Travel after shoulder replacement

@linoak That is always an important question to ask your surgeon. I had complex rotator cuff repair surgery in October, and traveled 5 hours by air and another hour by car 12 days later with the OK of my surgeon. I was bored at home, so I welcomed the chance to go, and I did fine. It didn't interfere with therapy because I wasn't allowed to do anything except dangle my arm until the 6 week mark. But - I was going to my own place, where I knew I had a comfortable adjustable bed to sleep in and staying in one place.

Have you had surgery before so you know how your body responds? Are you someone who can sleep during boring stretches in the car? And have you looked at post-op instructions for sleeping recommendations or activity restrictions? I'm thinking you really need to see how you do with the surgery, pain, sling, how you would support your arm in the car, and what activities they plan. I can tell you that hiking in unfamiliar places,with your arm in a sling is NO fun - you feel off-balance, fear falling, may have pain...

Thanks for the input! This will be a driving trip with several 12 and 13 hour days planned. There will be a total of 8 preteen kids and 6 adults in two vehicles. Definitely not ideal.

Put that way, I can't imagine managing it 3 weeks post-surgery. Ask your surgeon- pretty sure it would be a no-go unless you have excellent caregivers in the group. If some of the children are yours, who will manage their needs while traveling?

Just my two cents worth: it’s wonderful that your family wants you to go, but how much do you want to go? If it’s one of those trips of a lifetime that you’ll always cherish, and you want to go, I say go! You don’t have to hike down the Grand Canyon with them in order to do things with them. If you just don’t feel up to it; that’s ok too.
Certainly ask the surgeon; but make your feelings/values clear. Ask him/her about controlling pain, supporting the arm, activity level, etc. Or, is it possible to put off the surgery?Also talk to your family about help/accommodation you might need. You might be surprised at how able even preteens are. I was impressed at times during my substitute teaching/social work days.
I have shoulder issues too-high grade rotator cuff tear, arthropathy, etc. and reverse replacement was recommended which I refused. Not ready.
I’m doing PT which has helped a lot and I’m getting stronger again. So, I definitely understand pain, albeit maybe not post-surgical.
It’s an individual decision. Keep us posted and best of luck!

I had reverse shoulder replacement when I was 68 years old. I am in very good physical condition and exercise constantly. With all of that, I took 6 weeks to get back to what I would consider well enough to travel.

Thanks for the input. This trip includes the grandkids, and I don't think they would like Grumpy Grandma along.

Other things to consider - if this is a reverse replacement, you probably will be starting PT sessions of 3x week at about this time, so it would be important to keep on the PT schedule. How many days total will you be gone from home?
Then, riding in close quarters with little kids who want to hug and bump your arm unintentionally is not ideal, and you may still feel the need for a lot of quiet time for yourself if you have higher pain levels. You may not feel like participating, and they might not understand they can't jolly you out of it. You would also need to carry a cooler of ice handy to keep icing your shoulder every few hours.
Do they need to know now if you will go? Will you lose your seat to someone else if you don't? Reservations? Although if families are combined in rooms with extra beds it would work anyway. If you really do want to go, it would make sense to just say you won't be able to decide until after you are in recovery, and may only know a few days before departure depending on healing progress and what your doctor says.

It would be sad to miss a fun family trip, but you only get one chance at making sure your shoulder heals in the proper way and this has got to be about what is best for you, not pleasing your family.

Thanks for your input. It's not a reverse replacement, but I am sure that recovery will still be slow and painful. I just hope that if I stay home my husband will go with them. I have friends who will help me, and he needs time with kids and grandkids.

I'd say that if the surgeon says you can do it you should. With all the restrictions the surgery will present, any activity to take you mind if it is a great idea. Yes, it may be challenging, but would you rather sit on the couch?