Can I go to surgery alone?

[skv001]

Hi
I cannot thank enough everyone in this site for being so supportive.

I have this problem since i was 11 and I didnt tell anyone about this yet.  I am 28 now.  I am thinking of going for a surgery.  But I dont want to tell anyone about this.  Can anyone tell me if it is something that i can do on my own?  I understand that the recovery time differs from person to person but assuming the best case, can i start going to work in 4 days after my surgery?  Fortunately i am a software engineer....so i will not do any physical work.  finally, i am going for a consult the surgeon on monday.  Can someone tell me if there is anything specific i should ask the surgeon?

I apologize if any of my questions are stupid or already answered before.

[gbymoobs]

I think it depends on the clinic where you are having the procedure done if you are allowed to go though it alone. I had it done without telling friends, colleagues or relatives. The clinic where I had the procedure done, did require me to get picked up buy someone, because you are not allowed to drive in the first 48 hours after the procedure due to stiffness, anesthetics and drugs in your body. They also request that the first night after the procedure you have someone with to keep an eye on you. I choose to spend the first night at the clinic and was taken excellent care of by the nurses. Problem solved. I personally took a week off. I am now 4 days post op and could resume my office job, so 4 days is probably doable.

[GynO_DuDe]

To be honest your going to feel very weak after surgery and it is advised that you have some one their to help ... I was glad my dad was with me, he was handy to pass me water/food, drive me home and so on and also for moral support as I was very nervous going in to the operating theatre (never had surgerys before!)

[skv001]

Thanks Guys.
I am going to see Dr. Pensler on Monday.  I will ask him if i can stay in the clinic for the first night.

[Dr. Elliot Jacobs]

Most gyne surgery is performed under intra-venous sedation (twilight sleep) or general anesthesia.  In either case, there are residual effects of the anesthetic drugs in your body for 12-24 hours.  It is not safe for you to have surgery and then drive or return home or to a hotel by yourself.

I regard my responsibility as a surgeon to make sure that a patient returns home safely -- so I insist on either a friend or relative to escort the patient home, or, I can provide a nurse's aid escort to do the same.

If you can arrange to stay at a hospital or clinic overnight, that would work well.

As for return to sedentary work, it is certainly possible to do so within 3-4 days after surgery.

Dr Jacobs

[skv001]

Does anybody know how munch would it cost approximately for an overnight stay?

Thanks

[headheldhigh01]

a lot more than a motel 6?   

ask your doc if it would be justified, but if you were paying out of pocket, it wouldn't surprise me if it could set you back a full grand or more.  i admit i'm not speaking from experience, but in your shoes i'd be thinking about a taxi to a motel, giving the guy an extra five to take in my bag, telling the front desk i'm going to have limited mobility in case of emergency, bringing a book and my pod, and camping out for two or three days. 

[skv001]

I talked to Dr. Pensler today and it looks like they can provide a ride for additional $50-$100 depending on the distance .

[fortslap]

Hope all goes well. Please tell me how it goes; I live in the Chicago area as well.

[Nightmare]

if you dont want anyone to know, I suggest spending a night at a clinic, cause there is no way you can drive home without getting into an accident. when i woke up after the surgery i felt fine, i felt the numbness  in my chest, but when i stood  up i felt the room spinning alittle.
although when i got home, i didnt need help at all. i sleep like a baby.

[headheldhigh01]

and an accident is dangerous and nasty enough without messing up a delicate and expensive surgery too