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Lumbar fusion and then travel?
Spine Health | Last Active: 3 hours ago | Replies (9)Comment receiving replies
Those who have started traveling after having had a long fusion, could you share some of your travel hacks? Specifically, did you carry your bone growth stimulator with you, and if so, how did you pack it when you were flying? Did you wear a back support? Did you carry a pillow to provide some cushioning? Anything else I should be thinking of as I prepare to fly for the first time?
Replies to "Those who have started traveling after having had a long fusion, could you share some of..."
@karenoharmon
I didn't travel until 3 months after my surgery.
When I did travel, I traveled in a car for a little over an hour to the airport. Reclining seats were a must for me, plus a blow up cushion for my back. I brought a disposable ice pack ( gallon size ziplock bag with ice) to use on the first part of the drive.
If you have a long drive you will want to stop several times and take a short walk. And, ice again.
For air travel, I let the flight attendant know that I had recent back surgery and would need to stand and walk during the flight. I also mentioned that I brought several plastic bags with me and mentioned it would be very helpful if he could partially fill up a bag as needed during my 4 1/2 hour flight. ( I brought several gallon size ziplock bags.). I used my blow up cushion, behind my back, on the plane, too.
Now when I travel I use a down filled pillow I bought on Amazon and I cover it with a pillow case.
Hope this helps.
Nadine
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Hi @karenoharmon - these are terrific questions about travel after a long fusion. I think others will have ideas and be interested to hear the input of other members.
I moved your post here to join in with others already discussing a similar topic:
- Lumbar fusion and then travel? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/lumbar-fusion-1/
Tagging a few others who may have some travel hacks and tips after having had a long fusion: @karenoharmon @bassetmom @aundreac @nlback22. @jenniferhunter also may have some thoughts on this.
As you've thought about your upcoming travel, kadeoh!, have any ideas for making things more comfortable for yourself come to you that you might share?