travel after hand surgery

Travel After Surgery: What You Need To Know

Embarking on an adventure after surgery can seem intimidating. And it’s not hard to see why: concerns about health, recovery, and potential complications can create a sense of unease.

Nevertheless, it doesn’t have to be this way. By planning and taking precautions, you can enjoy a fulfilling and safe travel experience even after a recent surgery without compromising your health.

In this post, we’ll answer some frequently asked questions, including:

• Can you travel after surgery?
• How long should you wait to travel after surgery?
• Can flying too soon after surgery cause complications?
• What can you do to minimize them?

Without further ado, let’s get started.

Can You Travel After Surgery?

Whether you can travel after surgery will depend on:

• Your airline’s regulations
• The type of surgery you had

Each airline has its own rules about post-surgery travel, so it’s important to verify with them, especially if your surgery was complex. Similarly, you should consult your surgeon or GP before flying if you’ve undergone major surgery. They will provide recommendations tailored to your specific needs.

Nevertheless, here are some general guidelines for when it’s safe to fly after surgery:

Additionally, if you have recently had surgery, you may need to inform your travel insurance provider.

Can Flying Too Soon After Surgery Cause Complications?

The risks of flying shortly after surgery can vary based on the type of surgery and your individual health concerns. Usually, general anesthesia’s cardiac and vascular effects don’t last long and might not impact your flying risk.

However, even without recent surgery, long-distance travel can increase blood clot risks in some people, which is also known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

What is DVT?

Blood clots are generally not dangerous, and may even dissolve on their own. However, a clot forming in the leg’s deep veins can become life-threatening if it dislodges, travels to the lungs, and causes a blockage called a pulmonary embolism.

Although it’s rare to develop DVT from a long flight, airline passengers often:

• Sit with their legs bent for extended periods
• Become dehydrated during the flight due to dry, recirculated air

These factors can contribute to blood clot formation. How? Motion and movement cause leg muscles to contract, promoting blood circulation back to the heart. But when legs are immobile, blood pools in the legs, increasing clotting risk.

As a result, traveling by car also carries a DVT risk due to the lack of movement, as does spending excessive time in bed.

You have higher risks of DVT if:

• You had a hips or knees surgery
• You had a recent hospital stay with extended bed rest
• You had a previous DVT experience
• You had blood clots before
• You have a history of blood clots in your family
• You’re overweight or obese
• You’re pregnant and up to 3 months postpartum
• You have a catheter in a large vein

Nevertheless, chances of developing a travel-related DVT are low, even for those who are considered moderately or highly risky cases.

How to Prevent Blood Clots During Your Travel

As you already know, sitting in the same position for extended periods can reduce blood flow and increase the risk of blood clots.

Yet, they can be prevented if you improve your blood circulation while traveling by:

• Moving your legs whenever possible . Get up and walk every hour. If there’s enough space in your seat, you can also bring one knee to your chest and hold it for 15 seconds (repeat 10 times). Additionally, avoid sitting for more than four hours once you get to your destination.
• Drinking plenty of water and avoiding alcohol and caffeine . Thus, you’ll prevent dehydration.
• Avoiding tight clothing and shoes , as they can interfere with blood circulation.
• Wearing compression stockings . They promote blood circulation and you can easily find them at surgical supply stores and pharmacies.

Additionally, you should be aware of any signs of blood clots, such as:

• Redness of the skin

Key Takeaways

As you can see, in summary, traveling after surgery is not risky if you wait the appropriate amount of time . Yet, if you’re traveling shortly after surgery, it might be a good idea to have a companion who is familiar with your situation. Besides, if you require special equipment or assistance during your flight, be sure to check with the airline before booking your trip.

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5 Important Things to Know Before You Travel After Surgery

For cancer patients recovering from surgery, there may be some anxiety when it comes to traveling. Find out when and how it’s safe to travel after surgery.

• Post author By THANC Foundation
• Post date December 22, 2020
• Categories In For Caregivers , The Patients' Cancer Journey

For thyroid, head and neck cancer patients recovering from surgery, there may be some uncertainty when it comes to traveling. When is it safe to travel? What precautions should be taken? Read on to find out the answers to some important questions about traveling after surgery. 

Is it safe to travel after surgery?

The answer to this may vary depending on the type of travel, the type of surgery, and the individual patient. Generally, after surgery, it is recommended to avoid air travel for a while. Spending long hours on a plane after surgery can increase your risk of developing a blood clot. These blood clots usually form in the legs. This is known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) . This is especially true for hip and knee surgeries. That said, if you take enough time to recover and the proper precautions, it is generally safe to travel after surgery. Be sure to ask your doctor if you have questions about traveling after your particular procedure. 

How long should I wait to travel?

It is generally recommended that patients wait one week after thyroid surgery before traveling by air. Car and train travel, however, may be safe after only a few days. You should be able to resume driving as soon as you can move your head without pain or difficulty, as long as you are not taking prescription pain medication. 

If I do decide to travel after surgery, what precautions should I take? 

There are several things you can do to lower your risk of developing complications, such as DVT, when traveling after surgery:

• Move as much as possible during your trip. If you’re on a train or an airplane, stand, stretch, and walk down the aisles every one or two hours. If you’re driving, take a break every three to four hours to stretch and walk.
• Stretch and flex your calves, neck, back, shoulders, and ankles to keep them loose. 
• Stay hydrated and avoid caffeine and alcohol. 
• Avoid wearing tight clothing that may impede circulation.
• Keep any fresh scars properly covered. Traveling can expose you to more germs, so adequate wound dressings are especially important.  

Also, if you are taking any medications, remember to pack enough in case you experience any travel delays. If your trip is international, be sure to check with your health insurance provider to see whether you’ll be covered while out of the country, or if you’ll need to buy travel health insurance.

What should I do if I’m traveling for vacation? 

If you’re going on vacation after surgery, there are several things you should keep in mind, depending on where you’re going:

• You should avoid swimming or visiting saunas for at least two weeks after your sutures have been removed. 
• While on vacation, make sure you stay active, but restrict your activity somewhat until at least 2 weeks after your surgery. Some light endurance training, like walking or bicycle riding, are usually good ways to stay active soon after your surgery. However, be sure to get permission from your doctor before you engage in these activities. 
• Keep in mind that fresh scars are more sensitive to UV rays for the first three months after surgery, so if you’re going somewhere sunny, you should keep your incision site out of direct sunlight. It is generally safe to start wearing sunscreen once your incision has closed completely. Until then, you may use a scarf for protection in direct sunlight. 
• Avoid activities that may cause sea sickness or motion sickness. If you’re going on a cruise ship or a boat, you may want to ask your doctor about having medications on hand in case you experience either of these issues.

What if I underwent, or am currently undergoing, radioactive iodine (RAI) treatment?

It is important to isolate yourself immediately after undergoing RAI so as not to expose other people to radiation. You should wait 1–3 days before traveling by airplane or public transportation, and 2–3 days before taking a prolonged automobile trip with others. In addition, there are often radiation detectors at airports, public transit stations, and other checkpoints encountered frequently while traveling.

If you’ve had RAI at some point in your treatment process along with your surgery, you may set these off for weeks to months after treatment. When traveling, be sure to have a note from your doctor on hand to explain your situation in case you trigger any alarms.

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• Tags Advice for Patients , After Surgery , Post Treatment , Travel

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When Summer Travel Includes Surgery; Mayo Clinic Expert Offers Tips for a Safe Trip

Sharon Theimer

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Flying is as safe as ground travel after chest surgery, Mayo study finds

Don’t travel alone. If you are traveling by car, you will need to have someone else to drive you in the early period after your operation; work with your physician to determine when it is safe for you to drive again. You will likely need to have someone else lift your luggage; if you are traveling by air, avail yourself of services that provide that, or send your luggage ahead.

Walk every hour during your trip. Be as mobile as possible. In the days after surgery, the body is in an inflammatory state that makes a person more predisposed to blood clots , particularly in the legs, and especially if the blood isn’t flowing as well, Dr. Cassivi says.

“If you’re in the car, stop every hour and get out and walk around the car once or twice, to keep the blood moving,” Dr. Cassivi says. “If you’re flying, there are exercises in the airline booklets or that your doctors and nurses can teach you to pump your calves if you’re stuck in a middle seat. Try to get an aisle seat so it’s easier to get up and walk.”

Just walking up and down the aisle once or twice during a long flight or once or twice every hour is useful; it helps avoid the immobility that can lead to a blood clot, Dr. Cassivi says.

Stay hydrated. Dehydration raises the risk of blood clots after surgery. Airline cabin air tends to be dry. It’s best to drink water.

“Some of the other drinks – alcoholic drinks or carbonated beverages – can be somewhat less hydrating and you don’t get the same benefit for the volume of fluid you’re taking down,” Dr. Cassivi says. “Staying hydrated, especially during airline flight, is very important.”

Wear loose-fitting clothing. Binding up is not necessarily the best situation after surgery, unless specifically recommended by your surgeon, Dr. Cassivi says. Compression stockings are an example of tight-fitting clothing a physician may order to avoid blood pooling in the leg veins.

Consider supplemental oxygen. If you’re having significant problems getting enough oxygen, it would be smart to look at using supplemental oxygen – such as a portable oxygen tank – during your trip home. Patients showing signs of oxygenation problems in the hospital are usually sent home with supplemental oxygen, whether they are traveling by ground or air, Dr. Cassivi says.

Overall, travel home by air is as safe as ground transportation after surgery, says Dr. Cassivi, who presented research on it at the American Association for Thoracic Surgery annual meeting in Toronto in April. The study found that chest surgery patients heading home by plane were, like ground travelers, at a similar low risk for complications such as pneumonia , deep vein thrombosis , pulmonary embolism , or lung problems such as pneumothorax , a collapsed lung.

“And that speaks to a very important question that’s often managed by dogma or urban myth, hospital myth. We found that although it’s not a zero risk, the risk is low, and the risk is the same between ground and air travel,” Dr. Cassivi says. “So the old rules of staying put after your surgery for two to four weeks before flying home may not apply. And I think it opens the door for patients and their surgeons to look seriously at their individual situations and govern travel decisions by how well they’re doing.”

Each year, more than a million people from all 50 states and nearly 150 countries travel to Mayo Clinic for care.

“In general, travel after surgery can be done if it’s well-organized and thought out ahead of time,” Dr. Cassivi says.

About Mayo Clinic Recognizing 150 years of serving humanity in 2014, Mayo Clinic is a nonprofit worldwide leader in medical care, research and education for people from all walks of life. For more information, visit 150years.mayoclinic.org , MayoClinic.org or https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/ .

MEDIA CONTACT: Sharon Theimer, Mayo Clinic Public Affairs, 507-284-5005, Email: [email protected]

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What to expect after hand surgery, what can i expect after hand surgery.

Recovery after hand surgery depends greatly on the type of surgery that was performed and the underlying cause of the hand condition. Sometimes, repeat surgeries are needed. The hand is an intricate part of our lives and is very sensitive.

Mild to severe pain may be expected after many types of hand surgeries. Pain medications may be given to help alleviate the discomfort.

The following are some of the other possible outcomes that you may be told to expect following hand surgery:

• Your hand may be immobilized in a bandage or splint after surgery. Your physician will decide the length of time of the immobilization. After some surgeries, the hand may be immobilized for months at nighttime to enhance recovery.
• There may be some restrictions placed on activities and work after the surgery. This also will be determined by your physician, based on an individual basis.
• Rehabilitation may be recommended to increase the strength and function of the hand. Rehabilitation may include physical therapy and/or occupational therapy. A trained specialist will be involved in your care to optimize recovery of the hand.

Therapy of the hand may include the following:

• Exercises for the hand
• Heat therapy
• Massage therapy
• Bandages to help control swelling
• Nerve stimulation

In many cases, surgery is just the start of recovery. Intensive rehabilitation may be necessary to regain optimal functioning of the hand. It is important to follow all of the instructions given to you after surgery by your physician and any other specialists that are involved in your care.

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Flying with a plaster cast: everything you need to know.

Flying with a plaster cast is possible, but it does require some additional preparation and planning

If you've recently broken a bone or undergone surgery and are now required to wear a plaster cast, you might be wondering whether you can still travel by plane. Fortunately, the answer is usually yes. However, there are some things you need to know before you board your flight with a plaster cast.

Before the flight

First and foremost, it's essential to check with your airline before you travel. Most airlines have their own set of rules and regulations regarding passengers with medical conditions, so it's best to be prepared in advance. Some airlines may require a medical certificate from your doctor stating that you are fit to fly, while others may ask you to complete a form outlining your condition.

For example, Transavia , KLM ’s low-cost subsidiary, recommends that passengers bring along a doctor’s letter confirming that they are able to fly in a pressurized cabin. The airline also strictly outlines that ‘leg rest services’ are not available, and they do not allow passengers to book extra seats to keep their legs stretched out. So, it’s worth checking with your airline should you require specific services to help you fly in a cast.

Discover more aviation news about the passenger experience here.

You should also be aware of how long you should wait to fly after having a plaster cast fitted or certain injuries. For example, Medical Air Service prescribes the following:

• Keyhole surgery: a few days
• A simple broken bone: 24 to 48 hours
• Joint replacement surgery: a few weeks
• Rib fractures or lung injuries: 3 months
• Any minor open surgery on the wrist, hand, or arm: 4 or 5 days

At the airport

When it comes to navigating the airport, you may find it challenging to move around with a plaster cast, particularly if you're traveling alone. You may need to request assistance from airport staff to help you with check-in, security, and boarding.

It's also worth noting that you may be subject to additional security screening due to your plaster cast, especially if you have any metal inserted as part of the treatment. Airport security may need to check the cast to ensure that there are no prohibited items hidden inside. This can take some time, so it's best to arrive at the airport with plenty of time to spare.

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Onboard the aircraft

Once onboard the plane, you may need to adjust your seating position to make yourself more comfortable. If you have a leg cast, you may want to request an aisle seat for added comfort and convenience. If you have an arm cast, you may need to request a seat with extra space so that you can move your arm around more freely.

It's also crucial to remember that wearing a plaster cast can make air travel uncomfortable. The change in air pressure during takeoff and landing can cause pain or discomfort, especially for limbs with a cast. To minimize this, you may want to consider getting appropriate medication from your doctor in preparation. You might also be advised to have your cast split before flying. Most importantly, remember to inform your doctor and the airline before flying – and don't hesitate to ask for assistance.

Want answers to more key questions in aviation? Check out the rest of our guides here .

Sources: Transavia , Medical Air Service

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Recovering from Hand Surgery: What You Need to Know

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Jul 19, 2021

Not as much is known about the recovery from hand surgery compared with other types of orthopedic surgeries (e.g., hip replacement, knee surgery, etc.). Some of this is due to a lack of high-quality studies designed to investigate what factors encourage a successful outcome following hand surgery. To date, studies have shown that recovering from hand surgery has more to do with the patient’s mood and outlook than the details of the surgery. Whether the surgery was invasive and required a lengthy recovery or was brief and superficial, the outcome is greatly improved by a patient’s cheerful attitude and positive, optimistic outlook. This is not to say that recovery does not require a patient to be dedicated to physical therapy and rehabilitation. However, having a high level of dedication to the work required coincides with a positive attitude and an optimistic outlook.

How Long Does It Take to Recover from Hand Surgery?

While the obvious answer is “it depends,” there are some general rules and guidelines about recovering from surgery. Generally, it takes 2 to 4 months before the typical patient experiences enough recovery to return to work. Ultimately, it can take several months to more than a year to recover 100 percent, but this is not usually necessary before one can return to living a relatively normal life. A few months is typically required for the patient to return to most of his normal daily activities. One factor that has been noted for years is that different patients with similar problems, surgeries, and overall health often have very different recovery times from hand surgery. While there have not been a large number of studies looking at this, the studies that have been done show the following factors are important when recovering:

How to Reduce Swelling from Hand Surgery

A common occurrence for anyone recovering from surgery is the presence of swelling shortly after surgery. The body’s reaction to injury causes swelling (e.g., from a scalpel). The body sends lots of fluid to the injured area as this fluid contains cells to prevent infection and start the process of wound healing. So, swelling does not just happen when recovering from surgery but following nearly any operation. To minimize the swelling that will occur in patients going through hand surgery recovery, the most important point to remember is to keep the hand (and often the arm) elevated above the level of the heart as much as possible. This should start immediately after surgery and continue for 3 to 7 days before swelling is no longer a concern, and the arm can be kept in its normal position.

During this 3 to 7 day period, it is okay to lower the arm for brief periods to rest, but these times should be as short and rare as possible. Hand surgeons will usually assist patients in keeping their hands elevated by teaching various techniques and providing devices (e.g., a sling or special pillow) to patients.

Things to Do and Things to Avoid While Recovering from Hand Surgery

There are many things a patient can do before and after hand surgery to ensure a full recovery as quickly as possible. Factors that improve how quickly and fully someone engaged in hand surgery recovery include:

●       The type and complexity of the surgery. This factor is generally not one that a person can control.

●       The person’s general health, ability to heal, and efforts to modify these factors. For example, someone with diabetes should make an extra effort to keep their blood sugar levels steady and within the normal range before and after surgery.

●       Lifestyle choices such as eating a healthy diet of proteins and complex carbohydrates.

●       How precisely the surgeon’s directions are followed before the surgery.

●       How well the rehabilitation plan is followed after the surgery.

●       Limiting life stress during recovery helps improve the healing process and the time it takes to recover. Many of the things to avoid before surgery and throughout the recovery period are common sense. These include: ●       Smoking slows wound healing throughout the body.

●       Consuming alcohol which worsens diabetes and heart disease disrupts normal sleep patterns needed for wound healing and weakens the immune system.

●       Not keeping other medical conditions in good control (e.g., diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, etc.).

●       Not following the exact plan for rehabilitation created by your orthopedic surgeon and rehabilitation specialists.

●       Using the hand too much and too early following surgery.

●       Not using the hand at all following surgery. This often results in problems with stiffness.

●       Not elevating the hand as instructed to minimize swelling and improve healing.

●       Keeping the part of the hand that did not have surgery still. For example, if surgery was on your thumb, make sure to move your fingers and wrist daily. Otherwise, these joints will become still, and the muscles will shrink and weaken. There are many unique hand surgeries, such as trigger finger surgery , and all have unique post-surgery instructions to follow. Ask your orthopedic hand surgeon what is best for you. 

What to Wear After Hand Surgery

For patients recovering from hand surgery, you may be administered a small plaster piece supporting the wrist. When the wrist moves, the muscles in the wrist contract, and the tendons that travel from the muscles in the wrist to the tips of the fingers shorten to cause the fingers to bend. Immediately following surgery, this movement may not be desirable. So, to help stabilize the fingers and hand while recovering, the wrist must be supported and prevented from bending. Of course, the hand or wrist will initially be covered with bandages, and it is important that while recovering from hand surgery, the bandages do not get wet. Following the doctor’s advice on how to shower and wash with the bandages is very important.

Often, plastic bags like Ziploc® bags are recommended to protect the area from water during hand surgery recovery. The doctor will also teach the patient how much movement is okay and how much is too much immediately following surgery. A wrist splint will often be given to the patient to support the wrist and prevent excessive movement.

For the best hand surgeons available who can evaluate any hand or wrist condition and recommend the best course of action, look no further than the Orthopedic Institute of New Jersey . With locations throughout New Jersey, there is certain to be one near you. And if surgery is needed and recovering from hand surgery as fully and quickly as possible is important to you, find an expert orthopedic hand specialist today!

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Ask a Doctor: What to Expect After Surgery

Dr. Ekkehard Bonatz answers your questions about what to expect after you’ve had hand surgery.

Q: I’ve been told I will have a cast, splint, or brace. What does that mean?

A: Many surgeries require a short time of protection to allow your body to start its recovery from your procedure.  Leaving surgery, your hand, wrist, or forearm may be wrapped with a bulky dressing. Surgeons will frequently include a splint as a part of the dressing. It is a rigid part of the dressing that is intended to protect the surgical repair and add to comfort.  A  splint  typically covers only part of the surgical area, leaving some room for swelling.  Depending on what is needed for your particular surgery, your surgeon may recommend that you return to the office after a few days for a dressing change or a change to a full  cast . 

A  cast  is applied by wrapping fiberglass tape or plaster around your hand, wrist, or arm. The cast hardens and forms a rigid hollow tube around your extremity. It holds the surgical area still during the healing process. It may need to be changed over time to account for swelling, wound care, suture removal, or to take x-rays.  Some surgeries require a brace during the healing process. 

Braces  (also sometimes referred to as splints) can come in multiple forms.  A brace may be fabricated to your extremity or may come pre-fabricated.  Braces are removable and allow you to take a shower, let your wound air out, and move the operated area around depending on your post surgery plan.  If you feel your dressing, cast, splint or brace is causing excessive pressure, you should contact your surgical team immediately. 

Q: How much pain will I have after surgery?

A: Surgery means that, in order to resolve an injury or problem, you have had some sort of intentional disruption of or injury to your body tissue. So, naturally there will be some discomfort. This is normal! Everybody’s pain experience is different and can change over time or with different types of procedures. Please tell your surgeon about any past surgeries and your pain experience during recovery. Your surgeon will take steps to keep you as comfortable as possible.

The discomfort will usually decrease within a few days of your surgery, maybe sooner. Frequently, your surgical team injects local numbing medicine to improve your immediate post-surgical pain. The numbing medicine typically lasts for several hours after your surgery. You should start taking  pain medicines  as directed by your surgical team, and most people try to be proactive about pain control early after surgery until you have a good handle on your pain levels.  A combination of acetaminophen (Tylenol or Tylenol Arthritis®) and a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication (ibuprofen, Advil®, Aleve® or similar) often works well. Take these as directed by your surgical team and be clear with your team about if and when you are allowed to take these medications after surgery and if there are medications that you should avoid due to interaction with other medicine, medical conditions, increased risk of bleeding etc.

Swelling pain is difficult to manage, and pain medications do not address swelling pain very well.  To avoid excessive swelling, begin elevating your extremity as much a possible as soon as you can comfortably do so after surgery.  Some people also find  ice  can be helpful after surgery, either placed on the arm or in the armpit.  Please confirm with your surgical team if ice is safe for you to use after surgery.

Q: How about opioids/narcotics?

A: You may be given a prescription for a narcotic to use after your procedure. Narcotics help to control pain in a different way than acetaminophen, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs), ice and elevation.  Narcotics can cause drowsiness. You may take these pills in addition to your over-the-counter pain pills as prescribed. Please be aware that many  opioid pills  contain acetaminophen or an NSAIDs as a part of the pill, so you must take care to avoid excessive doses of any of these ingredients, which can also be found in many over-the-counter pain medications.  The opioids work best just for a few days and can quickly lose their effectiveness. You may not drive a motor vehicle and should not make other important decisions while under the influence of a narcotic. If your surgeon prescribes narcotoics, the prescription will likely be for a small number of pills due to the both the short-term effectiveness of the medication and the fact that opiod medications can be highly addictive. If you have had problems with narcotics in the past, it is important to discuss this with your surgical team so you can make a safe and effective pain management plan for your recovery.

Q: What if I can’t sleep after surgery?

A: After surgery you may find yourself too uncomfortable to go to sleep. This is not unusual and should get better within days of surgery. Once your swelling decreases and you become more used to your post-operative dressing, splint or cast, sleep will become easier.  You can talk with your surgical team about whether elevation, sleeping in a recliner, or other modified positioning might help with post-surgical sleep.

Ekkehard Bonatz, M.D., Ph.D.,  is a partner at Southlake Orthopaedics in Birmingham and Hoover, AL. He specializes in hand and upper extremity surgery. He is also a faculty member of the hand and upper extremity fellowship program at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. His surgical training was at the Baptist Medical Centers in Birmingham and at UAB, where he completed his orthopaedic surgery training. He subsequently trained in hand and upper extremity, microsurgery, and reconstructive surgery at UAB.

4 Safe Travel Tips for After Surgery

Though it comes with its complications, a vacation after surgery can offer a rejuvenating travel experience. While you need to give your body the time it needs to rest and recover, your mind and spirit also need to heal from the stress of the procedure.

Once a few weeks pass—and your doctor gives you the okay to travel—take the vacation you need with these tips for post-surgery wellness travel .

1. Pay Attention to Your Body

You have to pay close attention to your body as it heals. This is especially true while travelling. Keep up with any diet and exercise that your doctor prescribed for your recovery process.

While you don’t want to strain yourself, stretching and walking around will help keep your energy up and avoid blood clots or other complications.

Make sure to stay hydrated as well. It’s easy to get dehydrated while travelling—especially if you will fly—so drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol and caffeine.

2. Take a Friend

Vacations always turn out more fun with a second person, and travelling alone with someone is one of the most important safe travel tips for after surgery.

If you travel after an operation, you want to bring a friend who knows the kind of surgery and symptoms you had. It’s important to have someone dependable to help you take care of yourself throughout your vacation.

Like with all parts of your recovery process, don’t feel afraid to ask for help if you need it. Having someone who can handle heavy luggage or drive when you feel tired can help make your trip easier on you, allowing you to focus on yourself and your recovery.

3. Take Your Time

When we travel, we often want to rush around in an effort to experience everything. Unfortunately, this often means you come back from a trip needing another vacation just to recover from the first. When you travel after surgery, it’s important to pace yourself.

Choose a couple of things to do and give yourself plenty of downtime in between them. Plan any flights so that you have time to spare during your layovers. If you drive, make your schedule beforehand, so you don’t have to spend all day sitting in the car. Remember that your priority is to relax; you don’t want to exhaust yourself while you try to have fun.

4. Pack the Right Wardrobe

It’s always a good idea to wear comfortable outfits when travelling. Tight or stiff clothing limits circulation and can keep you from resting comfortably—especially while flying or sitting in a car for a long period of time. Wear loose-fitting, breathable clothes that won’t cut off circulation or irritate any surgical scars.

These also feel more comfortable to wear over any compression garments , which your doctor may prescribe to help you on your recovery journey. While you plan outfits, pack other accessories you might need, such as comfortable shoes, a brace, or a cane, or a walker.

Your Travel After Surgery Checklist

• Consult with your healthcare provider before you travel: Before making any travel plans, it’s important to consult with your healthcare provider to ensure that you are healthy enough to travel. Your doctor can also advise on what precautions to take and what medical supplies to bring.
• Plan your itinerary carefully: When planning your itinerary, try to avoid long flights or long car rides, as they can be uncomfortable and increase the risk of blood clots. Consider breaking up your journey with frequent stops or layovers if possible.
• Pack your medications and medical supplies: Make sure to pack all of the medications and medical supplies that you need for your trip, including pain medication, antibiotics, dressings, and other medical equipment. Pack more than you think you’ll need in case of unexpected delays or changes in your plans.
• Consider your mobility needs: If you have mobility issues, consider booking an aisle seat on the plane or a ground-floor hotel room. You can also request assistance at the airport, such as a wheelchair service or priority boarding.
• Stay hydrated and eat well: Staying hydrated and eating nutritious food is important after surgery, so make sure to bring plenty of water and healthy snacks with you on your trip. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can dehydrate you.
• Take it easy and rest as needed: It’s important to take it easy and rest when you need to, especially if you are still recovering from surgery. Don’t try to do too much or push yourself too hard, and listen to your body’s signals.
• Purchase travel insurance: Consider purchasing travel insurance that covers medical expenses, especially if you are travelling internationally. This can give you peace of mind and protect you in case of any unexpected medical issues.

Travelling post-surgery does require more planning and preparation, but with the right precautions, it is possible to have an enjoyable, incredible trip.

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18 Key Tips For Travel After Surgery You Should Know

Reward Travel Travel Tips Where To Stay

If you’re reading this article, you’re probably preparing for an unsavory event in your life or the life of a loved one–travel after surgery. Let me voice that I feel for you. I can think of only a few less fun topics about which to write. However, there may be few more important topics about which I DO write. I speak from experience because I lived this medical travel world recently. I hated every pain-ridden moment, but I learned a lot of valuable travel lessons through it! Written tips are below, but you’ll find great advice in the above video as well. Check them both out!

Travel After Surgery–Pre-Planning Tips

• Medical Consultation – Consult with your medical professional about when you can come home from your surgery or medical procedure. Then, add some time onto that time frame! I added two days, and I was grateful for that smart decision.
• Companions – Take a companion, especially if your surgeon advises this! I took my mother. She was an awesome companion. (Thanks, Mom!)
• Supply Lists & Purchases – Ask your surgeon’s office for a supply list. Buy those supplies at the destination and be smart about how many/much you purchase. If you purchase too much, you’ll have extra weight to carry home or excess product to wastefully discard. It’s a delicate balance!
• Arrival Timing – Arrive early so you can briefly learn the area, especially if you rent a vehicle. I was able to show my companion exactly where we needed to go to save her stress after my surgery. For a directionally-challenged person, that extra visualization time can be a huge help to them. Also, if you are a travelholic, you may at least be able to have a fun moment prior to the surgery. If you’re like me, you can use every uplifting experience you can secure! And that may just provide a final boost!
• Secure a Good Hotel Room – Contact the hotel directly so that you secure a good hotel room location. Do you need a location close to the parking lot? Do you need a location close to the elevator? Explain your situation, and they can make the appropriate recommendation.
• Avoid Travel Aggregation Sites – Consider avoiding travel aggregation sites where you can secure chain hotel rooms for cheap prices. While they may save money, hotels often place their worst rooms on these sites. Plus, you may lack the ability (or have less ability) to request special accommodations. Do yourself a favor and don’t skimp on this aspect of your journey!
• Pack Light – Every ounce you carry to your destination is an ounce to handle when returning. Pack light. Then, thank me later.
• Consider Your Clothing – The supply list may cover some components of this journey facet. However, mine didn’t; and I wish I had thought through my clothing choices better. Think through whether you need loose (gentle), tight (maintain bandage placement), or disposable (able to get filthy) clothing. Think through what makes sense for your travel agenda.

Travel After Surgery–Airport Journey Tips

• Slip-On Shoes – Travel after surgery, especially at the airport, is a pain in the neck. (As well as wherever the surgeon strategically cut.) Save your neck and tender spots by bringing slip-on shoes and wearing them through the airport (and anywhere you need to wear them). I used flip-flops. When I needed to remove them, I had an easy time (especially with help from my companion).
• Airline Wheelchairs – Arrange a wheelchair with your airline. They can take you from the ticketing counters all the way to your gate…and to the airplane!
• TSA Seated Screenings – Take advantage of TSA’s screening procedures and know that you can have a seated screening if you have difficulty standing up from a wheelchair. By wiggling around in my chair so that the agents could appropriately use their wand equipment, they allowed me to stay in my wheelchair. This was a definitively helpful workaround in my situation so know it’s an option if you need this level of assistance.
• First Class & First Row Tickets –  Secure first class tickets and the front seats, especially if you are tall! The extra space and comfort will be well worth it in an already-difficult journey. Plus, the gourmet snack/meal will at least be a miniature treat and pick-me-up. The above photo shows my first class snack, and I remember it made me feel halfway human for ten minutes. Then, I resumed hurting. Life, eh?

Affordability Tips

• Special Options Via Your Workplace – Seek out job options! If you have workplace insurance, you will most likely be taking advantage of that support. However, do you also have an incredible deal like Lowe’s? Lowe’s offers free surgeries at certain hospitals around the nation. That’s incredible corporate support! It can pay–a lot–to ask! And if you have this support, you can use the monetary savings to fund the travel portion. That’s a winning proposition!
• Special Options Via Hospital Indemnity Health Insurance Products – Another insurance option are hospital indemnity products.  Hospital indemnity coverage can pay you directly for overnight hospital stays, and you can choose how you use the money. Regardless of whether you’re traveling or not, these are helpful! But if you are traveling, these extra funds can help ease the impact on your bank account.
• Special Options Via Charities – Some charities like Angel Flight and Miracle Flights can also help. These charities pay for free flights for children and families who need medical help but cannot afford flights. Sometimes, I really love people! Search online for others or ask in your area if there are any opportunities like these.
• Rewards Programs – Take advantage of rewards programs, and stack the rewards! By using a credit card with a rewards program to pay for a hotel room when you’re a rewards program member, you receive stacked rewards. Depending on the programs, you may be able to secure a return on investment of 2-14%. Plus, if your surgical travels keep you remote long enough, you may reach higher tier levels in reward programs. Those can trigger faster accumulation of points. You’re spending the money anyway; try to earn some back through rewards financial planning!
• Tax-Free Medical Accounts (HSAs & FSAs) – Take advantage of Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) or Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) to pay for your travel tax-free. If you have a large employer, the odds are you have the option to donate to one or both of these. The IRS allows you to use money in these accounts to pay for some travel expenses.
• Grocery Store Food – This is kind of obvious since you don’t need surgery to take advantage of this travel technique, but we bought easy preparation food at a local grocery store. Some of that food included delicious rotisserie chicken! (Seriously, that chicken rocked my taste buds.) Using grocery stores instead of restaurants, as expected, helped me save money. Lots and lots of money.

Conclusions

Travel after surgery isn’t fun. In fact, remove “travel” because “after surgery” isn’t fun. Adding travel to the equation very often just complicates matters and the pain. But these tips will help minimize those difficulties and help you return to standard adventuring (and more normal travel topics! ). Do you have any tips from your experiences that you can share? Comment below; I would love to hear them!

Until next time…toodles!

I'm Melissa, and I'm a travel vlogger! I travel America and the world in search of Americana and to bring home applicable lessons from other cultures! Join my adventures!

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Addressing Common Questions About Traveling by Air After Orthopedic Surgery

• PMID: 34618640
• DOI: 10.3928/01477447-20211001-12

Many patients have questions about traveling by air after orthopedic surgery. The goal of this review was to provide a guide to addressing these issues to better prepare patients for air travel. A comprehensive literature review was conducted to address patient questions regarding metal detectors, as well as deep venous thrombosis risk with flying. Further, patient questions pertaining to specific airlines, airports, and Transportation Security Administration policies were answered through direct discussion with representatives, website review, and internet research. Ultimately, providers should be aware of the many challenges that orthopedic patients face during air travel, and patients should consult their providers before making travel plans. Airline passengers are likewise encouraged to equip themselves with the information presented in this article, to best advocate for themselves. This guide should be used as a reference tool, providing up-to-date information about air travel after orthopedic surgery to both patients and providers alike. [ Orthopedics . 2021;44(6):e719-e723.].

Publication types

• Air Travel*
• Orthopedic Procedures* / adverse effects
• Orthopedics*

Travel Recommendations After Surgery

• Shoulder Instability and Dislocation
• Bony Bankart Shoulder Instability
• Batter’s Shoulder
• Latarjet and Failed Shoulder Instability Repair
• Remplissage
• SLAP Repair
• Biceps Tenodesis
• Shoulder Rotator Cuff Repair
• Clavicle Fracture
• AC Separation
• Latissimus Dorsi Injuries
• Shoulder Arthroplasty
• Tommy John Surgery
• Ulnar Collateral Ligament (UCL) Primary Repair
• Snapping Ulnar Nerve
• Medial Epicondylitis (Golfer’s Elbow)
• Elbow Arthroscopy in the Throwing Athlete
• Capitellar OCD
• Olecranon Stress Fractures In Baseball Players
• Little Leaguer’s Elbow
• Tennis Elbow Treatment
• Distal Biceps Repair
• Medial Epicondyle Avulsion Fractures
• Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Injuries
• Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Primary Repair
• Patellar Instability Surgery
• Meniscus Repair
• Meniscal Root Repair
• Cartilage Repair
• Visco-Supplementation
• Cortisone Injection
• Pain Management Following Surgery
• Physical Therapy Protocols
• Plyo-ball Rehabilitation Program
• MRI Review Service

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)  refers to the formation of a thrombus (blood clot) within a deep vein, commonly in the thigh or calf, but can also occur in the veins of the upper extremities. The major concern is that if a blood clot develops, it can potentially block blood flow back in to the heart and cause damage to the one-way valves in the veins. A clot could also break free and travel through your blood to major organs, such as your lungs. This is called a pulmonary embolism and can be fatal. Your risk for developing a DVT is greatest right after surgery and about 10 days afterward.  This is why we take all of the necessary precautions beginning the day of surgery.

PRECAUTIONS IMPLEMENTED TO REDUCE YOUR RISKS:

• Regional and local anesthesia is used whenever possible instead of general anesthesia because research has demonstrated that this decreases your risk of developing a DVT.
• Compression devices are applied on your lower extremities during and after your surgical procedure to enhance blood flow.

HOW TO PREVENT DVT WHEN TRAVELING:

• Avoid air travel for a minimum of  two weeks  after surgery on the lower extremity.
• For Air Travel – Take one 325 mg Aspirin one hour prior to flight and then once a day for 5 days.
• If on an airplane for more than 3 hours, either walk frequently or do ankle pump exercises (flex your foot up and down repeatedly) in your seat every hour. This squeezes the blood vessels, helping to prevent DVT by preventing the formation of blood clots.
• Stay well hydrated. Dehydration causes blood to thicken and the veins to narrow.
• Avoid alcohol consumption. Alcohol can cause dehydration.
• You may also consider purchasing compression stockings at a medical supply store and wearing them during your travels. This also helps reduce swelling.
• Avoid wearing short, tight socks or crossing your legs for long periods.
• When traveling by car, stop every hour to walk around.

SEEK EMERGENT CARE IF YOU DEVELOP:

• Increasing leg pain
• Swelling that does not decrease with leg elevation
• Enlargement of veins near the skin
• Reddish or pink skin color
• Skin that is warm to the touch

Dr. Ahmad performed 2 different surgeries on my daughter at 2 different times. She had excellent outcomes both times. She is a high level gymnast and needed to be seen by the best. Dr. Ahmad is the best.

Mary louise lea, dr ahmad is extremely knowledgeable and professional i highly recommend him and his staff. they were very supportive throughout my son’s recovery from ucl surgery, dr ahmad came into each appointment up to date on my file, ready to discuss how treatment was progressing and fully engaged on my rehabilitation. he listened attentively to my feedback and was efficient without being rushed. thanks to his medical care, i’m in better shape than i was before injury., ask a question.

Flying After Carpal Tunnel Surgery

Getting home after FIFO surgery

Generally you will need to wait 24 hours after your surgery before flying. However, there are a number of factors to consider before booking your flight. Make sure you consider the following:

Each airline has its own regulations about flying after surgery. Make sure you enquire with them and have any necessary paperwork organised before your flight.   See our Flying after Surgery page for more information on selected airlines and their medical clearance requirements.

Dr McLean will prescribe pain medication after your surgery. He may also recommend medication to reduce the risk of blood clots, or antibiotics to decrease the risk of infection.

It is a good idea to travel with a copy of your prescription and a letter from your doctor detailing the type of medication you are taking, and the reason for your prescription.

Especially if you are travelling alone, you won’t be able to carry bags and do some things you typically use your hands for. Transiting through the airport, managing tickets, and other simple activities may be more difficult. Make sure to leave extra time to get through check-in.

Your surgery may affect your travel insurance. Check your policy carefully, and contact your insurance provider for advice on whether you will be covered for potential post-surgery issues while you are away.

You will need to see Dr McLean for a post-operative assessment and to get your stitches out 10-14 days after surgery.

Read more about:

• What is carpal tunnel syndrome
• When can I drive after carpal tunnel surgery

Carpal Tunnel Surgery and Recovery

When surgery is the best option, Dr McLean will perform a relatively simple operation. It involves cutting the transverse carpal ligament over the top of the carpal tunnel, which relieves pressure on the median nerve below. As your body heals the injury to the ligament, scar tissue forms which should prevent the buildup of pressure on the nerve.

Dr McLean prefers to manage carpal tunnel syndrome using a minimally-invasive, key-hole endoscopic surgical technique (when indicated). An open technique can also be used and involves a slightly larger incision and clear visualisation of the structures inside the carpal tunnel. For more information about driving after carpal tunnel surgery, read this guide.

Once you have a referral…

Book your consultation here.

• Book Online
• 08 7077 0101

Traveling After Shoulder Replacement Surgery

Orthopaedic surgery can have an impact on your ability to travel comfortably. It can affect your ability to tolerate turbulence and sit comfortably in a chair for the whole duration of the flight. Hence, it’s important to plan ahead even before you book your flight.

Before you plan for a trip, it’s important to consult your doctor to make sure that you’re good to fly. Consulting with your doctor can help clarify restrictions and even help you with any resources you may need.

Patients of Ozark Orthopaedics can schedule an appointment with their doctor by calling (479) 521-2752 .

Travel Tips After Shoulder Replacement

Tip #1: Pack as light as possible Even if you’re already past the early stage of recovery, you don’t want to risk your shoulder by carrying heavy bags. If you’re traveling for a couple of days, you may want to send out a bulk of your stuff to where you’re staying and/or buying bulky items in your destination.

Tip #2: Check your airline Before you book for a flight, check for the airline’s regulations about flying after surgery. Some airlines have certain regulations when flying after a complex surgery.

It’s also important to look into hand luggage restrictions and the cost of purchasing another seat. An extra seat may help you sit comfortably especially when you have a bulky shoulder sling.

Tip #3: Call your travel insurance provider Your recent surgery may have an impact on the cost of your travel insurance. Call them to inform you about your surgery.

Tip #4: Be prepared for airport security If your surgery involved any implants, screws, plates, etc. you may have to undergo extra security measures at the airport as you may trigger metal detectors. You can inform the security staff about your recent surgery before you go through the scanners.

Tip#5: Plan to keep up with your physical therapy You can ask your physical therapist about ways to keep up with your physical therapy while traveling.

Tip #6: Be prepared to turn down some activities Depending on your stage of recovery, there can be activities that are off-limits while your shoulder is still healing. Just be patient. You can always go back and try those activities once your shoulder has fully recovered.

Tip #7: Prepare your medications ahead of time Aside from prepping your medications ahead of time, it would also be smart to list them down, including their generic names.

Tip #8: Check your airlines for restrictions Some airlines have restrictions on the number of medications you can bring on-board.

Having an enjoyable trip after shoulder surgery is possible. You just have to plan ahead, work with your provider, and be patient.

Have a great trip!

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Medical Mysteries: Years of hives and fevers traced to a startling cause

A california woman suffered from an episodic flu-like illness that defied explanation. its origin stunned her doctors..

There were few things Beth Sternlieb’s Los Angeles doctors could say with certainty about her baffling illness, but this much was clear: Although manageable for years, it had worsened dramatically.

For nearly two decades Sternlieb had been plagued by flu-like episodes that began with a headache and abdominal pain accompanied by fatigue, muscle aches and diarrhea. Within a day, a spotty red rash blanketed her abdomen.

A yoga and meditation teacher who worked at the University of California at Los Angeles’s pediatric pain program, Sternlieb had undergone numerous tests that failed to reveal the reason for the unidentified illness that occurred two or three times a year and lasted about five days. In 2004, after 17 years, the illness began occurring more frequently and Sternlieb never fully recovered between episodes. A year later she developed a high fever, chills and exhaustion that lasted five months and left her bedridden.

The startling and highly unusual cause was finally identified after Sternlieb underwent an operation that ended up curing her.

“It was a good thing my abdomen turned red because it caught the attention of my doctors,” Sternlieb said recently. “Something was really wrong, but no one imagined this.”

Bad case of flu

The first episode occurred in December 1987, two weeks after Sternlieb’s second child was born. “I became sicker than I had ever been,” said Sternlieb, then 37. “It was flu season and that year was a bad flu season,” so doctors attributed her illness to influenza.

Six months later the illness recurred, a pattern that prevailed for years.

At first Sternlieb didn’t pay much attention to the tiny red dots that covered her abdomen. The rash resembled a sunburn but wasn’t itchy or painful. Doctors ultimately decided it was hives , a common skin condition that can occur as an allergic reaction to food or drugs; often its cause is never discovered.

“I became sicker than I had ever been. ... It was flu season and that year was a bad flu season,” so doctors attributed her illness to influenza. — Beth Sternlieb

Her primary care doctor referred her to a rheumatologist, a physician who specializes in treating autoimmune diseases, whom she saw for several years. He ordered blood tests, which he said suggested the presence of an unspecified autoimmune disorder in which the body mistakenly attacks itself.

Over the years, Sternlieb noticed that the episodes seemed to occur during periods of stress “both good and bad,” including traveling, partying and too little sleep. “I thought it must have a psychological component,” she said.

She learned to incorporate the bouts into her life, relieved that no one had found anything serious. She hoped doctors would figure out what was wrong so they could treat and eradicate whatever it was.

Travel history

By 2005, Sternlieb’s equanimity was shattered by a sharp deterioration in her health.

That summer, she became seriously ill and did not recover. Her fever periodically spiked to 104 degrees, and she suffered from drenching night sweats as well as profound weakness and fatigue. She lost 15 pounds and, unable to work, spent most of her time in bed or on the couch. The rash that had been confined to her abdomen spread to her neck and torso. Blood tests showed elevated levels of inflammation and a high white blood cell count.

Sternlieb began seeing a new crop of specialists. An infectious-disease doctor combed through her travel history, which included a trip to India years earlier, ultimately ruling out malaria and other parasitic infections. Doctors considered and discarded a variety of diagnoses including fever of unknown origin , which can be associated with some autoimmune diseases; familial Mediterranean fever , an inherited genetic disorder that causes recurrent fevers and inflammation; as well as HIV and hepatitis.

That left an infection or an allergy as possible causes. The latter seemed unlikely despite recurrent hives, said Raffi Tachdjian , then a fellow in allergy and immunology at UCLA and one of the doctors Sternlieb consulted.

“Hives usually last 24 hours and are not like this, which was chronic," he recalled. “We needed to look deeper into anything unusual....It seemed that there was something packing some heat somewhere” that was triggering a reaction from Sternlieb’s immune system.

“We see this in sinuses where antibiotics don’t reach infected tissue” and result in a smoldering infection that becomes virtually impossible to eradicate with medication, he added.

A CT scan ordered by the infectious-disease doctor showed multiple uterine fibroids , common benign tumors that don’t require treatment unless they cause problems. The scan showed that one of the fibroids had grown very large and was possibly degenerating (dying) or necrotic (dead), which happens when a tumor loses its blood supply.

A degenerating fibroid can get very big very fast. But doctors were also concerned about the possibility of a rare cancer such as a leiomyosarcoma, which grows in smooth muscles including in uterine tissue. None of her doctors, including her new gynecologist Jessica Schneider , knew whether her long-standing illness and the fibroids were related.

And what explained the hives, which are not associated with fibroids or this cancer?

“It didn’t seem obvious that a fibroid would cause this,” said Schneider, a member of the Cedars-Sinai Medical Group. “But it didn’t look like a typical fibroid, and I recommended we take it out.” Sternlieb, who said she worried she might still be sick after a hysterectomy, agreed.

During the December 2005 operation, Schneider removed eight fibroids. The largest measured a whopping 11 centimeters, the size of a large grapefruit.

Nearly 20 years later Schneider vividly remembers its unique characteristics. Typically a fibroid is a solid ball of muscle, she said. This one was full of pus that spurted explosively when it was touched with a scalpel.

“It was crazy,” said Schneider, who had never seen anything like it before and hasn’t since. She administered antibiotics and took a culture that she sent to the pathology lab for analysis.

Tachdjian remembers that Schneider called him just after she finished surgery to tell him what she had found.

“I thought ‘We need to know what the heck grew,’ ” Tachdjian said. “We were crossing our fingers that surgery would take care of it, whatever it was. But only time would tell.”

‘A nice nest’

A few weeks later, the first question was answered. The culture showed an unknown strain of salmonella , a common bacterial infection that is usually caused by contaminated food. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that it causes more than 1.3 million illnesses annually and results in more than 26,000 hospitalizations and 420 deaths. Neither Sternlieb nor her doctors knew how or when she contracted salmonella, which is known to cause hives if it settles in the intestine, Tachdjian said.

In Sternlieb’s case, the bacteria had burrowed into only one fibroid; the other seven were free of salmonella.

“I kept asking older doctors if they’d ever seen anything like this, and they said they hadn’t.” — Jessica Schneider, gynecologist

“It probably seeded itself in the GI tract and thought ‘Here’s a nice nest for me,’ ” said Tachdjian, who practices in Santa Monica and is an associate clinical professor of medicine and pediatrics at the UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine.

But the duration of Sternlieb’s infection, its location in a uterine fibroid and the recurring hives made the case something of a fascinoma — medical slang for an unusual and unusually interesting case, a status that would be enhanced by the discovery of its source.

“I kept asking older doctors if they’d ever seen anything like this, and they said they hadn’t,” Schneider said. A search of medical journals conducted by Tachdjian turned up nothing similar.

Because salmonella is a reportable disease, California health officials were notified.

Several months after her operation, Sternlieb received a home visit from a public health nurse with startling news: Her infection had been traced not to food but to a reptile.

Turtles are known to harbor salmonella, one reason federal law has long banned the sale of small turtles because of the risk they pose to young children. Other reptiles and amphibians including snakes, frogs and lizards are also carriers, which is why public health officials stress the importance of handwashing after touching them.

But her family never had a pet reptile, Sternlieb said. Because her symptoms started shortly after giving birth, Sternlieb’s infectious-disease doctor suspected she might have contracted the infection in the hospital, possibly from a staff member. At times during pregnancy and before delivery, the mother’s immune system is suppressed to prevent it from rejecting the fetus.

Another possibility, said Sternlieb, who wracked her brain trying to recall possible reptile exposures from nearly two decades earlier, is that the infection was transmitted by a pet reptile at the nursery school her then-4-year-old son attended. But she added that he never brought a reptile home and that she doesn’t remember the school keeping such pets.

Schneider said she began to recover almost immediately after surgery and has never had another episode. Doctors deemed the surgery a cure.

Tachdjian said he suspects she was exposed in the hospital and added that it’s fortunate she underwent surgery when she did. Had the fibroid ruptured, Sternlieb could have developed sepsis , a potentially fatal infection that results from bacteria coursing through the bloodstream.

In 2010, Tachdjian, Schneider and two other doctors published a report of her case in the journal Obstetrics and Gynecology. Their goal, Tachdjian said, was to alert other doctors to consider abdominal hives as a possible sign of a simmering pelvic infection.

“You want these reports so the next [doctor] that runs into something like this gets imaging quickly,” he said.

Send your solved medical mystery to [email protected] . No unsolved cases, please. Read previous mysteries at wapo.st/medicalmysteries .

A previous version of this article included frogs as reptiles known to carry salmonella. Frogs are amphibians. The article has been corrected.

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Australia urges Israel and Iran to avoid ‘spiral of violence’; Dfat issues Middle East travel advice – as it happened

This blog is now closed.

• Australia ‘extremely concerned’ after Israeli airstrikes on Iran confirmed by US
• Nine-year-old among four killed in car crash in Western Australia
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• 5d ago What we learned, Friday 19 April
• 5d ago Australia urges Israel and Iran to 'step back'
• 5d ago Dfat issues travel advice amid reports of explosions across the Middle East
• 5d ago Fire ants spotted near tip of Murray Darling Basin
• 5d ago Stocks, Aussie dollar sink after reports of explosions in Iran
• 5d ago Greens on Israeli missiles launched at Iran: ‘This must not become our next war beside the US’
• 5d ago Non-citizens may prefer prison to immigration detention – ombudsman
• 5d ago Boy, aged 9, among four killed in WA car crash
• 5d ago Greens yet to take position on bill banning non-prescription vapes
• 5d ago Samantha Ratnam to step down as leader of Victorian Greens for federal tilt
• 5d ago Disability and mental health check for accused terror teenager
• 5d ago Opposition leader says Palestinian state alongside Israel not ‘conceivable’ until Hamas defeated
• 5d ago Youth on welfare ‘pushed’ into homelessness, report shows
• 5d ago Young people concerned government isn't planning for the long-term, thinktank says
• 5d ago Canavan declares ‘king coal’s reign continues’ as climate crisis continues to worsen
• 5d ago Civil liberties council ‘concerned’ by push for tougher penalties on parents if children found with knives
• 5d ago AFP commissioner outlines facts of Wakeley stabbing case, calls for unity
• 5d ago Shorten suggests ‘more soldiers and police officers’ should be patrolling shopping centres
• 5d ago Planned surgery wait times longest on record, medical association says
• 5d ago Joint Jewish, Muslim and Christian statement released following recent tensions and violence
• 5d ago Alleged offender in Wakeley church stabbing to face bedside court
• 5d ago Violence against women a ‘scourge’ that is ‘perpetrated by men’, attorney-general says
• 5d ago First navy officers assigned to US Virginia class submarines
• 5d ago Good morning
• 5d ago Bondi Junction Westfield to reopen for trade after stabbings
• 5d ago Welcome

Australia urges Israel and Iran to 'step back'

The Australian government has urged Iran and Israel to “exercise restraint and step back to avoid a further spiral of violence”.

In response for a request for comment on Israel’s reported retaliatory military actions against Iran, the acting foreign minister, Katy Gallagher , said:

Australia remains extremely concerned about the potential for miscalculation and further escalation of conflict in the region. This is in no one’s interests. We urge all parties to exercise restraint and step back to avoid a further spiral of violence . Australia will continue working with partners to try to reduce tensions and prevent further regional spillover.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade had earlier updated travel advice for the region.

What we learned, Friday 19 April

And with that, we are going to put the blog to bed. Before we go, let’s recap some of the big headlines.

Bondi Junction Westfield will reopen for trade after last weekend’s stabbings

The first Australian navy officers have been assigned to US Virginia class submarines

Violence against women is a ‘scourge’ that is ‘perpetrated by men’, the attorney general, Mark Dreyfus , said

The alleged offender in the Wakeley church stabbing faced a bedside court hearing

Jewish, Muslim and Christian leaders released a joint statement following recent tensions and violence

Planned surgery wait times in public hospitals are now the longest on record, according to new data from the Australian Medical Association

Bill Shorten suggested ‘more soldiers and police officers’ should be patrolling shopping centres

The AFP commissioner, Reece Kershaw, outlined the facts of the Wakeley stabbing case and called for unity

The civil liberties council is ‘concerned’ by a push for tougher penalties on parents whose children are found with knives

Nationals senator Matt Canavan declared ‘king coal’s reign continues’ as the climate crisis continues to worsen

A think tank says young are people concerned government isn’t planning for the long term

Teenagers who rely on welfare to pay rent are being pushed towards homelessness, a new report shows

Peter Dutton has given a speech saying the idea of a Palestinian state alongside Israel “isn’t even conceivable” until after Hamas is defeated

The 16-year-old alleged Wakeley terrorist has shown behaviour consistent with mental illness or intellectual disability , his lawyer told a court today

Samantha Ratnam will step down as the leader of the Victorian Greens to run for the federal seat of Wills

The Greens say they are yet to take position on a bill banning non-prescription vapes

A boy, aged 9, was among four killed in a car crash in the WA Wheatbelt

The commonwealth ombudsman has warned non-citizens may prefer prison to immigration detention

The Greens say Israeli missiles launched at Iran ‘must not become our next war beside the US’

Stocks and the Aussie dollar sank after reports of explosions in Iran

Fire ants were spotted near the tip of the Murray Darling Basin

Dfat issues travel advice amid reports of explosions across the Middle East

Thank you for spending part of your day with us. We will be back tomorrow to do it all again!

Traditional owners welcome plan to stop visitors walking on Kathi Thanda-Lake Eyre without permission

Visitors will no longer be able to set foot on one of Australia’s premier tourist destinations under a proposed plan to protect its cultural significance for traditional owners, AAP has reported.

Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre is the continent’s largest lake. Swimming, driving, boating and landing aircraft on the lake are already banned, but the new plan would prevent visitors from setting foot on its bed without permission.

It is a sacred site for the Arabana people, who have lived in the region for millennia and are the lake’s native title holders.

The Arabana Aboriginal Corporation chairwoman, Bronwyn Dodd, said her people were proud to share Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre but urged visitors to respect their Ularaka (stories), lore and culture:

We have a responsibility to look after the lake and in turn, it looks after us. Preservation of this lake is also the preservation of our culture.

Attorney general calls on men to ‘step up’ against family violence

Echoing the words of anti-family violence campaigner Rosie Batty , the attorney general, Mark Dreyfus, has called on men in Australia to “step up” and stamp out attacks on women, AAP has reported.

In a speech to the family violence symposium held by the federal circuit and family court in Melbourne on Friday, Dreyfus likened the death of more than 25 women this year to an epidemic.

Dreyfus noted the event was being held against the backdrop of “shocking acts of violence against women” just days after five women were stabbed to death at a Bondi Junction shopping centre, and several women were killed in Ballarat in two months. More than 25 women have been killed in Australia so far this year.

“It’s time for men to step up,” he said. “It’s our responsibility to educate ourselves, our sons, our colleagues and our friends.”

New TikTok Notes app to be banned on Australian government devices

Federal government employees will not be allowed to install the new TikTok app that is the Chinese-owned company’s answer to Instagram, with the existing ban extended to Notes.

On Thursday, TikTok launched Notes , an app dedicated to still images and text in Australia and Canada for initial testing before a wider rollout.

It came a year after the Australian government banned the main TikTok app from government devices, saying the app “poses significant security and privacy risks to non-corporate Commonwealth entities arising from extensive collection of user data and exposure to extrajudicial directions from a foreign government that conflict with Australian law”.

On Friday, the Department of Home Affairs confirmed that the existing ban would also apply to Notes.

A spokesperson said:

Protective Security Policy Framework Direction 001-2023 addresses the significant security and privacy risks arising from the TikTok application’s extensive collection of user data and its exposure to extra-judicial directives by a foreign government that conflict with Australian law. The direction extends to TikTok accounts and features subsequently added to the TikTok application, including the photo-sharing capability of TikTok Notes.

Broken Hill newspaper the Barrier Truth announces shock closure

Broken Hill’s independently owned newspaper, the Barrier Truth , has announced its shock closure, AAP has reported.

After almost 130 years in operation, the Truth’s board announced to staff the union-run bi-weekly paper would be shut down as its final edition went to press.

The Barrier Industrial Council president and newspaper board chair, Roslyn Ferry, told AAP the masthead had closed until further notice.

The board planned to seek legal and financial support following the closure, she said.

“It probably comes as no surprise that maintaining operations, particularly over the past 12 months, has been extremely challenging,” Ms Ferry said in a statement.

Woodside revenue falls 31% in first quarter due to sluggish production and falling prices

Sluggish production and falling fossil fuel prices have slashed revenues at Australia’s largest oil and gas producer, Woodside , by almost a third, AAP has reported.

The Perth-based company’s revenue for the first quarter fell 31% compared with the previous year to $US2.97 billion ($A4.66 billion), it announced on Friday.

Over the same period, production dropped by 4% while gas and oil prices slumped by 25%.

Despite the lacklustre result, the chief executive, Meg O’Neill , said significant progress had been made on Woodside’s three major growth projects – Sangomar in Senegal, Scarborough in WA and Trion in the Gulf of Mexico.

Sangomar is now 96% complete, with first oil targeted by mid-2024, O’Neill said.

Electric cars must generate artificial noises under new laws

Electric cars sold in Australia will have to generate artificial noises when driving slowly in carparks and driveways, to aid pedestrian safety around the otherwise quieter vehicles, as part of design requirements unveiled by the Albanese government on Friday.

Acoustic vehicle alerting systems (Avas) will be required in new electric, hybrid and hydrogen fuel cell cars, trucks and buses from November 2025, under the new Australian design rule that brings the country into line with similar requirements in the United States and Europe.

When an electric car travels above 30km/h, it sounds much the same as a petrol-driven vehicle, as the noise is emitted from the tyres vibrating against the road rather than the engine. But below that speed, it becomes barely audible.

This can make encountering the vehicles more dangerous for pedestrians, particularly people with low vision. The new design rules are expected to prevent 68 fatalities and 2,675 serious injuries by 2060.

Vision Australia ’s manager of advocacy Chris Edwards said the group had been calling for Avas to be made mandatory in EVs in Australia since 2018.

Edwards said:

All pedestrians should have the right to feel safe and confident when navigating public spaces and today’s announcement is a significant step towards protecting that for people who are blind or have low vision. There is no doubt that this is an announcement that will save lives.

Manufacturers will ultimately get to decide what artificial noises they will feature. BMW has previously hired Hans Zimmer to help score their electric car sound. My colleague Jordyn Beazley has previously covered the question of what electric vehicles should sound like here:

$60m digital passenger declaration app experienced delays, end product ‘inflexible’, home affairs tells inquiry

The department’s acting chief information officer, Matt Jones , added the digital passenger declaration app – which was supposed to be the first step toward overhauling and digitising Australia’s travel and visa system – was also inflexible.

Labor chair, Julian Hill , asked what the department received from Accenture over its $60m contract before it was terminated prematurely: “So, [Accenture] built an app?”

Jones responded:

“Yeah, and a very hard-wired app, so if we wanted to change questions around, for example, health status, it was going to take weeks and weeks and weeks whereas our expectations and the requirements in the tender was that it was supposed to be configurable.”

Home affairs grilled over Covid-era passenger declaration app that operated for only 3 months

Officials from the home affairs department have been grilled by a parliamentary joint committee over their contract with IT company, Accenture , to build a $60m digital passenger declaration app for border re-openings that operated for just three months.

The department’s involvement in signing the contract with the IT firm back in September 2021 was the subject of a scathing report from the Australian national audit office , which found the department undermined its attempts to achieve value for money and did not adequately deal with conflict of interest issues.

The app, which asked incoming passengers to Australia for their health and vaccination status, launched in March 2022 but was ultimately dumped in July 2022 by home affairs minister, Clare O’Neil , after Labor took up government.

First assistant secretary, Claire Roennfeldt , told the hearing the contract with Accenture was “mutually” terminated due to a change in biosecurity laws but also spoke at length of how the IT firm failed to deliver on expectations and experienced ongoing delays.

Few women among election candidates in Solomon Islands as counting continues

Which 50 Solomon Islanders will make up the next government remains in doubt, but one thing is clear: few will be women.

The Pacific nation, where rapidly deepening ties with China have grabbed international headlines, held its biggest election day on Wednesday, with 1200 candidates running for seats in national and local parliaments.

Counting is expected to continue in earnest on Friday with a few surprises among the early results already declared.

Martin Fini, the pro-China leader of the country’s most populous province, was confirmed to have lost his seat a year after coming to power in Malaita in controversial circumstances .

But few victors across the country will be women, having made up a paltry 5% of candidates in the joint elections.

WA police call for witnesses after fatal Clackline crash

Police have asked anyone who might have seen the car to get in contact:

What I will ask is if anyone was on the road in the early hours or late evening yesterday or the early hours of this morning, if they did witness anything or did see a silver Nissan Navara utility travelling down that road, or have dashcam, if they could please contact Crime Stoppers. It’s really important that I remind people of the fundamentals of driving on our roads, particularly in regional WA. Do not drive tired, do not drink and drive or use drugs and drive. If you’re driving particularly long distances in the dark, in remote locations, you take suitable rest periods and respite periods, wear your seatbelt, and please do not touch your phones at all.

‘Three brothers and their family friend’ killed in Wheatbelt car crash, police confirm

A WA police spokesperson is speaking to media now:

When you lose three young men, three brothers and their family friend in one crash, this is a heartbreaking incident for WA. I attended the scene this morning and as you can imagine, it was a very confronting scene for first responders, to attend and, investigate.

He said the 21-year-old man was the driver, his two brothers aged 19 and 9 were in the back seat and their family friend, 45, was in the passenger seat.

All four occupants sustained critical injuries and they died at the scene. Major crash investigations have attended and they are conducting an investigation surrounding the circumstances of that death.

Police in Perth will give an update on the fatal crash soon . I will bring you that when it comes.

Many thanks for your company on the blog today. The lovely Cait Kelly will be here to take you through the rest of our rolling coverage. Take care, and enjoy your weekend.

The Bureau of Meteorology has shared a national weather forecast for the weekend ahead. Heads up for those on the east coast: don’t forget your umbrellas!

Here's what to expect across Australia over the weekend, including rain & thunderstorms in south-east #Qld & parts of #NSW , but mostly settled conditions elsewhere. Video current as of 12:30 pm AEST, Friday 19 April 2024. Latest: https://t.co/jlOoTZLz8d pic.twitter.com/d1WSSXiUqc — Bureau of Meteorology, Australia (@BOM_au) April 19, 2024

Ahpra survey shows culture of bullying in trainee doctors

Non-binary and women medical trainees around the nation have reported higher experiences of bullying and mistreatment, AAP reports.

Serious concerns about the culture of medicine were raised by trainee doctors of all genders in the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency survey of more than 23,000 doctors in training in 2023.

Those who identify as non-binary reported the most instances of bullying, harassment, discrimination and/or racism.

16% of non-binary respondents disagreed that bullying, harassment and discrimination is not tolerated by anyone in the workplace.

Some 32% of female respondents witnessed bullying, harassment, discrimination or racism in the past year, while 58% of non-binary respondents said the same.

Female trainees also reported more workplace bullying and mistreatment than their male counterparts.

The Ahpra board chair said the culture of medical training needed ongoing attention. Anne Tonkin said in the December 2023 report:

In such a complex system of shared accountabilities and responsibilities, there is no quick fix. The urgent need for ongoing commitment to building a culture of respect in medicine and medical training remains.

More than 18,000 participants answered a question about their gender, with more than 9000 trainees identifying as female, 8000 as male and 67 as non-binary.

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Man on electric scooter dies after crashing into open car door

PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. ( WVLT /Gray News) – A man attending an event in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, died after crashing an electric scooter into an open car door Thursday, according to police.

A spokesperson for the Pigeon Forge Police Department said the passenger of a stopped truck opened the truck’s door.

That’s when authorities said 31-year-old Jeremy Hanes Jr., of Charlestown, Indiana, was riding a scooter between the white line and the sidewalk when it hit the truck’s door.

Hanes was taken to the University of Tennessee Medical Center where he died Friday afternoon.

The investigation is ongoing.

Copyright 2024 WVLT via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.

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