Skip to main content

Traveling After Cardiac Surgery

Modern lifestyles have caused the incidence of cardiac problems to rise across the globe. Luckily, an advance in medicine has resulted in effective treatments for these problems. Often surgery is the best course of action. A major issue for those who have undergone cardiac surgery is that of traveling during the recovery period, which can, is some cases, be an extended period of time. While rest and relaxation are important, the patient will have to travel for regular checkups. Also, with a doctor’s approval, outings and social visits may help in the recovery process.


Traveling Safely

·         Do not travel alone, no matter how well you feel. A sudden attack of fatigue, dizziness or any of the common after effects of surgery could put you in danger. Always have someone with you who knows how to deal with these situations.

·         Do not carry anything even slightly heavy. Ask the driver of the vehicle you are traveling to do the carrying.

·         If you are going on a long trip, try to stop every hour and walk for a while. After surgery, the body is inflamed and more likely to develop blood clots if it remains immobile for too long.

·         Carry water with you. If the body is dehydrated, the risk of developing blood clots increases.

·         Unless the doctor has advised wearing tight fitting clothes, wear those that are loose fitting. These will not restrict the circulation and reduce the chances of blood pooling the lower extremities.
·         Check with the doctor if it would be advisable for you to carry supplementary oxygen with you, especially during the early stage of recovery. If so, travel in a vehicle where an oxygen tank can be easily transported and where it will be easily available if you should need it.

Overconfidence Is Dangerous

Doctors encourage patients to be positive about their health and the recovery process.  Needless worry and imagined problems can hamper the process. On the other hand, it is also easy to become overconfident and start to do too much too soon. Even if you think you are well enough to hop into a taxi when you need to go out, your body may not be ready for it, even if there are no obvious signs of distress. Check with the doctor about when you can start traveling and how much you can do.

Finding the Right Way to Travel


In the early stages of recovery, when the patient is in a wheelchair, travel by car is not advisable. Transferring from the wheelchair to the car and then back again at the destination should be avoided. It is much safer to use Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) which will provide special vehicles for those in wheelchairs and other mobility assistance devices. The drivers of these services are specially trained in transporting those who are unwell or recovering from surgery and will be able to provide any special assistance that may be required. When choosing an NEMT, it is important to check the company’s experience, credentials, the types of vehicles available and references from other users. A person recovering from cardiac surgery should not have to worry about the quality of the transportation service he is using.
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

How to Transport a Bedridden Person

Transporting a bedridden person is difficult. However, there are various technologies and facilities that have made transportation easy. Here is how to move a bedridden person: Choose a Non-Emergency Medical Transport Company There are numerous non-emergency medical transportation providers in almost all cities of America. A lot of hospitals or doctors may have a preferred service that they may recommend if you do not have any preference. Also, in certain states, the hospital may help book a van for you. However, it is also easy to choose a company on your own. Search for a non-emergency medical transport online or on a phone directory. In case you do not know which one to select, you can ask your family, friends or even the hospital to recommend. Read also: Don’t Ignore Check-Ups that are Due During COVID-19 Another way to assist you in narrowing your choices is to ask the service provider about the prices. Those companies that offer extremely cheap or exorbitant prices should be dis
Post a Comment
Read more

Making Everyday Life Easier with Proper Wheelchairs

  In case you are suffering from a health issue or personal injury that constrains your capability to move, you can attain independence with the help of a wheelchair that will suit your needs. Some of the important elements you can take into account when choosing a wheelchair are the type of surface and the several climate conditions you may have to handle. You could also get wheelchair ramps, add-ons, and lifts that can make living easier, especially if you have to utilize a wheelchair long-term or temporarily. Manual Wheelchairs Are Easy to Handle and Lightweight Manual wheelchairs are the best for those who can propel the machine with their arms. This is the most cost-effective option with no recharge and batteries. Moreover, since it is extremely lightweight, it can be transported easily. 1.Most standard manual wheelchairs have a fixed footrest and armrest. However, the footrests can easily be moved up or down. 2. Detachable manual wheelchairs offer a removable footrest and armrest
Post a Comment
Read more

Transportation Options for the Elderly

When a person is no longer able to drive, the effect of the loss of mobility and freedom can be devastating. In the cases of the elderly, who may have been driving for half a century or more, the loss is often traumatic. The loss of freedom to access and participate in those activities that have been a staple of life for decades can result in stress, depression and a range of other problems, both physical and mental. The effect that this loss of mobility has, is often not noticed by friends and loved ones because the elderly are frequently too stubborn or proud to let others know how it affects them. Hiding the impact and bottling it up inside only makes the problem worse and the depression continues to grow unseen, often till it reaches a breaking point. A frequently asked question is - why can’t the elderly use other forms of transport? Image Courtesy: Pexels The Other Options Public transport would appear to be an option. However, for many seniors, a bus or subway journey is
Post a Comment
Read more