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Travel after surgery
I am traveling from out of state for the surgery. My question is how long did it take those that had surgery before they could travel by car any distance. I know that it takes around 7 days before the catheter is removed and I am planning right now to stay is local hotel for 2 weeks after surgery. I am hoping at that point I can head home driving and plan to stop every couple of hours to stretch and walk. I am just wondering if 2 weeks is enough time before heading home.
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How old you are is a significant factor in this. It is usually easier for younger people.
I had my surgery at 62 and four days after surgery I drove to three clients offices to work on their computer problems. Seven days after surgery, I was back to work full-time, But the catheter didn’t come out for 14 days.
Two weeks should be plenty of time For somebody in their 60s and 70s, unless there is some unforeseen event.
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1 ReactionI had NS RARP at age 70. I also stayed in a hotel local to where I had the surgery until the catheter came out on day 7. I hit the road on day 8 for a 6 hour drive home. I had a pad for the seat, depends, and breakaway pants on so I could change pads and underwear in the car easily if I needed to. But none of that was necessary as (fortunately) I was immediately continent when the catheter came out and had a pretty uneventful drive home. I did stop frequently to stretch my legs as you suggested you plan to do, and I didn't try to push the limit between bathroom breaks. Plus I was really ready with supplies if I had an accident or two, so I wasn't stressed at all. Most importantly, I had asked my care team specifically about making this car trip and they thought I'd be fine as long as I stopped frequently and walked around (I assume to avoid clot's). I'd suggest asking your care team before making the trip but I suspect, unless you're having problems, you'll probably be cleared to go. Best wishes.
I was very nervous about the whole thing so I stayed in the hotel located across the parking lot for 8 days. The catheter came out on day 7, then I stayed an extra day to make sure nothing went wrong, then drove 9 hours home. Would definitely slept better at home.
@jeffmarc
Thanks, I’m 64 and planning to stay near the hospital for 14 days.
@bdaonion From my experience I might stay a couple of days after removal to be sure then out of there wearing incontinent underwear. Stop as needed and change as needed.
@chippydoo
Thanks
I had surgery on a Tuesday afternoon and flew home two days later on a Thursday morning. That Thursday was a long day, I got a wheelchair thru the airports and took advantage of early boarding. But was very glad to be home, so it was worth it.
Pain was no problem for me. Leaking from catheter was a problem, so wore diaper over catheter.
@bdaonion, also see these related discussions:
- When can we travel following prostate surgery?https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/travel-following-prostate-surgery/
See all https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/prostate-cancer/