Welcoming Tips for the Road Trip Home

[CAHOBBS53]

I'm travelling from Lincoln, NE to Detroit, MI to have my surgery and am going by auto. A couple of friends will go with me so I won't have to drive, but I would appreciate any tips on how to make the drive home more comfortable. It is about 13 hour trip. We can make it out there in one trip, but I'm wondering if it might be a good idea to break it up over two days coming home. Ideas? Recommendations??:confused:

[PhotoNut]

Hi Cahobbs :)

Grats on your upcoming surgery! You live in Lincoln eh? Sara is from Crete, but we transplanted her to Idaho.

Anyway, about your request for suggestions. If it were me, I'd plan to break up the trip into two days. Take a pillow, plenty of bottled water, protein drinks, and meds! If you have a back seat to yourself, you'll be able to prop pillows up and sit across the seat like a recliner. But it's going to be hard on you to do a lot of twisting and adjusting, so frequent stops that allow you to get out and walk, even for a few minutes, will be helpful. That also helps with gas pains.

I'm sure others will have more suggestions.

Good luck with your surgery and your trip home!

[Jess_22554]

I agree with P'Nut, breaking the trip home over two days would probably be best. Be sure to stop often and walk. Being cooped up in the car could increase your chances of blood clots. Be sure your doctor is aware of your travel plans so that if necessary he can increase the amount of blood thinner he gives you or prescribe something to decrease your chances of getting a clot. Good Luck!

[CAHOBBS53]

Thanks for the feedback. I guess I could fly, but since I need to buy two seats and want to take a couple of friends I thought it made sense to drive instead. Do you think I should scrap the road trip idea and buy the plane tickets?

["Just" Paul]

You'll need to stop at least once an hour, to get out and walk for about 10-15 minutes, so I would definitely break up the trip.

Have a pillow for behind you, and a pillow to hod on your guts (it helps).

If there is any chance you can get a heating pad that will work in the car, then it will be a HUGE thing for your comfort... I LOVED my heating pad after surgery.

I cannot imagine that flying (although quicker) would be any more comfortable.

relax... sleep... sip... stop every hour to walk (and probably pee, with all that sipping)

[SpookyJulz]

Hi CaHobbs~

Congrats on your surgery date!!

I would suggest that you stay in a motel near the hospital the night after the surgery just in case there are complications.

I would break up the trip home because it's hard for some people to rest in a car. It won't be the most comfortable thing but, you will also be taking pain meds that will help you sleep and rest during the ride home.

I would also take ice packs. Some people like heat some do better with ice. If you can have both with you Great!!

Best of luck!! Keep us posted

[EmileeKaye]

The others have given you good advice...may I ask why you are having the surgery in Detroit?

[CAHOBBS53]

I'm going to Detroit to have the surgery done by a doctor at the Michigan Obesity Surgery Services group. They do the surgeries at Harper University Hospital. It costs $11,700, all inclusive, compared to about $20K here in Lincoln. After listening to this advice and thinking about getting in and out of the back seat of my car, I am now thinking I will fly instead. It will still be uncomfortable, but as Paul pointed-out, it won't take as long. I found a direct flight from Omaha that is only 2 hours, nonstop, so I think I'll go with that instead. I'm sure I'll be glad I spent the extra $$ in the long run...

[EmileeKaye]

I would go with flying, if it were me.

I lived in Lincoln for two years, but I grew up in South Sioux City, NE and had my surgery in Soux City, IA.

Keep us updated on your journey!