Post Surgery Vacation Plans

[MissMolly]

Long before I even had an inkling about having an acoustic neruoma my family planned our annual camping trip to Point Sebago Maine.  Now my surgery is scheduled (mid fossa) for June 22nd.  We leave for vacation 12 days later - in our camper.  Because we go with a large group of friends, I won't need to cook.  Packing and setup can be done by my husband and mother's helper (yes, I've hired a mother's helper in advance).  Our friends with whom we travel have offered lots of support.  I think I can get there and back without having to do too much strenuous activity.  Am I kidding myself thinking that I can make this trip so soon after surgery? 

I'd love to hear from folks who have had the surgery and how long they all felt they were 'on their feet' at all.  Let me know.

Molly

[CHD63]

Hi Molly .....

If you have an uncomplicated surgery, with minimal difficulty afterwards, you should be able to travel.  I would just be sure you had plenty of flexibility in the travel schedule and know that you are still going to need to be resting a great deal of the time.

My surgery was done out of state (5 hours drive from my home) and we drove home 11 days after my surgery with no problems.  Our daughter-in-law and 4-year-old granddaughter were here when we got home since my husband was still working full-time.  Laura basically did all of the cooking and household things but I totally took care of myself.  I think I could have been alone but it sure was nice to have someone here to assume responsibility for meals, etc.  That allowed me to relax and able to rest as much as needed.

Be aware that not all of us react the same to surgery so Plans B and C should be available for you if needed.   

Do not know where you live, but Point Sebago Maine sounds so relaxing, especially if others can do all of the work.  Hope it is not a long drive from where you live or where the surgery will be done.  Are there any kind of medical facilities nearby if something very odd would crop up?  It also might be a good idea to ask your surgeon if he/she has any objections to it.  Here's hoping it all works out!

Keep us posted.  Clarice

[Kate B]

Hello Molly,

Gosh 12 days after surgery I traveled home by plane from California to Chicago. That being said, I don't know if I would have been up for all of the activity that may accompany a camping trip. I just wanted to be able to take a lot of afternoon naps.  How long is the trip planned for?

As is the mantra around here, everyone is different. You probably will just have to play it by "ear" (pun intended)

Kindest regards,
Kate

[leapyrtwins]

Molly -

you should be fine, but definitely let others "wait" on you and don't overdo it.  You'll find that the fatigue post op is extreme.

Also, you may want to look into getting yourself a cane to help with the balance issues you'll have post op.  I went camping with my daughter and her Girl Scout troop 3 weeks post op and found that the uneven ground made walking very "interesting".  Other than that, I had no issues.

Best,

Jan

[Jim Scott]

Molly ~

My experience was that two weeks after my surgery, I was driving and getting back into my normal routine, although I needed a lot of rest and felt a bit 'fragile' at time.  It passes.

Based on that, I have to concur with the previous posters; assuming no real post-op complications, I wouldn't cancel the trip, but don't expect to be up to a lot of activity - and make sure your family & friends understand that you're recovering from serious surgery and not able to do anything strenuous.  Jan's advice - having a cane - should be heeded.  Expect to be tired a good deal of the time.  However, I've been to Point Sebago, Maine and it's scenic beauty should aid in your recovery. 

[NancyMc]

Well, you saw me on my eleventh day.  And if they send you home on steroids, you'll be grabbing the matches out of their hands, saying, "Here, let me do that!"

[MissMolly]

Oh, dear Nancy!  My camping friends are still recovering from my last year's post martini jiffypop-over-the-campfire experience!!  I don't think they'd ever let me have matches again!   However, you are right about how great you looked after surgery.  I'll be doing a mid-fossa and since my hair is already pretty short, I'll most likely look a little night of the living dead-ish, but hopefully will feel well. 

Thanks everybody for your comments and support.  We camp with 5-6 other families; two have registered nurses in their families.  They've all concurred that I won't have to prepare a family meal for the week (our tradition).  I was poking around my camper today and realized that it is relaxing to be away from home and in the woods.  Our site on the campsite is very close to the beach, the ice cream stand and the entertainment pavilian (where happy hour takes place).  Actually, the bartender at Point Sebago is the school nurse where I work so I'll have pretty good access to three nurses, should needs need be. 

I will set my mind to having a complication free experience in the OR.  I'll make sure my husband does all the packing and driving.  I'll bring a cane and send the kids off to their activities once I'm there.  How long do you think I'll need before I can read a book again?

Molly

[NancyMc]

Just 'til the double vision wears off . . . five days for me.
Sounds like a fun time.  It will give you a goal to work toward in the ICU and on the floor.
You won't  be any further from MGH on your camping trip than I was/am during my recovery.
Go for it!

[stoneaxe]

Martinis and camping 12 day after surgery sounds great to me....make mine dirty with 3 olives please....