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I have a robotic sigmoid colectomy scheduled in 1 week and will need to travel a long distance (12 hours) by car. We plan to spend 2 nights on the road, stopping every 1.5 hours to walk to avoid DVTs. Has anyone traveled after this surgery? My surgeon did not give advice on how soon travel is recommended. She said when they release me from the hospital I can travel but I want more information on what to expect and would love to know how you've done if you traveled after this or a similar proceedure.
Replies to "I have a robotic sigmoid colectomy scheduled in 1 week and will need to travel a..."
Hope your surgery goes well. I had a robotic sigmoid colectomy with no ostomy. Most of the resources I found on line, covered diet exercise and pain management, but glossed over the bowel management changes.
I didn’t travel for long periods at first, but if I did, I would plan bathroom breaks, keep up on your pain meds and bring food. Your plan sounds reasonable, just make sure your rest stops include bathrooms.
For me, bowel movements were frequent for several weeks, 4 to 6 times a day on average. Also, my abdomen was pumped with gas, which takes time for your body to release. I was bloated and gassy for a few weeks. I would plan on bathroom breaks and carry baby wipes. GasX helped some. Loose fitting clothes are helpful.
You should look at diet ideas as well. Most sites suggest eating a BRATs diet at first, to allow you system to adjust. You may want to pack bananas, applesauce, yogurt, white rice, jello for the trip.
This link has good info on bowel function: https://mtnviewsurgical.com/life-after-colon-surgery/
@gsk2
I too had robotic surgery 6 months ago. I did not need the bag afterwards. Not to discourage you but I had explosive diarrhea for several weeks afterwards, but especially the first few weeks, which would have made travel difficult . Sometimes, there was no warning. At times I felt like I was passing gas and there was nothing, and at other times I felt like I was passing gas and it filled up a depends. Those first few months I always carried an emergency kit- lots of depends (with tabs so they could be removed easily), desitin (buy a diaper cream paddle/spatula), lots of wet wipes or baby wipes so you can clean yourself while in the restroom stall, preparation h, baby powder, trash bags, and an extra pair of slacks (for just in case...). These items will help you to feel clean again if you should spoil yourself. Each week got better and eventually I was able to tell if I was going to have a BM and I had enough time to plan a bathroom stop. Once you start with fiber, it will help firm up your stools. ( I still carry a small emergency bag with me wherever I go!). Good luck. It does get better
@gsk2 I had a robotic sigmoid colectomy with no ostomy. I spent 2 nights in the hospital.
It depends on how long you will be in the hospital, and I would go by what you surgeon tells you.
I had them take me off of ketamine after the first night. (Stayed on the muscle spasm medicine for 2 weeks with Advil and Tylenol) Once they trusted me to take the alarm off, I was walking the halls as much as possible.
Bad thing is what comes out of you! You will be shocked. Be prepared.
Make sure you have a very comfy bean bag pillow you can put under your seatbelt. I used one for a couple of months. You will need to set your car seat in a partial laid-back position and have a good round pillow under your neck and extra pillows around you. (You will not be able to rest or sleep on your side anyway)
Bring plenty of wipes and take your nausea meds.
I would make the ride as comfortable as possible and when you stop have a small portion of food then drink and walk. Remember eat, drink and Walk! Bring water, Gatorade and Pellegrino mineral water. Also, if you drink tea Chamomile and Peppermint are good.
I did buy thick women pads that were the long size and lined my panties front to back. I do not see wearing an adult diaper would be beneficial.
Even though my surgery was supposed to be robotic they did have to cut me belly button down. It you can wear a comfy dress, moo moo, etc. that will be the best.
It was the best surgery for me and have not regretted it!
Connect
@gsk2 Welcome to Connect!
Well I haven't traveled by car right after surgery, I did travel by air 10 days after a total colectomy, and as soon as 3 days after other surgeries.
All of my post-surgical travels were without incident, even though I didn't know to get up and wal (this was the 1980s).
I would suggest that you make sure you are very comfortable doing ostomy appliance changes, and have enough appliances on hand. Also ensure that your pain is under control and you have adequate medication on hand.
It sounds like you have a good plan to get up and walk every few hours. Are you having any other surgery done in conjunction with the sigmoidectomy? Will you be having your anus removed?