(Having to) Go Solo for Procedure

[Injustright]

I know this was addressed sometime back in this forum, but I'm always interested in new input. I face the prospect of having an implant done at least one hundred miles away from home and having very little or no support from my spouse, and not really having anyone I can trouble to do the driving.

Has anyone had experience with contracting for local nurses or assistance of some kind, for example 1) one has to stay overnight, or 2) has to be found fully awake and comfortable enough to drive himself? Where should I look? I'm not counting on the physician I'm expecting to work with having any information, although he might.

[Musson]

Although I’m not implanted I faced the same situation as you for a surgery. I befriended an Uber driver ahead of time and arranged for an off the books ride for $200. Seemed like a reasonable price to me given I was still groggy from general anesthesia and the hospital was adamant about having a ride home pre arranged.

[mikestap]

Right, no doc or facility will release you after the sedation without someone to accompany you.

[wolfpacker]

I got my implant from Dr Eid in NYC and his office can connect you with a "medical escort" person who will escort you back to your local hotel room after surgery. I remember it being very affordable, like $100 or less. Worked out great for me, I did the surgery and recovery 100% alone in NYC in a hotel.

[Old Guy]

That's pretty scary to me, but I am older. True no hospital will release you without someone with you after a surgery. The anesthesia can make you suddenly fall asleep up to 8 hours after, so not safe to be alone. Too bad your wife can't be with, mine was there to hear all the post-op instructions I was too groggy to remember. Good Luck on however you proceed, be safe.

[DougAnd]

I was solo but not far from home. My son picked me up after. Mine was outpatient and I was expected to leave soon after implant. It was not a big deal. I didn't even use my pain meds except to sleep a few times at night. Not that I was in pain, they just made me drowsy.

[gjmjoe017]

You don’t need a nurse,you just need someone to drive you!

[Txagq8]

Because of having met the catastrophic cap for 2019. I chose to have surgery done on December 31st.

My beloved wife of basically forever had already laid on plans to head to Louisiana to see her side of the family after Christmas, while I was supposed to take care of house. dogs, and livestock. We had discussed me having the surgery, so I wasn’t being sneaky. I just didn’t want her to cancel her holiday plans.

So I didn’t tell her the date it was scheduled, I bid her bon voyage on the 28th, I found a buddy who was willing to drive to and from the hospital, and had it done. In retrospect it was a good move because I bruised really bad and by the time she got home I looked a whole lot less damaged.

The day after surgery I was fine. Drove 200 miles to assist son with car trouble. Fixed all my own meals. Dealt with a very active/lively 6 month old border collie pup. Supervised one of the high school Ag kids feeding our cattle. (No lifting 50 lb bags of feed). Went grocery shopping. Watched college football bowl games.

No two guys have the same experience. But I didn’t think it bad at all. I’ve had dental work that was more debilitating. To me it was pretty similar to a hernia repair.

Bottom line: know thyself. If you have doubts, arrange for caregiver. Under ALL circumstances arrange for transportation home. Some guys spend days in bed. I wasn’t being Rambo, I wasn’t trying to be a hero. I just honestly didn’t find the aftermath of the procedure to be all that bad. Except for the bruising and a temporarily smaller pecker.

[crazyjoe]

I had the same experience as Wolfpacker -- no problem going solo -- flew home 2 days later. Of course, mine was also with Dr Eid.

[bionicbrother]

I know this was addressed sometime back in this forum, but I'm always interested in new input. I face the prospect of having an implant done at least one hundred miles away from home and having very little or no support from my spouse, and not really having anyone I can trouble to do the driving.

Has anyone had experience with contracting for local nurses or assistance of some kind, for example 1) one has to stay overnight, or 2) has to be found fully awake and comfortable enough to drive himself? Where should I look? I'm not counting on the physician I'm expecting to work with having any information, although he might.

Hi Jim- Since this is going to be long drive for you consider staying for 1 or 2 days near the hospital. Usually the hospital will release you the following day after 24 hours or more ( they remove the catheter and check everything is ok or might leave you with a drain and catheter( rare) and need to follow up. Hence its better to stay locally for couple of days atleast. They will leave you partially inflated with a follow up in 10 days or 6 weeks( depending on the surgery type). Then should be able to drive back home. Better to get good support system( underwear/ cushion support for the car) etc to make the ride less painful.