Possible back surgery☹️

[James4me]

59 minutes ago, Purvis1231 said:

It is my understanding that Carnival can request medical personal to examine a passenger prior to boarding. 

Why is that?  If my doctor approves me to go why would Carnival request additional medical personnel for examination?  I’ll be covered by insurance should need be.  

[Purvis1231]

See section 2a and 5 of the Carnival Cruise contract.

[James4me]

Just now, Purvis1231 said:

See section 2a and 5 of the Carnival Cruise contract.

Ugh, ok I will .

[James4me]

I’m getting concerned now that maybe I should cancel.  There is no telling what my outcome will be after surgery.  While I am optimistic, it does scare me somewhat with not knowing. I’d hate to cancel as this cruise was giving me strength to be excited to cruise again. 😔

[Purvis1231]

It is your decision, but most people would be fine to travel a year after back surgery. I imagine that Carnival is concerned about people with fevers, drain tubes, recent sutures, etc. 

[James4me]

39 minutes ago, Purvis1231 said:

It is your decision, but most people would be fine to travel a year after back surgery. I imagine that Carnival is concerned about people with fevers, drain tubes, recent sutures, etc. 

Thank you.

[Eliot Ness]

While it has to be your decision to cancel now or not, I feel you should still plan on going.  I think allowing a year for recovery will hopefully be plenty of time, plus it will give you a goal to work toward during PT.  You'll have plenty of time to cancel if you feel your recovery isn't progressing as planned, but having a goal is sometimes great motivation to work through the PT sessions and home exercises.

 

As far as mobility issues my mother-in-law was in a wheel chair during a cruise and everyone was very accommodating...... as soon as we walked into the MDR one of the wait staff would take over and park her "BMW" (as they called it) at our table.

Edited February 2, 2019 by Eliot Ness

[Aviendah]

My mother had back surgery 4 weeks before her Australian cruise and she had a wonderful time. She was in so much pain that the surgery pain paled in comparison. She was very grateful that she could enjoy her cruise even though she was still recovering. If nothing else, you could stay on the ship and enjoy the scenery! 

[GypsySoul99]

Hi, back pain and surgery is something I know all too well. Some advice, you probably already know. The stronger you are before surgery, the faster you heal. Chronic pain is a constant companion with me, so I understand that too. Ask your doctor if you can exercise a little leading up to surgery. I just mean walking. No lifting or any machines that put you in weird positions. If you're both medically cleared and able, try to build some strength prior to the surgery. I'm having my second on the 27th. Our next cruise is 5/31. I know I won't be able to zip line or things like that, and that's ok. I'm not you and don't know your body. You have a year to recover. As you're medically cleared by your doctor, start exercising as soon as you get clearance. I made the mistake of not even walking prior to mine, or after. I gained 30 lbs after surgery.. Thankfully, I'm down 40 since my surgery. I exercise regularly, that surprises me the most, that I enjoy the cardio or arm machines. I can only do 10-15 lbs max if I leg press or use the arm machines. The better you are physically before will def. help with the after. I wish you a speedy recovery. What's great about a cruise, is you can do as little or as much as you want. {Every one is different, but I have 3 ruptured lumbar disc. I had a L4/L5 discectomy in 2016. Now, it's reruptured as have the disc above and below it. This upcoming surgery is my last shot before I need a fusion. My BFF had one last year and I don't want it, if I can help it. I'm not yet 40, so I do see it down the line. This surgery is a bandaide until I'm ready to do the fusion.} G-D bless you in your recovery. You're not alone in this. I walk through the pain, b/c Lordy it hurts. I got cleared to exercise prior to starting. In fact, my Doctor looked me straight in the eye and said, "Get off your butt and loose 50lbs. THAT will help you most." I wasn't offended by it, I took action. I feel great. I'm gonna hurt either way, but mentally it's been amazing. We both know how draining health issues are on our minds. I'm sending you a big hug of understanding from down in MS. {sorry for the TMI, and the book, but I wanted to explain how I can relate. :)}

Edited February 3, 2019 by GypsySoul99
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[DebJ14]

We have a friend who is sailing today.  He had a "minor procedure" done in December that was totally elective.  And of course, he acquired an infection in the hospital that was antibiotic resistant.  After a month of no progress in clearing up the infection, they finally brought in an infectious disease specialist who slapped him in the hospital last Thursday to give him IV Antibiotics.  They let him out on Saturday night, he flew to Florida yesterday afternoon and boarded the ship today.  He has several weeks of antibiotics with him, but is still worried about needing to be evacuated.  They had insurance and could have canceled, but chose not to do so. 

 

I know too many people who have developed infections after surgery so I certainly would never schedule surgery so close to a cruise, unless it was life saving.  Heck, I don't let my DH ride his Harley the month before we sail either for fear he will crash.

Edited February 4, 2019 by DebJ14