Looking for opinions on spine surgery and flying home afterward

sorry I mean local that would do the surgery that was suggested by Mayo, not at Mayo.

Only if you can find a surgeon with the same expertise locally. You can ask the surgeon at Mayo how long you should remain in the Mayo area following surgery.

I think you've asked a really good question... and it has been one of mine as well. I think the answer is highly dependent on the nature of the planned surgery. I've had my previous decompression surgery in Rochester when I lived in the Twin Cities but now live in Phoenix and am planning long fusion (T-10 to S-1) there. I do not want to fly for this one as it appears that it will take 3 mos or so to be ready for a 3hr flight.

thank you. I have been thinking that might be best

I had a discetomy and flew home 2days after (from Mexico). Insurance problems. Anyway I had long fusion T4-S1 done 3 hours drive from home. Went home after 1 week in hospital 1 week a rehab. About 5 months later flew to Denver from Corpus Christi. And was able to walk on my own without wheelchair assistance.

Why mexico ??

I am very similar - I had 2 spine surgeons I talked to in Pittsburgh. Wanted another opinion at Mayo. And went there. The difference was huge - Mayo all together staff and doctors so good and said they see a lot of people like me from around the world. I asked about coming home flying - they said We do this ALL the time. It will be uncomfortable but will not do anything to mess up the surgery = they are making a brace for me. So surgery then in the hospital several days and release me. Then I will stay at a local hotel near Mayo in case any thing weird, then fly home. I am of course worried but they are doing this all the time with success

I hope it all goes well. When you are up to it maybe you can update us as to how it went. Especially the flight home. I know our flight would be on one of the smaller planes with tight seating. I don't know if you automatically get moved up if you come in with a wheelchair or are still placed in the back area

@bdiver1verizon
I took a 4+ hour flight but I stayed in Rochester for 3 months after extensive back surgery.

For the flight, I recommend you bring blow-up cushions that can be used flat or folded over for lumbar support. Here's one, from Amazon, similar to what I used:
https://a.co/d/0dcOMLcq
Also make certain you take your pain meds before your flight.

Since you will be wearing a brace, you will have a lot of protection.

When I flew (without a brace), I used ice a lot, but with the brace it doesn't sound like that is possible.

Let the flight attendants know about your recent surgery. Stand up often throughout the flight, and walk down the aisle if your doctor says that okay.

Make certain your transport, to the airport, has reclining seats and use the cushions I mentioned earlier.

If you are flying out of MSP, request wheel chair assistance even if you can walk it.

Depending on the severity of your case, you may want to request Mayo Inpatient Rehab. If you qualify, I suggest you take advantage of it.
Best Wishes!
Nadine

@francine498
Cost. Medical tourism. I found a good surgeon in Tijuana. So I flew into San Diego.