Key West Surgical Group, joined Good Morning Keys on Keys Talk 96.9/102.5FM this morning for Medical Matters.
Travel plans after surgery have to be seriously considered.
Sommer said, “Surgery is a disruption in your normal routine or your life. So travel, people that end up having surgery, they kind of, I don’t want to say, pretend, they want to just think that, oh, I’m going to heal fast because it’s the same day surgery, and I’m going to be able to get in my car, on a plane and go right away. You’ve just got to be careful when you’re making travel plans after surgery. The two most extensive surgeries that are put off are hernia and gallbladder, especially this time of year, because, as we know, Thanksgiving, I think, is the most traveled holiday, and it’s coming up in a couple of weeks. Interesting to play out. I know there’s a lot of flight cancelations. So I wonder if a lot of people are going to try to drive instead of getting on a plane.”
Hernias can get easily aggravated.
Sommer said, “If you have a hernia, you need to plan accordingly not to aggravate it. If you decide not to have the surgery before you travel, make sure you discuss it with your doctor, because, as , hernias can worsen over time. It’s a weakness, if it’s an abdominal hernia, it’s a weakness in the abdominal wall, and it could push through and trap your intestines. So you want to make sure you explain your travel plans to your provider if you decide not to have it done, and then if you do have it done, make sure you pack light. Take several small suitcases instead of one big one. Have somebody help you with your bags if you’re flying to avoid further injury. That’s the same if you’re traveling in a car. Pulling or lifting luggage in and out of a car, especially if it’s a several day car trip, can aggravate that hernia, or if you’re a post op, actually re-injure your surgery and put stress on it and complicate the healing.”
Knowing where the closest emergency room is when you’re traveling is a good idea
Sommer said, “Know your surroundings, of where you’re going. If it’s with family, I’m sure they can help you, guide you to what their local hospital is, urgent care. They may even have doctors themselves that they’re connected with. So know where you’re going and what services will be available to you.”
Gallbladder disease and travel could become a very painful experience.
Sommer said, “After working years in urgent care, I can’t tell you how many people showed up in the urgent care with an acute gallbladder attack, because they put off having surgery due to their travel plans. However, we’ve talked about gallbladder before. It’s a small, pear shaped organ. It’s located under your liver, and it stores and releases bile. Usually when you eat it helps aid in the digestion of fatty foods, which, as the holidays are coming up, this is a big time to indulge. So please don’t put off surgery. But if you surgery, it is not recommended to fly immediately, right after your gallbladder. Or if you decide to put it off, and you’re having an acute gallbladder you can end up aggravating acute gallbladder attack. Changes in the cabin pressure can actually trigger a gallbladder attack. So if you know you have a faulty gallbladder, and it’s been kind of sending you little pains here and there, it’s recommended you don’t get in a plane.”
If you have had surgery and have to travel, there are considerations.
Sommer said, “First, let your surgeon know if you’re traveling ahead of time. We’ve had people that have had hernia surgery and we call them for their post op check, and they’re in the car, driving to a family’s house 600 miles away. Then they get there, and there’s some type of complication, or especially after hernia, you can get what’s called a fluid collection. It’s not necessarily an infection, but it can become very painful, known as a seroma. So on occasion, we’ll have you come in and the doctor can drain it if it gets really big and it’s painful. If you’re away, we can’t do that. We can’t treat that over the phone. So definitely let us know or your surgeon know if you’re planning on travel after surgery, know the risks. The biggest concern is getting a blood clot. So sitting for extended periods of time on a plane or a car can increase your chances of a blood clot after surgery. So blood clots can occur four to six weeks after surgery. So just keep that in mind. If you’re planning on traveling right after surgery, it’s recommended you wait to fly at least four to 10 days after hernia surgery, and about four to five days after laparoscopic gallbladder surgery, that’s where they go in with the camera. They don’t really cut you open anymore for gallbladder. So that’s good, but still they recommend do not fly or travel four to five days after surgery. If you’re traveling in a car, stop frequently and get out, walk around to prevent blood clots and avoid any heavy lifting for at least six weeks after any surgery.”
Putting surgery off is not a good idea, either.
Sommer said, “The two main culprits that seem to pose a problem when you travel if you decide not to have surgery, is hernias and your gallbladder.”
If you want to look your best for the holidays, Key West Surgical Group can help.
Sommer said, “If you are looking to get a little skin care before the holidays, before that holiday party, we have a couple of different options. The turkey neck rescue, if you have some skin laxity under your neck and you want to get that a little more taught, you should come on in. We have a special going on. We do offer gift certificates. So if you know somebody that would like to possibly try one of our services, but they just don’t feel comfortable making the appointment themselves, the gift certificate can help give them a push to come see us.”
For more information, click here: https://www.keywestsurgicalgroup.com