Trip to South Dakota.

I am going on a mission trip with my church in August. We are going to Eagle Butte. I am very excited. I am orginally from Wisconsin/Minnesota (currently in TN) and miss it up there so much. I have been to North Dakota but never South Dakota. We will be helping to paint a church in our sister diocese. That said, I am not quite two months post op, and will be about 10 weeks post op on the trip. I don't suppose it's too soon, but I am nervous. We are so close to the city here that I am always confident that if anything happens, I can see my surgeon. What I am wondering is if anyone knows any hospitals in that general area that I might have contact info for the mission group leader in case something happens, or WLS surgeons as well. I just want to be prepared. Thanks Rachael

Well, as far as what's close to Eagle Butte, I couldnt' say. But Sioux Falls is on the very east side of the state. That's where I live and I had surgery 4 weeks ago today here in SF. I don't know how long you'll be in the area, or what direction you'll be coming from, but if there's an emergency, Sioux Valley is a WONDERFUL hospital with great surgeons and doctors.

I too am from Sioux Falls. That is a good six hours from where you will be. Rapid City would probably be your nearest site. However, I went to Orlando Florida just three weeks post op. I made sure and had my doctors phone number just in case. I also got a national calling plan for my cell phone and a phone card in case of no reception areas. Luckily, I didn't need them, but it was good to have. The area where you're going is somewhat remote, but I think Rapid City is only a little over an hour away. Check with your doctor, he may be able to give you the number for a support personal in the Eagle Butte area. My doctor was able to give me a couple from the Orlando area. If you'd like to contact me, my email is [email protected]. I can do some checking for you. When do you leave?

I work at the 911 Center that borders the Eagle Butte Cente's area. Eagle Butte has an IHS (Indian Health Service). There is a small hospital in Gettysburg about 45 mins straight east on Hwy 212. Mobridge about one hour away and has a Regional Hospital. The next Larger hospital is Pierre or Rapid City maybe Bismark ND.