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.
