Hello everyone!
It's been good to catch up with what's been happening here the last few weeks, and to see all the new people who have come here for support (this is the best place to be!!)
For those who don't know, I had this surgery in August 2007, so a little over 8 months ago. My sort of obsessive interest has been travelling after surgery, because it is something I love to do and would hate to be inhibited in. My first experience was just a few weeks after surgery, when I flew from Seattle where I'd had it, to my home in Alaska. That's on another thread, so I won't go into it.
Very recently, I went to Peru for a few weeks (and I still live in Alaska). I was worried how my back would hold up for the long days of flying, and then with all the activity we had planned - including hiking all over Machu Picchu. I am very happy to report that all went well! I kept a pillow or blanket behind my lower back on the airplane, and got up several times during the longer flights. I couldn't believe that the hours of hiking around and walking up and down stairs (Incan ruins) affected only my legs; before surgery, my upper back would have been aching and I would have spent a lot more time laying down.
As far as security, it seemed pretty high in Miami and Bogota, but the detectors didn't scream about my back. I had copies of my x-rays and medical report with me just in case, which I guess will be a lifelong thing.
For anyone looking at this aspect of the effects of surgery, I will tell you that I'm a very happy customer. It was the most pain-free, and advil-free, vacation I've had since I can remember.
Now, if only I can figure out how to post a picture less than 100 KB for those who asked.....Pam?? Help?
It's been good to catch up with what's been happening here the last few weeks, and to see all the new people who have come here for support (this is the best place to be!!)
For those who don't know, I had this surgery in August 2007, so a little over 8 months ago. My sort of obsessive interest has been travelling after surgery, because it is something I love to do and would hate to be inhibited in. My first experience was just a few weeks after surgery, when I flew from Seattle where I'd had it, to my home in Alaska. That's on another thread, so I won't go into it.
Very recently, I went to Peru for a few weeks (and I still live in Alaska). I was worried how my back would hold up for the long days of flying, and then with all the activity we had planned - including hiking all over Machu Picchu. I am very happy to report that all went well! I kept a pillow or blanket behind my lower back on the airplane, and got up several times during the longer flights. I couldn't believe that the hours of hiking around and walking up and down stairs (Incan ruins) affected only my legs; before surgery, my upper back would have been aching and I would have spent a lot more time laying down.
As far as security, it seemed pretty high in Miami and Bogota, but the detectors didn't scream about my back. I had copies of my x-rays and medical report with me just in case, which I guess will be a lifelong thing.
For anyone looking at this aspect of the effects of surgery, I will tell you that I'm a very happy customer. It was the most pain-free, and advil-free, vacation I've had since I can remember.
Now, if only I can figure out how to post a picture less than 100 KB for those who asked.....Pam?? Help?
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