Hi, I have an appointment on Aug 11. At the 3 week mark I had the sutures removed and told the doc I tentatively had a trip planned Aug 30 for India, China and Japan, then home and then to Germany. He said I would still be NWB (starting PWB) and on crutches but if I felt good I could probably go, he will let me know on Aug 11.
My question is he mentioned some “socks” that help with circulation. ANyone know what they are and/or where you get them? I thought he said constriction but that wasn’t right. I don’t know what I was thinking because I did not ask any questions. But I am sure someone on this blog will know.
Also, anyone have travel experience, on a plane for a long time, WKs 6 thru 8? Anything I should be aware of? I eat really healthy and normally exercise everyday (I am doing only upper body now) but any advice is appreciated.
Thanks for all the advice. I enjoy reading the blogs, I don’t feel so bad when I read how others are coping (and struggling– you are not alone).
Take care
DrLeo
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July 26th, 2008 at 7:32 pm - Edit
Dear Dr. Leo,
I think you need to take a good look at some travel books or films about China and India; or, right here on the Internet, you can read people’s accounts of their travels. I would say this research would help you realize that the toilets alone - which involve squatting - will keep you firmly in the Western world. Also, what if something were to go wrong, dare I say it, infection or rerupture? If you do go, write us all about your adventure, because it sounds INCREDIBLE when you are still on crutches now. I have been to China for a month (1990) and it was the roughest place I ever visited, outside the big cities, you are in the dirt. How’s your Mandarin?
July 26th, 2008 at 10:55 pm - Edit
Dr. Leo:
I am three weeks post op and flew on a six hour flight today. I took off the boot during the flight, but still experienced considerable swelling. But, as others have mentioned, ice and elevation worked almost immediately. However, your trip seems much more involved than mine.
I believe the term you heard was compression socks. There is a link here on the blog:
http://achillesblog.com/things-you-might-need/
July 26th, 2008 at 11:26 pm - Edit
I flew at about 7 weeks. Luckily I had a row all to myself on the way there and an empty seat next to me on the way back. If you are in a boot, make sure to loosen it before takeoff - it will swell. My flight was only 3 hours and I did ok - I cannot imagine having done it NWB though… I was FWB in a boot when I went… My biggest issue waws the incision which was irritated by the boot something fierce…
Good luck!
Ed
July 27th, 2008 at 5:07 am - Edit
DrLeo,
I flew at week 6 - a flight of 2,5 + 10,5 hours. I was wearing the boot and PWB. I had no problems at all. I prebooked the first row of seats which gave enough legroom to keep my leg elevated all the time. I had a gym mat with me rolled up to keep my leg on that. It was perfect. I couldn’t have imagined though sittting in the normal rows with that tiny legroom. Try to prebook good seat - British Airways let you do that on medical condtions. I still had the crutches for my first week which wasn’t fun. I could manage but I was so slow and tired. I was cleared to ditch them at week 7 which I happily did. I was waring the boot though for the whole time and was very carefully watching my steps most of teh time. Since I was in the States I can’t comment on the squatting toilets - which,honestly, I do not mind…:-)
Good luck and keep us posted - you will be definitely one of the heroes of this community after that trip. But in a sense, we all are - and that is great.
July 27th, 2008 at 6:47 am - Edit
I believe the socks you are looking for are compression socks. I got the cheapest pair from footsmart http://www.footsmart.com/C-Support-Socks-Improve-Poor-Circulation-98.aspx and recommend them for sure. While this young sporty type has previously thought of these things as an inadequate band aide for elderly grandmothers suffering congestive heart failure, now it is clear that they are, in fact, invaluable and potentially life saving (dvt’s on planes and such). If I think Allen Iverson instead of grandma, I’m ok. They probably sell at pharmacies and med supply stores. They are actually very comfortable, and help keep your muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, circulation, and all lightly compressed, warm, flexible and active. At least the pair I got is a very open weave and not hot at all.
July 27th, 2008 at 11:15 am - Edit
Thanks All for your responses,
I will write about the trip (assuming my doc lets me go). I have been to all three places several times in the last year. Fortunately for me I fly either business class or firs class, am only going to our offices in the larger cities, have a driver to get me (and my luggage) around and have cancelled all my plans to visit customers and cities in the hinterlands (just did not want to take the chance. My wife says I am spoiled now (since I get to travel like that) but my company and boss really need me to go on the trip and are willing to make concessions.
I have asked my admin to only book me at hotels with handicapped facilities so I can be sure to have a shower with a seat and a showerhead on a a flexible cord. That will be interesting.
I also have my boss and 2 workermates traveling with me and I told them we have to go slow, wait on Leo, and take it easy. They are up for the adventure with me. (my boss does not like my Jansport backpack I have to carry (with notebook, computer, phone, etc. He wants me to get something cool–like a $400 Tumi backpack. No way. I told him to buy it for me as a get well gift (maybe he will).
One thing I have noticed is that I am getting lazy about paying attention with the crutches. Fell on Friday (crutch caught the little lip on the doorframe as I was coming in). I rolled away from my left side (rupture side) and landed on my right side (and broke two toes). Then Saturday, caught my broken toes on the side of the coffee table and went down. Tried to avoid both legs and land on my arms. Ended up catching the coffee table with one arm and landed on my back. Thought I popped open my incision. WHen I took the boot off it was sweat, not blood. What a relief. Anyway, Pay attention–I hope I learned that lesson well.
Thanks for the sites on the compression socks and the idea of the gym mat. I am going to get both.
Take care, heal well and have a great attitude.
Leo