How about the ride home!

I was wondering about the ride home. I live 5 hours from hospital that I am having surgery. (when I get a date) For future plans. If I stay in the hospital 2 nights will I be okay for the ride? What about others? What did you do if you lived far away from hospital? How soon did everyone drive after surgery? Man!!!!! The closer to all this becoming a reality, the more questions I come up with. I AM SO GLAD YOU ALL ARE OUT THERE. IT MAKES THIS ALL SEEM REAL AND POSSIBLE KNOWING OTHERS HAVE DONE THIS AND HAVE HAD SUCCESS!!!! THANKS FOR BEING THERE. Carol

Carol, I can't answer any of your questions. However, I just wanted to say "Hello" and my thoughts and prayers are with you. Yes, I also need each and every one out there for their help and comfort. Marla 8/3/04

I live about 4 hours away from the hospital. I was released on Frday afternoon. My husband and I picked up the pain meds and went to a hotel. We drove home Saturday morning to avoid rush hour in south Florida. I took a pain med before we left and by the tome I was almost home, I needed another. The last half hour or so was rougher. I think my husband could have driven me home Friday night. But haveing the ability to take my time getting ready and to stop when ever i needed to was a great relief. SOmeone is driving you. Right? Kathy

I would definitely stay in a motel. You need to be close to the hospital the first night out if for no other reason than peace of mind. Also you don't really know for sure if you will be there only 2 days. I had to stay 3. Kallen

Carol, I live 2 1/2 hours from Gainseville and my dr had me stop ever 45 min for 15 minutes and walk around and drink 2 ozs of water. Hope this helps. email if you have any questions. tina

Thanks everyone. It is hard to remember to ask all the questions. Some times I just think about it all get the nerves. Guess we all know what that is all about. Carol

Carol, I would just pop a pain pill and hold a pillow to your tummy for cushion over the bumps. I didnt have my prescription filled until after I got home which was 2 hr away. The hardest part for me was getting in and out of the car that first day out of the hospital. I also sat in the back seat of the car because I had more room to get comfortable. Amy

Carol, I'm right there with you thinking about the same thing. Did you check out the Reimbursement information? Travel is eligible and so is lodging and food if you have someone go with you. I know my husband can't drive that long and I don't plan on it taking pain med so check out the options. If you need the page again I will be happy to send it by email or call your local benefits office. I can't get a number that works for the Tampa office with all the relocating Tricare Prime is doing right now, that is my which is my local even though I am in So. Fort Myers but I found most of the information on the web, believe it or not. I do plan on calling tomorrow again and hopefully one of the numbers will ring instead of giving me a not in service recording.

Carol, if you are going to be sitting for 5 hours, you need to make sure that you stop and get out and walk every 30 minutes or so. The reason is blood clots, by getting out and walking, you will reduce the chance of getting a blood clot. Talk to your surgeon for his recomendations.

Carol, if you are going to be sitting for 5 hours, you need to make sure that you stop and get out and walk every 30 minutes or so. The reason is blood clots, by getting out and walking, you will reduce the chance of getting a blood clot. Talk to your surgeon for his recomendations.