Hi Toby & Welcome,

You brought up an interesting topic about flares at time of surgery.

It got me to wondering if when you are "put under", if the spasms release or if they continue while you are "out"??

We have some nurses with TOS here and maybe they will know about that.
You might talk with you surgeon about the car ride issue, just to make sure they don't release you too soon for that long of trip.
make sure driver/car is very smooth and careful - not hard turns, braking or jerking.

things that have been mentioned before for after surgery over time here-

some helpers
some easy meals prepared ahead of time, frozen meals, soups,
light or disposable plates, cups, straws, etc -{no dish washing or fear of breaking things}
many pillows for comfort
a nice recliner as you might feel like sleeping semi reclined for a week or so
CDs or DVDs to watch/listen too while you are healing

shelley - just last week {or 2} mentioned a scar reducer

I can't recall the name though, shel??