Flying After a Fusion?

Justoneofus

Schragie,

Im sorry to hear about your family emergency. Is altitude the issue, other than that, I would think it's only because of the amount of sitting. My doc sitting will not harm a fusion, it's only the pain it will cause you in doing so. I can now sit for over an hour at a time and our fusions were done at the same time. I am still having the leg and foot pain, and since reducing my pain meds.. my hips are killing me.

I would call ur doc. If you have fly before his regular business hours.. I would place an emergency call into him and explain ur situation to him/her. I think this easily consitutes an emergency call if need be. Good luck and keep me posted. Tammy

BobiM

[QUOTE=schragie]so I kind of already know the answer about flying.....BUT has anyone flown anywhere and how was it?

Thanks, Schragie[/QUOTE]

My son's doctor had fusion surgery by someone out west and he flew home the day after he was discharged from the hospital. It was a 4 hour flight. He did fine but it's not something I would want to do. His was an L-5/S-1.

PNo

Hi - i usually hang on the spinal board, but was looking for info. i saw your post. I had a C4-6 fusion and flew about 8 weeks after. I experienced increased "pressure" feeling in my spine once airborne until landing. Not horrible but it was a surprise and I took a pain pill on return flight home and was fine.

schragie

Thanks, folks. I think the issues are both barometric pressure and sitting. I had a C5-C7 fusion about 8 years ago and to this day cannot fly without having neck pain for a bout a week after flying. As for the back, I am still limited in how long I can sit. All in all, I know it is a bad decision to fly just yet so I am going to hang tight for a few days and see how my dad's condition pans out. It is possible the family will want to fly to NYC for treatment, which means I better clean my house! All the same, I will call my doc this week and ask about the risks of flying and an eta on when I can do it. Bobi -- I cant imagine flying the day after fusion! I was in the hospital for five days following mine and barely survived the 1 hour drive home.

I wish a memorable Memorial Day to all. Thanks for the advice.

Schragie

__________________
4/2006:TLIF L5/S1
2002: C4-5 herniation
1/1999: ACDF C5-C7

BobiM

[QUOTE=schragie] Bobi -- I cant imagine flying the day after fusion! I was in the hospital for five days following mine and barely survived the 1 hour drive home.

I wish a memorable Memorial Day to all. Thanks for the advice.

Schragie[/QUOTE]


Neither can I. I nearly died when he told me that. It was actually the day he was discharged from the hospital. Maybe they kept him longer than usual. I never asked that. I hope everything works out for you.