Jumping after surgery

[jspace 0]

Just had all four of my wisdom teeth removed today. How long should i wait before i can go skydiving again? I've searched through alot of threads and found tons of commment about it, but not alot of personal experience. Has anybody had theirs out and had problems in the air? I was thinking 10 days and maybe only up to 5k would be safe. I'm worried about the changes in airpressure and if it will cause any pain. any thoughts on it, i'd love to hear...

blues

[GaryRay 0]

5 days after mine were removed i was flying for my job at no more than 4k, about 10days i was back on the otter. feel it out and just know that you may have to bail at any moment b/c it will hurt like a mofo.

JewBag.
www.jewbag.wordpress.com

[Bertt 0]

Years ago, I had my wisdom teeth out. A week later, I went to play tennis. I felt fine until the first time I took a hard step and jarred my mouth. That tennis game lasted about a minute and a half. I'd say do a couple of PLF's off the back of a pickup truck or something before you subject yourself to opening shock.

You don't have to outrun the bear.

[mikecm469 1]

I waited a couple of weeks before I jumped again. That was because I had a perforated sinus cavity from it.

I may be crazy, but I'm not stupid!

[jspace 0]

how do you know if its perforated? I just have big holes where the upper wisdom teeth were

[Beachbum 0]

Can't say for sure about your case, but I had the entire upper part of my mouth done just before christmas (peeled back gums to scrape the bone to get rid of disease that causes bone loss, so had stitches in every gap between teeth) and I was told wait at least a week. To be honest, I didn't WANT to jump earlier. I had the lower half done last thursday, and it's been tougher then the top for some reason. I still plan to try to jump next weekend tho, weather permitting. Both sessions involved removal of one wisdom tooth as well as the other fun. When I asked, was told the pressure change shouldn't be a problem unless there was something else amiss anyway.

As long as you are happy with yourself ... who cares what the rest of the world thinks?

[wildcard451 0]

Overall, these type of threads still amuse me.
Contact your oral surgeon's office. Discuss with them if you will have any issues flying in an unpressurized airplane or dealing with fairly rapid pressure changes, along with how long to wait.

***********

In general, all of these "how long til I can fly after XXX medical procedure" threads can be answered much better with a call the the provider that did your work. If they have released you to full activities including contact sports, then you are likely going to be safe to jump. The other thing we have to take into account for is the rapid pressure changes.

Much like canopy downsizing, what has worked for John in the past may result in Sue getting injured after the same procedure. Just because Mike did it and got away with it doesn't mean that Bubba will not have his newly screwed and plated ankle snap on the first landing back too soon after surgery.

Due to the unfortunate litigious nature that we have to deal with, you will always find doctors hedging our bets. Getting a straight answer out of us other than "Ma'am, I'm sorry your husband is dead, or CONGRATULATIONS, it's a *looks* BOY!" is somewhat difficult, due to the varying circumstances between each patient........so don't be surprised if they cannot really give you a straight answer.

Another great resource would be the doc doing the local FAA physicals. If you have a discussion with your MD, DO, DDS, whatever, and they have some reservations, see if they will discuss your case with the local FAA doc or if available, flight surgeon. It may take a few days or a week, depending on their office policy, but it will be worth it. The jump plane will still be there when you heal, and going too soon will only prolong your wait.

*************

This wasn't intended for anyone in specific. I know we're all anxious to get back to jumping, especially if you are new, or if you have financial matters riding on your jumping. I just don't wanna see anyone get hurt cause they couldn't wait another week.

/I'm not your doctor, this is not official advice
//hates that I have to write that, but I will anyway

[Beachbum 0]

I think that a point you brushed on is one of the main reasons - doctors are like anyone else - they have their own opinions. When I had my first lung collapse, I was told I should never even consider jumping again by my doctor. It wasn't until I investigaged further myself, and with assistance tracked down a guy who taught the flight surgeons for NASA that I found out about abrasive pleurodesis, and also got very good info about how long I should allow healing before trying jumping again, etc. If I had relied solely on the doctor who worked on me initially, I quite likely would never have jumped again, and might not have known to request the abrasive pleurodesis when the lung collapsed a 2nd time. So, while I agree with the "what worked for John" train of thought, I totally understand wanting to get other ideas and opinions besides those of the doctor providing the actual care. I believe most on here are smart enough to realize that there are seldom, if ever, "one size fits all" medical solutions, but are really just looking for other opinions and ideas.

As long as you are happy with yourself ... who cares what the rest of the world thinks?

[piratemike 0]

Quote

I think that a point you brushed on is one of the main reasons - doctors are like anyone else - they have their own opinions. When I had my first lung collapse, I was told I should never even consider jumping again by my doctor. It wasn't until I investigaged further myself, and with assistance tracked down a guy who taught the flight surgeons for NASA that I found out about abrasive pleurodesis, and also got very good info about how long I should allow healing before trying jumping again, etc. If I had relied solely on the doctor who worked on me initially, I quite likely would never have jumped again, and might not have known to request the abrasive pleurodesis when the lung collapsed a 2nd time. So, while I agree with the "what worked for John" train of thought, I totally understand wanting to get other ideas and opinions besides those of the doctor providing the actual care. I believe most on here are smart enough to realize that there are seldom, if ever, "one size fits all" medical solutions, but are really just looking for other opinions and ideas.

Wow, reading up on abrasive pleurodesis, it sounds rather unpleasant.

Good to hear about your recovery, and return to skydiving.

Anyhow, I agree with you on your points about doctors having different opinions.