As you return to everyday life, questions often arise: When can I drive again? Can I travel, or will I eventually be able to plan a longer holiday? Recovering from major surgery takes time and your physical stamina and ability to manage everyday activities may also change. This page offers some initial guidance and practical tips for planning future trips.
Driving
After an aortic dissection and surgery, you should only start driving again when you are physically fit to do so and your treating medical team has given you the go-ahead. Healing of the breastbone, your mobility and reaction times, and possible medication side effects all play an important role.
A soft seat belt pad may help reduce pressure on a sensitive scar. However, always make sure the seat belt fits correctly and that its protective function is not compromised.
Travel and holidays
Returning to travel may also take time. When travelling is appropriate depends on factors such as your recovery, overall health and the type of journey you are planning. Discuss longer trips and especially air travel with your medical team well in advance.
You may find it helpful to start with shorter outings and allow plenty of time for breaks. When preparing for a trip, consider your medication supply, important medical documents and the availability of medical care at your destination.
As your recovery progresses and with the right preparation, longer journeys may become possible again. The important thing is to respect your individual limits and give yourself the time you need.
Planning Your Trip: 5 Helpful Topics
1. Being Well Prepared
Good preparation can help you feel more confident when travelling. The following may be useful before your trip:
- Speak to your medical team before longer journeys or flights.
- Take enough medication for the entire trip, plus a suitable extra supply, and keep it in your hand luggage where possible.
- Bring a medication list, medical summary or discharge letter, and your implant identification card if applicable.
- Check your health insurance cover and the availability of medical care at your destination.
- Allow enough time for breaks and plan a realistic itinerary.
2. Air Travel, Train Journeys and Driving
Different types of travel come with different considerations. During long car or train journeys, regular movement breaks and enough time to rest may be helpful. For air travel, factors such as the time since surgery, your individual fitness to travel and any specific medical concerns need to be taken into account.
Heat, prolonged sitting and organising your medication may also be relevant. The precautions that are right for you depend on your individual circumstances, so discuss any medical concerns with your treating team well in advance.
3. Staying Safe Abroad
What happens if you need medical attention while on holiday?
Before travelling abroad, check your health insurance cover. Consider whether you need additional travel health insurance, and check whether pre-existing conditions and the consequences of your aortic dissection are covered.
It is also helpful to carry important medical documents and an up-to-date medication list. Find out the local emergency number and identify where to seek medical care at your destination if necessary.
4. Travelling at Your Own Pace
Not everything has to be planned perfectly. Your own needs and well-being deserve to come first.
Shorter journeys, rest days, flexible activities and enough time for breaks can help you adapt your trip to your individual level of stamina. Give yourself permission to change your plans if something becomes too much.
You do not have to do everything you had planned. A wonderful trip can also be a quiet and restful one.
5. Invisible Disabilities and the Sunflower Lanyard
Not every limitation is visible to others. After a serious illness or major surgery, people may experience fatigue or reduced stamina, for example, without others realising what they are dealing with.
The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard is a voluntary symbol for people with non-visible disabilities or health conditions. It indicates that a little extra time, patience, understanding or support may be helpful.
At airports, railway stations, shops and other participating locations, the symbol can help communicate a person's possible need for support. However, it is not recognised or accepted everywhere, and wearing it does not guarantee that additional assistance will be provided.
Need extra assistance when travelling? At many airports and for rail journeys, you can arrange assistance in advance – for example, with boarding, getting off, changing trains or navigating longer distances. Contact the relevant travel provider as early as possible to find out what assistance is available and how to request it. You do not necessarily need to have a visible disability to ask for help, although eligibility and arrangements vary between providers.
You do not have to explain everything you have been through to everyone. But you are allowed to accept support when you need it.
Sources: Deutsches Herzzentrum der Charité - Leben nach einer Aortenoperation • Sunflower-Lanyard https://hdsunflower.com/