I've Got A Date!

Things must have cleared up at Emory Adventist, as Pam called around 5:00 PM to say I had a surgery date of March 16th. I bet they could hear me holler two counties over! I just can't believe that it has finally happened after all I've been through. The Lord works in mysterious ways, because my sister (retired RN) had just called from D.C. to say she would fly in on the 14th to spend a week with our mom. This means I don't have to worry about her while I'm in the hospital. I know I can go up on the 15th to have the pre-op, stay in a nearby motel and report for the 12:00 surgery on the next day. What I'm wondering is, how long will I have to stay in the hospital, and is it possible to drive back to the motel when I'm discharged? I hate to ask someone to come all the way to Atlanta to pick me up. Does anyone have any advice? Whatever it takes, I'll make this work, somehow. Boy, am I happy! Barb in S. Ga.

Congrats on getting your date...i just recently got mine and can't believe it...it was amazing how smoothly it went. I had my first visit on January 17th and was approved by insurance on Feb 18th...I was shocked, overwhelmed and thankful....we will be on the losing side soon..... D'Lynn

Wow, D'Lynn, how did you get everything done so fast? I'm so happy for you - when is your date, and what hospital? Won't it be great when we can start posting our losses? We are truly blessed to be able to have this procedure! Barb in S. GA

Hi Barbara, I had my first visit January 17th, and was able to get all my labs and tests done the next week. I lucked up and the psych I used had a cancellation on the Friday of the same week. I had it done all in one week. The only thing that took a while was the report from the psych...it took about 1 1/2 to 2 wks to get the report to the dr. I would have probably been submitted and approved sooner than that had the report not taken so long. D'Lynn

I am so happy for you. I remember when they called me with a date. October 2, 2002, happened to be my birthday! What a present! You will not be able to drive. Not only will you be on some pain meds that can stay in your system for awhile, you may have drain tubes and a sudden stop on the breaks can be bad. I had to stay in the hospital for 5 days, but that was actually a long time compared to some. I knew I would have to stay longer then most, but the 2 gals that had the surgery done when I did were in less then 2 days!!! Wish that could have been me!! You could take a taxi I suppose, that way you will not have to have someone drive you to the hotel, but you still will not be able to drive home. They will tell you not to drive until they tell you too!!! I don't think you will want to anyway. Again, I am happy for you, keep us posted. Reese

You better believe I'll be keeping everyone updated! I have had my ups and downs reading the board, almost a superstition that getting too involved would hex my chances, because I was on another surgeon's board, clicking right along, and his office suddenly informed me I was too old. I felt like a real fool for getting so involved. I'm here to stay, and loving the before and after pictures. Thanks for the info, I sort of thought the idea was far-reaching, but it never hurts to ask! Barb in S. GA

Yay, Barb!!! Happy! Happy! Joy! Joy!! Congratulations on getting your date! Ask your surgeon about the hospital days since stays vary. IMHO, I really think someone may need to pick you up and drive you home. It's cool that your sis will be with your mom. Hugs, Becky

Becky, every time I see your picture I do a double take, because when I first logged on to the board, your "before" picture was up. It is so energizing to see the changes in everyone! At this point I will definitely get someone to come up to Atlanta to pick me up. Right now I'm dealing with a sulking husband who is not happy about my joy de vivre. I think he thought all along that this would never come to pass and was just humoring me. Too bad, nobody can rain on my parade, today! Barb in S. Ga.

Hey, Barb, I bet your hubby will come around. He's just worried about you. Remind him that "if Momma's not happy, Ain't nobody happy"...in a loving way of course!!! LOL I'm watching your parade, and it's the best!!! March on, Girlfriend! Hugs, Becky Thank you for your kind words.

Trust me, you won't be driving for awhile. It would actually be illegal to try, ya know? I suggest calling on a favor or two and getting someone to come get you!