Question:
I do not have anyone to drive me to and from the hospital for my surgery...
I know I won't have any problem getting there, but I'm wondering about post-op. I am having a Lap RNY. The hospital I'm going to is about an hour away. I'm supposed to be in the hospital for about 3 days. Will I be OK to drive myself home? I sure hope so, cause I don't know what I'll do otherwise. Any advice??? — Keri A. (posted on November 6, 2000)
November 5, 2000
Of course driving to the hospital isn't a problem at all but I can't fathom
driving home, lap or not. I agree with Al that the pain medication alone is
enough to stop you from driving, but your body movements will be slower and
not as sharp those first few days. I was drivng at a week post op and I was
home already but I wouldn't have driven home from the hospital. Many
hospitals have patient care volunteers who might drive you home, the WLS
support group may have someone, the local rescue squad, a hometown church,
senior citizen center, boy scout troop, even ask the doctor's office if
they know of a patient who might be willing to help you out. When all else
fails, there are taxi services that may just charge you a flat rate to go
to the hospital rather than a per seven tenths of a mile fee, especially
if you talk to the owner/manager of the company. If all else fails, well,
drive yourself. I know as far as my hospital discharge was concerned, I
just walked out of the place with my sister-period. Nobody said goodbye or
anything-and I didn't care either. I went there for surgery and not to make
friends!!!!! Good luck to you.
— Fran B.
November 5, 2000
I would definitely NOT drive yourself home. You will be in no shape to do
so. I went through the surgery with flying colors, but there's no way I
could have done this. Being an hour away can be an issue though. First
check into what a cab would cost. I understand that's an expense, but at
least check it out. Are you absolutely certain there would be no one to
drive you home? Any friends or family? Do you belong to a place of
worship? If so, don't hesitate in asking a parishoner to help. Speak to
the priest/rabbi/pastor, etc. Often they have committees for that very
reason. And don't feel that asking someone to help you means that you must
tell them all about your surgery - if that's your concern. Just tell them
you had major abdominal surgery and leave it at that. If possible, try to
get a high riding car - like a van or something. But have your driver take
along a step stool to help you get in and out. A high riding car is much
better than a low riding one because you will not feel every bump in the
road. You could also arrange to stay in a hotel for a few days, but again,
that's an expense. Where do you live? Is there a WLS angel who can help
you????? I wish you the very best and hope you are able to find a ride!
:)
— Paula G.
November 5, 2000
Hi Keri,
I think it would be great to post your city and state and ask if there are
any AMOS members that could possibly help you out by dropping you off and
picking you up. This site is sooooo supportive, I am sure if there is any
people that are members near you, they will help you get this done. Good
Luck!
— Patricia C.
November 5, 2000
I would definetely try to find someone to take you home but if you have no
other choice here is my suggestion: I had a friend who had a VBG in
Indianapolis and had to drive herself home from the hospital, it was a 3
hour drive. She stopped every half hour and walked or closed her eyes for
a few minutes and she said that it helped her make it home ok. If you
absolutely have to, make sure you stop, even if it's every 15 minutes and
close your eyes or walk for a few minutes. I hope you can find someone to
help you, that is definetly better.
— christine L.
November 6, 2000
Boy, I definitely believe you should NOT drive yourself home! You will
need to be on pain-killers and you CANNOT drive while taking those. If you
had an accident and killed someone, this surgery would NEVER be worth it!
— Cindy H.
November 6, 2000
Let me share something that just happened. I went to the ER for my leg.
They gave me Demerol and Phenergan and then sent me home. I got pulled over
and almost got charged with DUI because the pain killers had not worn off.
Do not drive yourself, take a cab or arrange for a friend or relative. Plus
after the surgery, you probably will not feel like driving
— snicklefritz
November 6, 2000
Just think of a fender bender and the AIR BAG or seat belts
on your new tummy! Don't drive- take a cab! Good Luck
— M B.
November 6, 2000
Call the hospital and ask if they have a transportation system. A hospital
I used to book a lot of cases with had pick-up and drop-off service for
their patients. Might be worth a shot to ask. Do not get behind the wheel
yourself. Good luck.
— Suzanne R.
November 7, 2000
I would like to extend a big "Thank you" to everyone who
responded to this question. I hadn't really thought about the painkillers.
I'm having a hard time with this...mainly because I'm a single mom and all
my relatives have their own families and jobs and can't take me. So...I
think I've found a solution. I'm going to drive there, and when my sis and
her husband come visit me, they are going to take my car home. Then when I
get discharged, one of them or my dad will probably (maybe) be able to pick
me up. I'm hoping for that, anyway. If not, I'll figure something out. I
would feel terrible if I had an accident and injured or killed someone
else. Thanks for pointing that out.
— Keri A.
November 25, 2001
I have the same problem dear! I was stressing over it until I put my brain
to use. I hired a transportation service to pick me up 1 block from my
house to take me to the hospital. It's going to cost me $53 dollars for a
two hour ride, but hey it's worth it. My best friend is going to pick me
up. Call a travel agency and see if they may know of a transport service
that delivers to air ports, shopping malls and hospitals etc.
— MaryFran64
March 22, 2003
HI,
Sometimes depending on what insurance you have they will provide
transportation for you. Ex. Ahcccs they will.
— Dawn D.
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