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| We love this kudu photo after she’d stuck her head in the fresh bales of lucerne we’d had delivered from Daisy”s Den. Cute! We call this kudu “Cupid” based on the heart-shaped marking on her neck. |
“Sighting of the Day in the Bush”
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| There was nothing we’d done to encourage her to come up the steps. She figured this out on her own. |
Many of our readers, family, and friends have contacted me asking if I feel confident about flying such a long distance and traveling for almost 24 hours on our way to Ireland in a mere 27 days.
Of course, after four surgeries in the three months before our travel date of May 11th from South Africa to fly to Dublin, Ireland is a bit of a concern but not as risky as one may think.
Based on the fact that three months will have passed by the time we leave South Africa since the most major of the surgical procedures, the triple coronary bypass surgery occurred on February 12, 2019.
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| Lots of zebras in the garden. |
After doing considerable research from highly reputable online medical resources and speaking with my three doctors, cardiologists, cardiothoracic surgeons, and general practitioners, my risks aren’t considerably higher for blood clots, DVT (deep vein thrombosis), or other such occurrences than the general population on long flights.
We’ve yet to book our flight but will do so in the next few days. As a safety precaution, we’re considering booking “business class” to ensure I will be able to lay down during the overnight portion of the flight and give my still recovering legs a chance to be up for better blood flow.
Plus, I will be wearing the strongest of my three pairs of compression stockings, drinking plenty of water, and setting the timer on my phone to remind me to get up and walk around the plane at least once an hour when I’m not sleeping. These simple measures should significantly reduce the risk of an incidence on the aircraft or after that.
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| The most kudus we had in the garden was 26. What a busy morning that was! |
It’s not unusual for open-heart surgery patients to be apprehensive about flying long distances after their surgery. But, the fact that I am feeling well after the bypass surgery is a definite plus. However, the still painful condition in my legs is another concern.
Most of the higher risk scenarios are those which include some surgery to the lower limbs. After two leg surgeries, less than six weeks before the flights concerns us more than the bypass surgery.
But, the reality remains, we must leave South Africa. The fact we are going to Ireland instead of the US holds little significance. After reading online at several sites, it appears riding long distances in a car is equally risky after surgery when one is cramped, with legs down and little, if any, movement.
The drive from the Dublin airport to the holiday rental in Connemara is approximately four hours. \We’ll make a point of stopping several times along the way so I can walk around and stretch my legs, especially after the long flights.
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| Little is not the only wild animal that’s climbed the steps to the veranda. This zebra had some lofty ideas about finding food. |
For more on flying after major surgery, please click here or click here for further information.
I’m not going to get myself into a frenzy regarding traveling long distances after the recent surgeries. Instead, with the recommendations by my doctors, who are confident it is safe for me to fly, we’re hoping for a seamless and positive experience.
As an aside, we’ve begun adding favorite photos to our posts from our over 14 months in South Africa, visiting Botswana, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. With literally thousands of photos to go through, we’ll make every effort to pick those our readers may enjoy seeing one last time.
Thank you, dear readers, for following along with us not only for the extended period in one location (which we don’t plan to repeat anytime shortly) and for staying with us during this recent medical crisis. Your loyalty and continued support mean the world to both of us.
Have a pleasing Sunday!
Photo from one year ago today, April 14, 2018:
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| Seeing a crocodile in the wild is quite exciting. This croc sat there for a very long time with its mouth open. For more photos, please click here. |
Jessica….we have traveled on every class of plan for many many years. IF you want to lay flat, then first or upper class will provide that, business class allows more of a recline but your legs are still below your heart. But either would be much better than coach and also give a little more cabin room to get up and move around as we all but especially you must do during the flight. One other precaution would be to spend the night between the longest portions of your journey to both rest and provide more movement for your legs and heart. I wish you the very best! Ireland is a very special place with special people and a great place to spend the remainder of our recuperation.
Thank you so much for your thoughtful suggestions. You are so right about the seating situation. We will do our best to get the most ideal arrangement. We don't care to stay overnight part way due to our luggage. Without me helping it's a big burden for Tom.
Thanks again,
Jess & Tom