Flying From Germany

[sd59]

Hello everyone.

I met with the Stenum team yesterday in Phoenix.
Jim, Susan, Malte, and Dr. Ritter-Lang

There were quite a few people with films and CD's waiting their turn.

Was told they could M6 for my L4/L5 and L5/S1, but would need to fuse L3/L4 due to instability.

Am told it would take a frontal and back surgery to do both.
Was hoping 1 hole would be enough for everything, but no luck.

Was also told I should not lift any suitcase, bend or twist after surgery, but will most likely be on my own.

I would like to hear from someone who has flown back to the states, to know how a plane seat belt affects you.
Did you wear a brace for support during the flight?

I also have the unfortunate past history of 2 blood clots in the right leg, which when sitting, causes quite a bit of discomfort, so I usually have to get up a lot during flights.
Now, I worry with restrictions from leaving your seat 1 hour prior to landing.


thanks

Doug

[mike86]

Are you going ahead with the surgery? You will definitely need some help.. don't do it alone it's impossible not to end up worse without help.

In any case, good luck! And let us know about every detail on the trip.

[sd59]

HI Mike

I'm looking into what it will cost, and the flight, but don't see how I could have someone go with me, or meet me
I was told I would probably need to be over there for about 17 days or more.

[mike86]

You could tell them to put you in contact with other people going on the same dates. They usually do 'teams' of people that arrive for surgery on the same day. This could be an option!

[Katie]

What a great idea Mike! Also, could you contact the airlines and see if one will offer support to passengers that need this kind of help? You could choose your airline from that criteria. It may be impossible, but worth a try.

[New-disc]

Hello,


I would recomend to travel with someone .... and pack light.

Remember... you'll be in bed most of the time.

Best of luck!! Please keep us posted....


Todd

[Justin]

Hi Doug,

I've had two spine surgeries in Germany in the past. I flew coach on both flights and I did very well. In terms of the new restrictions, I would speak with the flight attendants about having surgery and that you will need to get up frequently to stretch. I did this by providing a letter from my surgeon and I ending up walking to the back of the plane to hang out in the food prep area to stretch out.

I would also request the assistance of a wheelchair on the flight going to Germany and on the way back. They will let you pre-board and ask for assistance with your bags. The seatbelt was not an issue for me. Just wear it loose enough that you are comfortable. I wore my brace during the flight.

In terms of your previous clots, are you being followed by a physician for anticoagulation therapy currently? If so, I would also request a letter from them stating that you need to ambulate often due to your history of clots.

Good luck and let me know if you need any help.

[WPKat]

Hi Doug,

I recently sent my MRIs, x-rays and medication information to Stenum Hospital and was approved for a double ADR (L3/L4, L4/L5). I am interested to hear what suggestions people have for traveling as well. My husband, son and daughter are all planning to go with me. Not because they think of it as a vacation, but for moral support. My husband and son will leave sometime after the surgery, but exactly when hasn't been decided. My adult daughter will stay with me during the recovery period. I plan to stay longer the minimum week afterwards because having had back surgery before, I cringe at the very idea of traveling so soon afterwards. If at all possible, you should really have someone go with you.

I cannot imagine being able to sit through the entire long journey to and from Alaska to Germany. The cost of a first class or business class seat is way out of my comfort level. I can't see paying $9,000 or $5,000 just for one plane ticket. One idea Sue suggested was to buy an additional coach seat so I would be able to lie down since one of my family members would occupy the 3rd seat.

In my preliminary search, I found that Delta runs all the way to Bremen, Germany (not a direct flight though) and had the shortest overall flight time from Alaska. The idea of long lay overs or motoring through big terminals to switch airlines is a concern. My husband, a retired career military man, has been through customs before and brought up how that will be a challenge for me as well. I walk with a cane and wonder if that will pose a problem given current airline security issues.

But of course, if there's a will, there's a way. I plan to contact the airline beforehand and ask for special accomodations up front. I have not done so already because I am still in the process of making the final decision to go for it and we have to wait for our passports anyway.

Good Luck!

K

[sd59]

HI K, Justin, Todd, Katie, Mike

Thanks for the ideas.
I had a thank you written yesterday, and looked at the spell check, which said I needed to download something, and
" POOF " it was all gone.
If I right click, a it shows, check spelling, but is there no way to choose the correct spelling without going to word?????

I'm thinking that several stops might make the trip more bearable, and hopefully I won't have to zoom from one terminal to the other, as I have done at some airports.

I will definitely ask for letters from my Dr's regarding my prior condition, and I'm sure the attendants will be accommodating, as much as they are allowed.

K -- when you decide on an airline, I would be interested to know who you choose.

It's done, and it did not disappear.

( figured out spell check, but it does not show correct spelling on some words )

At least it underlines the mistakes, so I have the option of sending, and hoping no one sees it, or I find the word, and change it, so you don't think I can't spell.

[rhatzy]

As long as the seat belt sign is off, you can wander around the plane as long as it's not up front by the cockpit door. If you have to sit for a long time, you can do leg stretches and just squeeze the legs muscles. When you check in for your flight, ask for a wheelchair to meet you along your route. Also, ask for a bulkhead seat. They have a lot more leg room. They usually reserve these seats for people with problems like ours. A note from your doctor will help in this area. And, if possible, if you can afford it, business class. Also, when you have a wheelchair, they will get you thru customs very fast as most places have a special line for people in wheelchairs. It actually is much easier and quicker.

I am in the airline industry and have first hand knowlege and used the wheelchair when I made the trip to Bremen. Also, the less legs needed to fly, the better. Maybe to Seattle, then Frankfort and on to Bremen. You will need at least 3 legs as I dont think anyone flies Anchorage or Fairbanks to Europe