|
Post by jazierae on Jan 20, 2013 9:50:05 GMT -5
Hi Ladies,
I have a very subjective question to ask you regarding surgery, but I wanted to get a sense of what your thoughts were as I keep going back and forth in my mind!
I am planning to have surgery at the CEC in Atlanta. Whilst I haven't ever had a confirmation or diagnosis of endo (no laparoscopies) Dr Sinervo strongly suspects I have it. I won't go into a full medical here, but I am extremely eager to have the surgery and start the healing process. I know this won't be a cure all, but I would like to get surgery sooner rather than later, so I can get some relief and hopefully move forward in my life.
The issue is, if I do it in Spring, I won't have anyone able to come with me, but if I do it in Summer, my boyfriend (of 11 years) can accompany me. I know it is impossible to say as I am the only one in my position, but what are your thoughts on doing it alone vs. having someone fly out to GA with me? (I live in CO).
I should say that if I were to do it in Spring, upon returning home my boyfriend would be able to look after me for a good week-week and a half. I am torn between having the surgery sooner, as I am so sick of feeling like this, and waiting to have the comfort of someone there. I am quite an independent soul and I know I could do it alone, but I am just seeking to gain others perspectives on the issue?
Thanks for listening.
|
|
|
Post by loveshoes on Jan 20, 2013 10:23:04 GMT -5
Hi~
Well, being that you have to fly out and won't be at home, I'd have him go with you. The lap is going to kick your butt, you'll need help with stuff, maybe getting to the bathroom the 1st few days, if it was me, I'd def want my hubby with me. Once you get home, do you have other family that can check in with you or come quickly if he's not able to be off to look after you when you're home? I'm a pretty tough chick, I can tolorate quite a bit of pain and stuff like that, very independent and stuff like that but when it comes to stuff like this, I melt and turn into a huge baby....trust me, you'll want him to just be there for you when you wake up, the 1st few days of recovery aren't great from what I remember, you'd have to read the recovery threads...my lap was almost 11 years ago so don't recall. Best if luck!
|
|
|
Post by semicolon on Jan 20, 2013 17:25:03 GMT -5
I'm not sure if they would let you do surgery unaccompanied so you might want to check on that. My laps have all been outpatient and I have stayed at a hotel near the surgery center (one time I had to stay overnight). My husband did all the details, checked in, helped me get in there, filled my prescription, etc. If for some reason your plans change (surgery stay is longer, you need a catheter and supplies, who knows!) you will want someone not on anesthesia and pain meds helping with the details. I would never do surgery without someone I loved there (and I'm getting to be a pro at this!).
|
|
|
Post by hellsbells on Jan 20, 2013 17:29:49 GMT -5
Erm, no I'd say don't go on your own...
|
|
|
Post by Karen on Jan 20, 2013 18:50:05 GMT -5
I'm really independent when it comes to most things, but no matter how hard I would have tried to do things on my own after my lap, I needed help, at least for a few days. Getting into the car afterwards, getting into the house, getting up, those were all things that I couldn't do on my own. Wait until you're able to have someone with you!
|
|
|
Post by jazierae on Jan 20, 2013 20:14:54 GMT -5
Thanks so much for all your feedback so far.
Well, the CEC said it wasn't ideal, but that sometimes people have had to come alone and they try to do everything they can to help. Dr. Sinervo said I would be able to do it alone, but after reading your posts I am back to feeling unsure....
I am so torn as I just want it to be over with you know?! And my boyfriend would be able to be there for me the minute I arrived back in Denver... *sigh* I can't tell what is the best thing to do...
Is there anyone who has flown to have surgery alone on here?
Man, this is really hard :/
|
|
|
Post by semicolon on Jan 20, 2013 21:22:01 GMT -5
I'm sorry, hon. This is hard, I put off my last surgery until summer since my hub is a teacher. It actually worked out great, but the bladder pain in the meantime was something else. But if you try to picture going through security, trying to wheel a bag (which you shouldn't be carrying anyway!), it just seems like a lot. Is anyone else able to travel with you if you were to do it early? I have only traveled by car for surgery so far (and I wasn't driving, obviously).
|
|
|
Post by loveshoes on Jan 20, 2013 22:13:05 GMT -5
I was just going to suggest the same thing that semi did - is there another family member that can go with you and then you can have your boyfriend when you get home? I just really don't think this is something you want to do alone. This is your 1st lap, and it's emotional and you will have recovery and I'm sure issues will come up the 1st few days, it's nice to have help. Ultimately it's your decision but we have all been there before, I would never want to do it alone.
|
|
|
Post by jazierae on Jan 21, 2013 12:12:10 GMT -5
I was hopeful that if I told the airline I was a medical patient they would provide assistance, like a wheelchair etc, so I wouldn't have to anything with bag and I would be able to stay seated. But I haven't looked into any of that. All the rest of my close fam lives over in Australia My Mum was trying to see if she could fly over, but doesn't think she can get the time off work. So lovely of her to even think about it. I know it's a lot, and I probably should just wait, I guess it's just hard to accept that right now... I'm also in the process of finding out if I have an autoimmune disease, as I have been battling poor health for awhile now and I had a positive ANA. I just want to back to my "old self" you know?! That's why I am having a hard time putting it off til summer... I appreciate all of your advice thus far. Another thought... I'm also concerned if I do it early, my insurance won't cover it, as they might view it as a "pre-existing condition"?? Can it be considered a pre-existing condition if you have never been diagnosed?
|
|
|
Post by hellsbells on Jan 21, 2013 16:17:32 GMT -5
Not sure how it works in the States but even if you discuss symptoms you've had for a while, they see it as pre-existing. What's the actual time lapse between your first opportunity and your bf being available? Check with the airline for sure. Thing is it's not just the physical help you need, it's the emotional support. How long would it between flying out on your own, having surgery and getting home?
|
|
|
Post by jazierae on Jan 21, 2013 23:38:03 GMT -5
Hellsbells, I am fairly certain it is the same here for those darn pre-existing conditions. I understand if I have a diagnosed condition, but I think it goes too far to say "any symptom"... *sigh* The Dr said it shouldn't be an issue, but I don't even want to risk an insurance battle. I am trying reduce stress in my life (as I think it is having a big impact on my overall immunity and health), not introduce the possibility of another one! Plus waiting to be "safe" for my insurance puts me in a position where my boyfriend can fly out to GA with me. To answer your question, it would be 3 months between the soonest I could do it and waiting for my boyfriend to accompany me. The duration of my entire time alone would be about 6-7days (with 5-6 of those being pre-op, op, and post-op). Having taken on all of your advice and talking to a couple ladies at the CEC, I have decided that it is best to wait. Whilst I am eager to "get it done with" I need to give myself the best chance to recover and heal that I can. Looks like June it is!!
|
|