Question:
:What provisions do patients make that live many hours from surgeon?

Do you stay in the area in hotels? How do you go for follow-up visits? I am five hours from the surgeon I want to perform this surgery for me.    — Rose B. (posted on June 17, 1999)

June 17, 1999
In my case, when I go back to FL from Kansas City MO to have my revision done, I will be there nearly two maybe three weeks, and I am fortunate to have family and friends there, since I grew up in south Florida .. otherwise, I'd stay in a hotel if I had to or fly in and out the same day if I had to see the doc.
   — Sherrie G.

June 17, 1999
I am 3.5 hours and if traffic is bad it can be 4 hours from the surgeon and hospital. I explained this to the surgeons staff and they set up my tests for all in one day, including the sleep study. My husband stayed in a hotel. When I was released from the hospital after the surgery the staff gave me a shot for pain (the trip can be painful with all the bumps) etc. I've set up all follow up appointments for mid day so I can get there and back the same day. You can handle 5 hours the surgery is worth the inconvenience, believe me. I do have a primary care physician (which I got before the surgery) that is local just in case I needed a doctor that was closer.
   — Judy B.

June 18, 1999
Our doctor has 2 or 3 extended stay places that they recommend for out of towners. If anyone in our supportr groups hear about them, however, especially if they are here alone, we bring 'em into our homes. Much better to be with successful patients than all alone!
   — vitalady