Flying after back surgery?

I've recently had some minor (microdiskectomy etc)back surgery (2 weeks ago) and it appears to have been sucessful, and have to fly to the US at some point in a couple of months time.

Does anyone know what the VAA policy is about flying after surgery, i.e. how long after surgery, insurance cover etc etc?

I'm looking at flying around the 4th/5th June (LHR -> West Coast), and from what I've been told by my consultant etc, it shouldn't be a problem, however that's from HIS perspective - I wanted to try and get the lay of the land before talking to Virgin to get THEIR perspective.

Anyone know anything about this sort of thing?

Thanks!

[Nottingham Nick]

I don't think the issue is with VS. I believe that, as long as a Doctor says you are medically fit to fly in writing, then they will carry you.

The biggest issue we had when Sue had some minor surgery a few years back was the insurance company. Some companies have very long no fly periods before they will cover you for a pre-existing condition - which anything involving surgery obviously is.

IIRC we had to really shop around to get cover, and finished up being covered by Tesco of all people.

Nick

Obviously check with your insurance company but there is very little technical reason for avoiding flying after the sort of surgery that your are having.

Obviously heart surgery is different and you need a week or so after intra abdominal or intrathoracic surgery due to having air in body cavities and the change of pressure on board.

On a practical level you will have to sit for quite some time and that can be painful (of course it depends which of the seats you are planning to sit in).

MRS NH had this done in Late Oct, and flew NRT in Jan, so it is possible

You need to be passed fit to fly thru your consultant, more for you in the first instance. Important to ensure you follow instructions of post op care, to prevent any re-occuring problems- assume you have discussed this flight with your consultant??

You [url]will need specific cover[/url] for your insurance, detailing the procedure etc. (it is available), even if you have been told you can fly..

Strongly advise UC, if microdiskectomy as the last thing you'll want to be doing is sitting for extended periods..