Question:
Can anyone attend support group meetings at BTC even if you aren't having your surger

I need to find a local support group to join in Rockford, Ill. I am having problems finding one and don't know if there are any. I do know that BTC has support group meetings and I live about a 30 minute drive from the one in Belvidere, but I don't know if I can attend their meetings as I am not having my surgery at BTC. Does anyone have any suggestions? Thankyou.    — Susan M. (posted on October 9, 2001)

October 9, 2001
I attended one of their meetings back in February while I was waiting for insurance approval, they passed around a flyer stating that only BTC patients were invited to their meetings.After that I had to change surgeons because they're out of network nad I couldn't go to the support group meetings anymore.
   — Monica J.

October 9, 2001
I go to a BTC support group meeting every month and I'm perfectly welcome even though I had my surgery at another hospital.
   — Meredith A.

October 10, 2001
Susan, I think if you just show up you would be fine. I know of others who ended up at other surgeons and come to the support group. If you can't or don't feel comfortable, feel free to e-mail me. I live in the Belvidere/Rockford area and would be happy to talk to you and answer any questions as well as be supportive. Walks on the bike path on the river could be arranged too:) Good Luck!
   — M B.