Speaking of SICKO, I'm due for an Operation tomorow morning (CHEAP INSURANCE) and a little scared.

If something happens it was nice knowing you all...

Kick that BASTARD BUSH OUT, even if you have to do it without me. Lord Knows, I've tried my best all these years at Takebackthemedia.com - as some of you know, maybe not the Newbies, but the DU Elders..

Forced to fly to another Island to get cut on (Speaking of SICKO - CHEAP Insurance) and while they SAY it's not a major operation, they'll still knock me out, then wheel me to the curb when I wake up, where hopefully a cab will take me to the Airport, and I'll get on a Plane, and make it HOME. With any Luck I won't end up at DOG'S Office, the Bounty Hunter, instead of in a seat on the plane :)

They told me it's no BIG DEAL to get on a Plane the very same day you've been operated on, no chance of Blood Clots since we'll be lower than 10,000 feet, and it's a short trip.

My wife is unable to afford the trip over with me, and insurance, while they usually pay for a care-giver (A Spouse, and my doctor requested it), they won't budge. So I'm On My Own for the whole day. I've had a couple of instances where they've had to knock me out for a procedure, and from what I recall, I even DROVE HOME right after I woke up (and said what I always say, a cliche, but I can't help it, "WILL SOMEONE ANSWER THAT GODDAM PHONE?!), and of course I SHOULD NOT HAVE, and MANY People don't recall WHERE they've been or WHAT they've done under these circumstances for 12 to 24 Hours.

So this seems NUTS to me.

I personally think it's RUDE to make a person fly to an operation, get knocked out, then SOMEHOW make their way back to ANOTHER ISLAND in Hawaii, but with the State Insurance I have, there seems to be no other option. My wife GRILLED the hell out of them, trying to wheedle a ticker for her to accompany me, asking it the CAB DRIVER was RESPONSIBLE for my BODY after the Operation, if THEY released me.. but they Still refused to budge.

Which I thought was a good point :)

I worked in a Veteran's Hospital after 'Nam, and I know for a fact that they have contracts with the airlines, and One More Person ain't gonna break the bank. More like unused minutes on your cell phone plan.

I recall the old days, when I was a kid, and someone would do in for a procedure, and they'd KEEP THEM just to be SURE they didn't hemmorage to death at the curb, but I suppose those days are GONE, eh?

Anyone want to lay some horror stories on me before I go in? It would make me feel better.. And if you want to show up at the Airport in Honolulu on Friday evening, I'll be the Drooly Guy in the wheelchair in the corner :)

Wish me luck, and like it said, if they knick the wrong artery or nerve, it was NICE Knowing all of you :)

Now hurry up and get on back here, okay? :)

Good to know that people care, it makes a difference, gets a little lonely in the big city when you're zonked :)

Much appreciated!

good luck

and no, a short hop isn't going to be much of a risk for complications.

Day surgeries are great. They actually reduced a lot of complications, as did the shorter hospital stay periods. While it seems a little cold to entrust you to a cabbie, you should be able to function well enough to get on the plane. I'm assuming someone will meet you when the plane lands and get you home and tucked into bed.

Surgery itself is never fun to contemplate, been there done that. Just realize that the statistical odds are heavily in your favor.

The chances of your drooling are also very slim, unless you do it all the time.

That's what I need to hear.. and as for the drooling part, I can practice my Tweety Imitation, eh? :)

Yeah, it's new to me.. getting the Middle Aged "Battle Scars"..

The best of luck to you. Let us know when you are home safely and how everything went. (See, we'll have the positive attitude for you so you can concentrate on getting through this itenerary.)

so you should be OK.

Wheel out to the beach. Best. medicine. ever. ;-)

Good luck and get well soon, Symbolman! :-)

but since they're going to be poking around INSIDE of me, I'd sure like to have the POPE there.. well, not THIS Pope.. :)

Appreciate the kinds words and thoughts from everyone!

Wish I could slam a few drinks to avoid the nerves, but I guess they frown on that..

site. Follow their care instructions to the letter about bandages and cleaning. Always wash your hands before and after.

Keep up your fluid intake. Do as much every day as you are able so you won't get stiff or too tired.

You'll be back to your old (improved) self in no time. ;-)

I'm a little worried that I won't be listening to wound care after waking up, disoriented or whatever, that's the one thing that disturbs me more, my wife would take all that in while I zoned out, as we always do :)

Are you in the medical field? Sounds like it.. either that or you've been through this yourself, eh?

are usually printed out and given to the patient/caregiver.At least in all the surgeries that we've had
, so just make sure you put them in your pocket. Some airports have people who will watch over those
who need it (elderly, kids, sick) while they are waiting for their planes. Might be worth a check.
If we lived close would certainly meet you at the surgery and stay with you at the airport, but LA area
is a bit far away. Will be thinking about you and your family. Hang tough, symbolman.

thanks for the offer to hand hold, it's appreciated.. I figure if I throw the cabbie a tip he may get the curb service folks to wheel me in there. I may feel like walking, cos I'm stupid that way, so I'll have to keep telling myself to sit DOWN..

I'm just hoping I won't miss hearing the call to board, it's a cattle call here, no assigned seats, and not looking forward to people climbing over me :)

when you sign in. So you can keep your clothes, your shoes, and everything together. Leave your valuables at home. (The place is probably very nice, but it's just one less thing to have to think about when you're stoned.)

And Zoigal is right, they should give papers for care instructions, and your discharge papers too. Do remember to ask that they write down anthing special that isn't covered on the paper. All that can go in the bag too.

As for me, yes, I've seen the white coat brigade very often in my life, both as a patient and as an employee. Most recently I went with my sister to have her breast implants changed out. (Yes, she got bigger! ;-) ) Believe it or not, it was day surgery. Most people try very hard under almost impossibly intense pressure.

Lastly, enjoy the drugs! :D :bounce:

got a shoulder bag I used when filming, but I'll have to bring a license to get on the plane and my pain meds, sort of worried that someone could make off with the pain meds while I'm out.. I've already ducktaped my name and address on the bag so maybe I'll get something back if I get ripped off.. I'll only bring a few days worth with in case they keep me..

I've got plenty of drugs, been a pain person for about ten years now, and let me tell you, I'd give just about anything to NOT do the damn drugs anymore.. man, 30 years ago, I would have been in heaven, uh, and In the Ditch.. :)

Sounded like you'd been in the trenches with the White Coat brigade.. I can tell, having worked at a VA hospital after my 'Nam service you can spot those folks in a heartbeat.

Bigger, eh? Have to deal with the backaches, did you tell her that? :)

Thanks for all the tips as well!

Try your best not to give out any information on Project X...Happy landings...that is all...zip...beep..........

Well, they ARE removing the Microfilm, that's why I'm there.. the things I do for the Project.. Sigh :)

to be that your suppose to not travel. You will be in my thoughts these next two days. Both you and your wife.

blood clots and all that.. but I guess the INSURANCE people KNOW Better..

They used to tell you to stay the hell off a damn Plane at least?

Thanks, appreciate that :)

You have my best thoughts and prayers that everything will work out fine.

Isn't it amazing though that they just think people can travel or even travel by themselves right after a surgery? My brother had a hernia operation in the Sacramento area VA and then was promptly put on the VA bus/van and sent back to Eureka. He said he felt every bump along the way.

:hug: I'll be thinking about you tomorrow symbolman.

:hug:

Nothing like having surgery on your own. And it's MAJOR no matter how minor. Bastards.

I'll be thinking about you tomorrow instead of myself.

Good luck, symbolman.

NOW I have to think about YOU tomorrow, that might help, actually :)

Hope it's nothing serious for you..

So, deal. We'll think of each other tomorrow. Imagine me being a lily livered coward getting my mammos squished and crying like a girl.

I had a "ManoGram" once, boy was THAT embarrassing.. :)

Hoping the best for you!

Make sure you check back with us later.

"Mommy! It's not FAIR!" when they wheel me out to the curb? :)

I will check in, or have the wife do it, once I'm safe and sound, thanks, you funny lady :)

you are going to make it through just fine! No thanks to the #ucked up insurance corpatistas! I've been around for a while just don't talk much and I know you are a tuff ole' bird and I mean that in good way!
I won't share any horror story with you right now. Believe me I have one that involves my Dad and it hurts just to think about it.

What I do want to ask.

Hello, DU people in Honolulu can you help out symbolman on Friday? I would be there to help you if I could I'm in NC so I'm no good in helping you out. I will be thinking about you though. I don't pray to a sky god but I will send good thoughts your way!

Yeah, and I want to Keep it that way - keep that Grit INSIDE, where it's supposed to be :)

Sorry if this brought up anything painful for you, lost my dad to Alzheimers, he didn't have a fun time on the way out..

Appreciate your offer to help out if you were closer, a nice thought, if anyone does want to come, they might want to think twice, traffic on a Friday in Honolulu is no picnic..

But don't forget to bring stuffed animals if you do, something to soak up the blood :) (Kidding, I've got pants for that..) :)

Thanks for the kind words and thoughts, really..

You'll be fine!

And then when you get home, you get to make everybody DO stuff for you! :)

Just keep my two year old from playing, "Hop On Pop" :)

Ice cream would be nice.. thanks all

There are times I'm glad that I live in Canada, where there is universal medicare. Well, at least at the moment.....I think that's on Harper's chopping block if he gets re-elected.

Think good thoughts, I'll send up little pleas to the listening gods for your safe recovery!

:pals:

You will most likely be flying high....

that sounds so scary, and infuriating, really. Lots of good vibes to you -- you will be in our thoughts.

staph infections while hanging in a hospital. And people DO usually heal better at home.

As for making you fly to another island for surgery, I can't garner much sympathy for you, as you live in paradise, I don't, but have plenty of hospitals around.

Best of luck, and I'm sure all will be well. It's natural to be anxious about any medical procedure/surgery before the fact, especially if you've been lucky enough to not have to go through this often. Me, I hate to even give blood samples, so I understand how you feel.

Happy trails! :hi:

:hug: :hug: :hug:

Take care of yourself!

:hug: :hug: :hug:

May you get on the airplane with enough buzz to enjoy the view. We'll be thinking of you and wishing you well.

here on DU, and I wish you the best of luck and the best of health. :loveya:

This heartless and risky practise by the insurance industry would be it.

You know, individuals respond to general anesthesia in different ways and recover from it at different rates. If you really feel like shit and refuse to cooperate in leaving the hospital, what are they going to do - physically force you out? Certain reactions, like having a terrible headache or feeling dizzy/nauseous, etc. should be automatic triggers to keep someone overnight for observation. Are there any DU nurses/docs reading this to elaborate on what limits there may be on hospitals tossing people out like this? The isurance company and the hospital collaborate on this policy - yes - but at some point the hospital has the ultimate medical knowledge and responsibility and therefore LEGAL LIABILITY to getting their asses sued. For one thing, if you feel terrible in any way, tell the nurse and instruct them to write that information on your chart, with a specific description of any problems. Tell them a lawyer friend of yours said it's important to create a record in the event of complications.
Anyway, best of luck and let us know when you're home safe.

Nan

I wonder how many people Bleed out because of early release.. Someone HAS to be in control of your body, and I don't want to come to in a park somewhere in the dark telling people "I'm the DECIDER.." :)

Yes, if I can remember all the advice I will do just that.. thanks so much

The Ju-ju lent to me by DUers is strong stuff so use it sparingly, but when you're well, pass what's left on to another needy person. Good stuff.

We are all thinking of you.

worked well both times, had my gall bladder removed and my nose rebuilt (I had a serious accident), so I had to have it done.
If things don't go well, they do keep you, but they do thousands of these procedures a year and know what will happen,
ask what the average thing that happens is and go from there. For me the first 5 hours after the surgery are the best,
then it gets wonky so you will be home by then probably.

Lip balm, for chap lips, socks, ear plugs and sleep mask.

Also, take something innocuous like a phone which can take dictation. Take the names down of any doctor or nurse that seems to be doing something that bothers you. None of it may amount to anything, but, at least you'll feel like you're in control.

Be nice to the hospital folks; they work hard for a living. :-)

I've decided to make the surgeon my New Best Friend :)

Some of those folks make minumum wage, yep, I'll be nice, though I have told them before, the Person you are talking to is NOT the same person that MAY try to get OFF that table and LEAVE.. Tried to do that twice before, woke up the second time in the middle of the Procedure and had the Biggest Nurse in the ward leaning over on me, and I could tell her feet were not touching the floor..

My dad had twelve feet of colon removed, when he was in the recovery room he pulled out all the tubes and headed for the door.

That's what worries me most, having woke up twice before screaming at them to KNOCK ME OUT made me uncomfortable. :)

Thanks folks for all the Good Du JU JU!

understands The English language,if not at least understands the meaning of,WTF. :-)Good vibes going you way.

Positive vibes sent to you. Look forward to your posts after your successful operation. :hippie:

have you called any hotels near the hospital to see if they offer special rates to patients/families of patients? My dad had an unexpected medical emergency on a road trip... he had to have emergency brain surgery and was laid up for 2 weeks. The local Howard Johnsons provided my Mom with a very low-rate room (they reserve a number of rooms for families of patients at the local hospital). It was a Godsend... they were very very nice to our family.

Give it a try! I think you ought to rest at least one day before making the trip. Good luck! You'll be A-OK! :hi:

Hope your dad is okay.. here I'm bitching about a day surgery and there's folks having a brain operation.. gives me a little perspective, thanks for the info, good idea, I'll make the call ahead of time, just in case.. :)

nice thought, but nearly all our hotels are in Waikiki, (about 3 miles from where I imagine he's going), with a couple out by the airport.

Hoping everything goes well.

Could you please provide a little more info on the state insurance plan?

and we're lucky to have it, it works well enough, all kids are covered here - crappy doctors at times, depends on what Island you're on.

Recently a Doctor wrote a Letter to the Editor here and said, whatever you do DON'T have a heart attack on THIS Island (Not Oahu), as you are Likely to DIE. So that was illuminating.. sheesh. Last time I was in the emergency room I was laying there weighing whether or not to Move, it's paradise and all, but Not if you can DIE because the ER is so far away, Traffic-wise. Basically if there are a lot of tourists here, the ambulance CAN NOT get to the ER in a reasonable time, and the Hospital is WAY over on the Other side of the Island.

It's pretty bad that way, though we got a free baby out of the deal here, and it's a Beaut :)

depends on earnings or net worth, but that's out of whack here.. there's not a lot of houses here that are less than 300K that you can live in.. even condos are majorly expensive, yet you can be Broke REAL FAST due to the prices :)

If you're in the Islands definately check into it. I'd be happy with it, but it takes forever to get an MRI, etc. Plus my doctor took 5 months to diagnose my condition, and should have figured it out in about five minutes.. so I've been walking around in near agony for not much of a good reason, other than he's lazy or maladjusted.

But there are good docs here, just have to find them, they give you a chance to change them once a year I believe.

Both are based on income limits. They don't count your house as an asset, but count other real estate, cash, stocks, cars, etc.

All kids under 21 are covered for routine medical and dental (and also for a certain level of cosmetic dentistry - whereas adults are only covered for extraction).

You're actually better off spending as little time in a hospital as possible. Hospitals are breeding-grounds for "superbugs," antibiotic-resistant bacteria, and a hefty percentage of patients admitted to a hospital, end up catching a disease they didn't have when they went in. Better to dart in and out, and then take care of yourself.

Take an extra dose of Vitamin C before you go in, and also afterwards. Helps with wound healing. Best of luck!

Some of my older aunts have said that in the old days the word was that "Pneumonia Walks the Halls" in a hospital.. must be why so many old folks don't want to GO to them..

Vit C, good idea.. then there's Vit E, which I heard you rub on the scar to help it heal.. only after it's "cured" enough to not infect yourself though, eh?

Thanks all!

It burns up anesthetic, so you want to wait til AFTER to take it. Found that out at the dentist, when they couldn't get a tooth numb! Doctor asks... "Did you take Vitamin C today?"

D'oh!

Symbolman has a nasty habit of waking up during the middle of medical procedures as is, but we'll get him to dose up when he comes home!

I can't imagine having to fly after surgery.

Will you be able to walk, or wait in a long line if security is backed up? I would fight them up until the last minute to pay for your wife to accompany them. Tell them that you will hold them legally responsible if something happens on your solo flight.

Health "care" is a joke in this country.

Hey maybe you could contact your local news to document your situation with the understanding that the reporter help you out.

In the meantime, I'll send good vibes your way! Let us know how everything goes.

she's a dedicated woman, and it's why I love her - she'll keep at them like a kid on a scab..

I should just have her print out some kind of statement to hand them after the surgery, so they'll be "served" in case anything happens.

I'm still not ready to go through SECURITY at the airport in that condition, might tell one of those TSA people to get out of my face, esp since I've been living on liquids for three days by that point, and a little tweaked with the low blood sugar.

Calling the News folks is a GREAT Idea - after all I AM Takebackthemedia.com.. might as well get SOMETHING out of the damn Media.

Good ideas and thanks for all the good vibes headed my way everyone :)

Something tells me you'll be just fine. :hug:

YOU are on :)

Yeah, I've pulled though worse, I think.. if I could remember.. :)

Thanks, a vote of confidence helps, seriously.

WHen my 12 year old son had to have his shoulder reconstructed his mom (My ex,that was so fun being around her AND my new wife) was hovering all over him, rubbing him, etc.. he hated it. SO I offered him $20 the minute he came through the operation..

After he woke up, the first thing he did was LOOK FOR ME, after popping one eye open and squeaking out, "Where's my 20 Bucks?"

Worked like a charm :)

Most health care providers, regardless of the horror stories you sometimes see on the news, try to do their professional best for you regardless of your insurance coverage. It's hard having to be alone when you want family with you. This is another way our system sucks. Hopefully, we will get someone in office next term, who will seriously do something to address our health care crisis.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x1109737

I think you will be fine, but damn operations are scary no matter what.
Sending good vibes.

But I would say that it depends on what Island you are on.. if they are basing that on Oahu then I'd have to agree..

My real estate pal here used to work at the local hospital and told me the other day, "You're lucky they're sending you over to Oahu, the doc is doing you a favor, they'd probably kill you here..."

Chilled my bones, that's for sure..

Guess I shouldn't be complaining, but like you said, Operations Are Scary. I suppose the good part is when they say, "We're just about ready.." and the next Instant you're saying, "What? It's already Over? Where the hell was I?" :)

The Honolulu airport is better than lots of places to recuperate. Only kidding, of course. Good luck and get back here soon.

I just don't want to come out all wonked out and end up IN Haiti, or Tahaiti :)

No problem Symbolman, they're just going to CUT YOU OPEN, but it's in HAWAII so that'll be FUN! You can watch the Hula Dancers while you bleed out..

I'm just yanking your chain, I know you're kidding :)

BTW, I was IN New Hampshire during the Dem primaries and MAN was it COLD, the COLDEST WINTER on Record I think they said, and I've spent ten years in ALASKA! (And now you see why I'm in Hawaii.. never snow, never again..)

Maybe I could give up a kidney or something and join you at the airport! It's so chilly in New Hampshire today we have our pellet stove going.

and the Sunshine, Flop on Over!

Maybe I could use a kidney myself, later.. heard Cheney's looking for a heart, he has one diced up and sprinkled on his Wheaties every morning, for that High Pro Glow :)

the reverse could say instructions/info inside

When I took care of my aphasic (inability to use speech to communicate) mother after her stroke I made a little card for her to wear around her neck (sort of like a press pass) that she could hand to people explaining her speech problems.

There are suggestions above to put the info in your pocket, but that may not help. Remember the Senator? or whatever he was in D.C. that was mugged and died because the ambulance drivers thought he was a bum and the hospital didn't give him prompt care as they hadn't searched his pockets for his I.D. to find out who he was.

If you have any worries about someone not knowing what to do the card may help. You might also want to make sure you not only have a sheet explaining your surgery, but also a list of any meds and amounts you were/are taking. That information can be invaluable if you need a quick to an E.R. Include names, numbers of family members to contact in the event of an emergency.

You may also want to strike up conversations with your neighboring passengers while you travel home and let them know you just got out of surgery and that there is a very slight chance you could have complications.

Good luck and sending quick healing thoughts your way.

I've got some lanyards from attending functions, like a press pass, as you said, and I can just slap my stuff in that, including my ID so I don't LOSE it somehow in the potential fog..

You're a good kid, tell your mom that, bet she already knows..

Thanks so much fed-up, that's really a killer idea :)

And thanks for all the other info and tips, and kind words from everyone.

:)

Hey, I'm pushing mid 50's, but hoping to double that.. It gets weird from here on out I guess, dissolving while alive, scary stuff - then again, I've got an uncle who ran a triathalon after a full bypass so anything's possible :)

Maybe I'll steal a barfbag from the airplane on the way in. :think:

will be back and you will see the end of this nightmare with us. we need and want you to stay with us. Remember, if you will it, it will be so. God bless you, honey. I want to see more of your work. So come back and be brave. You will prevail. Besides, you live in paradise. :)

I'll be thinking about you. You know what? My uncle had a bypass operation several years ago when he was in his 80's. He drove home to Durango, CO from Phoenix two days later. By himself.

Best wishes and please let us know how it goes.

That really sucks how hard this has been for you and what you describe is outrageous especially having you on your own. We'll all be there in spirit with you and please let us know how you are as soon as you can. :hug:

I can be quite the bitch when I need to be, and I'm nasty to deal with when mad if a hospital isn't taking care of someone I love just right. ;)

You really need an advocate with you. Isn't there a friend or cousin or someone who can be there with you? Our family rule, and Hubby's an internist, is that no one's allowed to be in the hospital alone. Ever. Hey, maybe your doctor's wife would. I know some of Hubby's patients, and I would fly with them for this kind of thing.

Your are too tough to let a little surgery get you down.

:wtf:

My Japanese friend w/the same procedure was kept for a month and a half, paid "vacation."

PS I saw some newsman divert attention away from Moore's message about the lack of health care in the US to his trip to the US's Gitmo in Cuba. This is why I don't pay any more attention to the US media.

Call the outpatient desk of the place where you are to have your surgery, and ask them IF they will release you with no caregiver.

I am not kidding here---my wife was a paramedic, and there are procedures where you cannot be released without a responsible adult to make sure that you get home.

This sounds like a red-tape insurance snafu from hell---and one that has the potential to be a real charlie foxtrot if you go in unprepared.

When you ARRIVE at the boarding gate, tell the clerk that you need "advance boarding" because you have just been released from the hospital post surgery.

TYPE OUT and PRINT NOW a notice to hand the clerk/attendant saying this, and have it handy.

You don't want to be jostled and bumped by assholes trying to elbow their way ahead.

"Advance boarding" allows you to board first, along with strollers, wheelchairs & so on, before the hoards rush on.

You can also request a wheelchair. You probably won't NEED it, but it guarantees you a seat while you wait at the gate. Also people tend to be helpful and deferential.

Your wife should CALL THE AIRLINE and tell them to have a wheelchair available at the gate in advance of your flight.

I spent nearly two years in dire pain cuz I was chicken of the spinal surgery. HMO, no less. I finally decided to go for it. I was told to prepare for a 2-3 day stay. My dad dropped me off and drove 3 hours home. He'd hardly gotten in the door when I called and said, "I'm done & doing great and they say I can go home! So eat a sandwich and drive back to get me!" Poor fella spent all day on the road. When I got home, my husband said, "Ohmygawd. You are standing upright for the first time in two years and the pain is gone from your face!"

That was about 5 yrs ago. I haven't had a single problem. I am pain-free. They really DO know how to do surgery these days.

Print out that paper requesting advance boarding! It will ease your journey from being jostled and standing in lines/crowds, as will a wheelchair request. Airlines are practiced in providing these accommodations.

My best aloha to you and your family.

I'm getting so much GOOD advice today, and have some time to implement it, due to the time zones - my wife is taking each of these wonderful suggestions and tips and working the phones on this.

TIW, SO GLAD that YOUR BACK got fixed and you are pain free, what a difference that makes, eh? I would SO love to see that that feels like again - so, WHO is the Name of your DOCTOR? :) I want THAT ONE.. sounds like your dad's a cool guy, mine was always calling himself Dad Taxi Service, but never went that far out of the way..

As for calling the front desk and asking if they'll release me without a Caregiver, GREAT GREAT GREAT, puts them RIGHT ON THE SPOT, eh?!

Kind of like a "Rovian Moment", cornered, they'd pretty much HAVE TO do it, glad you've had the experience to pass that along Jan, appreciatead.

You people ROCK, gonna be thinking of all of you as I wink out tomorrow, many thanks to all!

And poking fun at you sometimes as your recuperation progresses. Here, have some nice lime jello.

sniff..

SUSHI!

Sorry, I haven't eaten for two days, and I have another one to go.. clear fluids, does GREEN Count?

Poke away, just don't poke THAT spot, OWWW! :)

You rock, lady..

No complications in the cards...

In other words, they could do it on your island, but it's more expensive?!

Ye gods! Inequitable access to health care is in fact one of the things I'm supposed to be working on here in the ol' cubicle.

Hey, at least they're busting out for the cab. I'm surprised they just don't give you four bucks and a TheBus schedule. :sarcasm:

They Can't do it here, there's NO ONE to do this surgery here, so they're shipping me over to the CITY to have it done right (in a way I'm grateful, the hospital here is worse than a Veterinary clinic, and I'm not kidding)..

Up until the time I really yelled at them, they'd packed up a peanut butter sandwich in a map, along with a Big Rubber Thumb.. as for the return trip, they were talking about me walking back to this Island.. :)

The last time they put in an IV and hung up a bottle of Drano over my bed, I got Testy..

what you have must be pretty bad if they simply cannot do it over there. :(

Meanwhile, your vet clinichospital is flexing its legislative muscle to keep a second, competing facility from opening nearby. Then again, that one would be privately run (i.e. no cheap insurance allowed) :eyes:

I'll send some of the GOOD DU JU JU Vibes I was handed today when I'm done on Friday..

Hope it's not serious, and is resolved with the Least amount of pain possible. :)

Gotta go through the fire to get the Gold out sometimes, eh?

and will say prayers for your speedy recovery!!!

lots of love and huggies!!:hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :pals: :pals: :hug:

and sending you a guardian angel!!O8)

fly

See you here when you get back.

:hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug:
Sending good vibes your way, man. Hope everything goes OK - I'll be thinking about you! :pals:

:-)

their affiliates? Please if you are post back. If not well, you are in our prayers, DU is not going to lose you yet, nor is your family, your precious wife and kids. Peace.

What time in the am is your flight and with what airline. There are lots of DU'ers around here that can make sure you guys are okay all the way!!

I'll call first on TahitiNut and then TominTib or something like that, Tom is a pilot living here in Texas. He has to know someone that can help!

My wife has a wheelchair, just in case, which I'll probably use, a long walk in that airport sometimes, all lined up - they're ready to meet me at the road and take me to the gate.

Getting there isn't a problem, I just need to move slow and find a seat. Getting released from the hospital after surgery, getting into a taxi and to the airport should be cool, the nurse can tell the cabbie where I'm going.

So I guess it's going to work, a long as I'm coherent at all.. if they put a tube down my throat I heard you can't talk after that, so that might be an issue.. can't call the wife on cell phone if I can't talk.. I guess I can text her.

No need to bother PILOTS in other states! They don't make enough as it is, and their time is precious.

I'll be okay, just don't like the insurance co walking me out of the hospital so quick and into a Plane. But maybe they do it all the time.

Guess I'll find out. As the doctor says, "There's one sure way to find out if there's a problem..Let's Operate.." :)

Appreciate your offer and concern, thanks!

there for you and provide you with anything you and your family need.

Wasn't there a song way back when,

You just call out my name....

And I'll be there? ....

Yep, I'm quite certain.....

Take care you have lots of loving angels around you.

To take away the BioHazards when they're done :)

Thanky!! I'm blessed

the wheelchair lined up! Good work, Mrs. Symbol! Pretend it's a limousine. Definitely a good way to travel the long distances of an airport. Yes, the airlines provide personnel to get you to the gate. And it gives you someplace to sit and rest while waiting at the gate.

Remember "advance" or "early boarding"! You'll likely have it offered and arranged for you automatically by the staffer who wheels you to the gate anyway.

You'll be glad to be home instead of a hospital.

I reiterate: No kim chee! A tad of Maui Wowee maybe, when ya get home.

I wish, haven't seen that stuff in 20 years, too damn busy!

Ah to be 20 again and know what I know now, to NOT arm wrestle the biggest guy in the bar on Friday nights, for paychecks.. did this all to myself, but I wouldn't trade a minute of it, except for the pain stuff :)

It will be a cattle call, it's just commuting for a lot of folks here..

to get you through it. If it's one day surgery they must feel comfortable letting you go...but not knowing the health care system there or how good they are....just make sure when you get back you keep in touch with your doc and go to an emergency room if you notice anything at all out of the way in how you feel. Bleeding or really bad discomfort that a Tylenol won't help. If they give you heavy duty pain meds...just take half a dose so you have time to see whether your system can handle it. And go on line to check out the side effects... They are pushing pain pills and antibiotics that are too new and approved under Bushie FDA that have side effects the older drugs don't. Just start with getting a 1/4 a prescription from the pharmacy so you aren't out the cost if something doesn't agree with you.

Not knowing what your surgery is for ...can't help you more than that.. but sending a :hug: and those good vibes your way. Keep us posted.

I did not realize you were in Viet Nam. But I should have known. Your work has such a beutiful edge to it. And the 9/11 Lacrimosa. Honed by fire. Like me.

Good luck,
Mac

I hope that I didn't come across as an AirMan who served in Nam somehow, it's not true. I should have been more specific and posted "Vietnam Era" - I think I posted something like "After 'Nam I worked in a VA hospital" (no time to look it up now) - I meant after Nam was basically OVER and I was OUT (Honorably of course)..

They wouldn't send me because of the Sullivan Law, my Bro was over there, so I got kept out of the Zone. Not that I wouldn't have gone, I joined and was ready to do whatever it took. Then took care of 300 Vets for a year at the VA.. felt like I needed to pay them for their sacrifice.

I supplied a LOT of Joysticks and other goodies though, as a Purchasing agent, so someone had what they needed, not like this PRIVATIZATION "Tooth to Tail" Scam!

Sorry if that came out wrong, better to set it right, ain't nothing worse than a 'Nam POSER, the lowest IMHO.. wouldn't do that :)

I was Honed by fire in my own way I guess, those days were the last gasp of Humanity and Univeral Conscienceness..

Appreciate what YOU did for our country, too bad it ain't the country we served anymore, eh?

We'll get 'er back, watch and see :)

--the odds are in your favor. :hug: Good luck tomorrow.

wow...they are throwing you out the same day and making you fly home alone?? I had surgery in June of last year, they knocked me out...uh huh...I could no more have driven myself the 30 miles home from the hospital that day, than I could have flown home with my arms..and to think of going to the airport and getting on a plane???? no way, no how...in fact, I was in a state of unconsciousness for 3 days after...and sick as a dog from the anesthetic...but that was me, I have NO tolerance for drugs..most people don't react like that....I truly wish you luck...I truly do...and hope everything goes ok...IF I lived there...I would escort you myself...damn it...there is NO excuse for this...NONE...please let us know as soon as you can, that you are ok...
windbreeze

A British friend of mine once told me before my first major operation to take
vitamin C once an hour before the day of the operation. This contradicts what
another poster said here, but my friend told me that it would negate any nausea
I would feel after waking up from the anasthetic.

Now, I don't know if I would have been nausea-free anyway, as I didn't feel like
getting a major operation without the Vitamin C first, just to check the theory
out. BUT: I woke up and didn't feel a thing.

Safe flight over to HNL and an even safer one back!

so Here's a BIG Fat THANKS to everyone who's posted on the thread here, much appreciated, I'll be kickng back and letting the Vibes roll over me, like a 40 foot Hawaiian wave as I go under.

In the words of the illustrious Terminator, "I'll be Baaack.."

Community, that's what the world is missing, and that's what the DU supplies, in aces. :)

Mahalo and Aloha!

Aloha actually means, "The Breath of God", and I don't think they were talking about missionaries - those were called "Long Necks" :)

We still need to counter-attack the bullshit legacy they'll likely give the Failure Fuhrer!

:patriot:

At least some complaints. ???

... he could be napping and resting. Hope he gets on sometime to give us a growl.

he's mad at us at this point for cheering him on! He's probly snoozing today. It's 3 or 4 hours earlier there than West Coast.

:evilgrin:

good thing yer across the Pacific Ocean from him. He can get mighty testy, ya know (that's how we became friends).

:rofl:

I'm the one that suggested poi with milk and sugar. And lime and orange jello.

:shrug:

Hold your breath before they take your blood pressure.

They'll keep you overnight for observation on doctors orders and the insurance will have to pay. Then you can get some rest and go back the next day.

Alternatively, cheap hotel.

:)

:patriot:

If I were religious, I'd pray for you. But I have great hopes that your strength and spirit will overcome the rotten treatment you seem to be getting. We're rooting for you here...think of your friends and draw strength from that.

And yes, we need people in our government that will make things like this ILLEGAL.

Best wishes for you. Let us here how it went.

Sending all good vibes for symbolman in his recovery, hoping all is well and perhaps he is sunning in the tropical air and happy as a clam at high tide.

In the meantime, I'll keep a candle in the window.
Much love and healing,
BHN:loveya: :hug: :yourock:

Symbolman, hope you are happily and healthfully doing this: :boring:

Hoping to hear good news.

Having been DUPED by my Primary care guy.. Not Duped so much as SCREWED.

My PPCP sent me there to have a dual Inguinal Hernia repair, I'd been to the emergency room three days before for some pain shots as this was killing me.. basically this SICKO Doc has been letting me live with this pain for nearly a Year now and I was GLAD that I was to be cut open and Patched, even with the stupid travel arrangements, and no wife allowed.

So All was fine with the flight there, they called my name, first on the plane, met a cool surfer dude who's 12 year old son flies all over the planet, a young WaterMan. Got off the plane, scored a taxi, made it to the BIG, Wonderful PRO Health car Day Surgery center and checked my valuables and was led to a bed. Got all dressed in the Slippers, backless smock, hairnet, laid down to watch TV while they took my stats. All Clean, all PRO.

THEN I find out that I was Supposed to report to the Surgeon's office at 9:30, but I'd been told to Check into the Hospital, which I did. Now as a patient of the Hospital they had to have a guy lead me over to the Surgeon's office, since they were now responsible for my body. So I limped over there, with a pal to meet my "new best friend".

The Surgeon came in, a very cool guy, checked me out for hernia in both channels, then told me that there was ONLY a SMALL start of one in the left side, that he could do the operation BUT I really didn't need it, and it would NOT lead to any Pain reduction.. why?

BECAUSE I HAVE SOMETHING ELSE COMPLETELY DIFFERENT. Remember, this has been going on for a YEAR NOW. And for a doc to even take a year to find out it was a Hernia is RIDICULOUS. The test takes ONE MINUTE and is SIMPLE.

He said that IF I was to have the hernia procedure that I'd need two or three days to recover there. I said, "They've set me up to fly out this afternoon as soon as you are done." He grabbed his head! And said, "PLEASE don't tell me someone told you that!"

"Yeah, I thought that was nuts too.." I'd come with the loose fitting clothes I'd worn for the day and nothing else, not even a toothbrush, and no WIFE of course - and no place to STAY.

So I told the Surgeon about my PPCP, "Doctor XXXX is Not a Very Good Doctor.." He'd get in trouble if he dissed another doctor, but I could tell from the look on his face that he was totally disgusted by what's been happening to me. He told me, "Okay, here's the deal, You go back to your doctor, tell him to get you a Urologist, and I will deal with the Urologist and together we'll take care of this problem.." Cutting my PPCP out of the picture I guess, at least I'm hoping..

I don't want to go into details, but if anyone else is suffering from this I might as well bring it up, if you're a male there's a very good chance that it can happen to you, even if it doesn't affect you - he said that I have a severe case of Varioceles. (Those that feel like they want to, can look it up..it's not pretty, but I will tell you this, it's VERY PAINFUL.) I've been suffering from fluid (blood) retention in the gut and lower nether region, and all that weight (I'm basically a thin guy) has been pushing down in that part of my body, on nerve bundles, and against my bladder, nerves to the lower back, hip, thigh and whatever else gets crowded.. all I know is it HURTS like hell, and I was actually Looking FORWARD to the Hernia procedure, would have been a LOT Simpler.

I shined on the hernia operation, as it made no sense. No use getting cut if you don't really need to, and he understood. Mind you I got to hear this and make this decision after two sleepless nights and no food for three days, not to mention the angst of a first operation, and then realising that my bozo PPCP was/is completely INEPT.

Thank god I don't have a tumor, I might had died by now. (The only problem is, that many men get a form of varioceles in their lives, but if you get them enraged like I have AFTER 40, and I'm 54, they usually indicate a malignant tumor somewhere...keep your fingers crossed.)

So it ain't over. But I know more, and I'm still here. At least the Surgeon is going to bat for me. But he DID give me a look I don't like seeing in a doctor, THAT LOOK. I used to take care of those who were on the way out, and I'm sure as hell hoping it wasn't the "look" I thought I saw.. hoping it was a "God this operation coming up on this guy is going to be a mess, a real job, but I can swing it.." LOOK.

Enough about this, don't want to turn this into a Lenny Bruce "Not funny anymore" scene as he reads his Court papers to the audience instead of telling Jokes :)

I had some thinking to do this past few days, and resting, so I apologise for not getting back to you fine folks fast enough, sorry. What should have been a breeze in some ways may actually be a nightmare, but I'm gonna stay positive. I've got a doc that knows his shit, and plenty of folks here that were pulling for me, and that's a true blessing, given the state of the Uninsured health care these days. In some small way I can see the horror that Andy must have felt, and thank god so many came to bat for him, he was right on the Health Care scene as well, the guy was right on so many counts.

And now Michael Moore is pushing what Andy was saying all along, and many of us are feeling now, Health Care is a GODDAMN JOKE in this country. God Bless Andy, Michael Moore, and the whole LOT OF YOU :)

Now I'm going to lay down again, and try not to spontaneously COMBUST over this shit, until the doc's office opens on Monday, then go in there and have us both taken to the emergency room.. to REMOVE my Number 9 Inch BOOT FROM HIS ASS.. :)

Thanks all, hope this clears up this mess, and I'll keep those of you who PM'd me in the know. No use in posting a play by play, just thought it would be interesting because of SICKO coming out, with me heading for a simple resolution.

Now it's Time to DO something about the NEW disease, and STICK it to the INSURANCE company as much as possible.

Love the Lot of Yas!

Peace out, and get a checkup if you've got one coming!

What a horrible ordeal. I checked this thread to see if the surgery was over and you were back and OK. And now this! I'm going to cry.

Like I said, at least we found out what is was NOT, and this surgeon is a No BS kind of guy. I can see him going to the wall for me, and that's just what I needed at this point. I appreciate your support, but don't go crying for me, I'm just fine, pissed at this point, but gritting the old teeth and keeping it together..

My dad used to say, "Somehow we muddle through.." :)

I'd just like to make sure that my PPCP doesn't hurt anyone else, he's incompetent, it's more than obvious now.

Please don't cry for me, there are plenty of folks more deserving, like the troops, or those little Iraqi kids that Bush has murdered.

to the whole world. Incompetence is rampant. Lying is rampant. I know you've done what you could to expose them, but they keep right on with the killing, lying, bankrupting our country. I'm going out and eat worms.

It's hard to expose these monsters, even if you had all the money is world, they have MORE - the Media, which is a biggie, all the guns, minds, weapons manufacturers who love them, the Congress anthraxed, the list never ends.

The worst part is they've lowered the bar as far as Moral REALITY goes for many. You can't explain to a kid HOW they are getting away with, literally MURDER, and Lying, imcompetence is now sacred, from the person who answers the phones at Customers Service to "heckofajob" Brownie.

And it's ALL Killing US.

Like I said, Save some of those worms for me, but YOU take care of yourself, there are still people around that will stand by you, and THAT is what counts most of all. :)

One of the characters in my Book, THE JESUS BOLT, says, "If we don't start loving each other, we're all gonna die.."

and that you are recovering....:) :hi:

means a lot to me :)

My story isn't far from yours. I had told of my wonderfully successful surgery, but not the bullshit that went on for a year or so before!

For a year, they gave me aspirin. Then stronger & stronger versions til my ears litterally rang. Pain pills, Xrays... "nothing wrong". I kept coming back. Physical therapy with heating pads, massages, electo-something & other BS.

I'd literally cry trying to put makeup on in the morning to go to work. Couldn't sleep for many months because of excruciating pain. I had to quit the job I loved, for fear of rear-ending someone on the freeway unable to see through the pain.

The doc got sick and tired of having me come back, and in disgust, said, "I'm going to turn you over to a spine specialist. I'm done."

The specialist looked at the old Xrays & said "The radiologist was WRONG!" He ordered an immediate MRI and recommended surgery. The surgery that fixed me in a day, just like new.

So this system sends you though the mill, gambling on a cheap "fix". Then, maybe you eventually run into a caring, legitimate doc, like you have. And when the proper surgery is done, they really can do fantastic things.

I'm sorry this has been such a fiasco, but glad you ran into a legit doc who didn't proceed with the wrong surgery and has gotten things onto the proper track.

So, no poi or jello for you. Sushi! Saimin! Kim chee if ya want it... it'll give you some attitude backup for the proper boot placement.

in my head. He paid for that later but I was a trainwreck for six months.

Thanks, I needed that.. the more I look into this, the more it looks grim, hopefully I suck at playing doctor (diagnosing myself over the internets) as much as the turd who's been taking the cheap route :)

Man, I am so sorry to hear that you went through SO MUCH suffering, but am REALLY Glad that they fixed you right up!

Sushi, oh yeah, there's a great place here for that.. as long as there's no EYES staring at me when I get served :)

Appreciate the boot placement tips, may be time to get out my old combat boots and rough up the surface, eh?

Thanks so much, good hearing it from someone who's been there, means a lot.

OMG.

:hug:

the difference was astounding, you'd think that more competent doctors would want to live on neighaboring Islands.. from what I witnessed in Oahu, it makes this place seem like a hillbilly haven, not that there's anything wrong with that, as Seinfeld would say.. :)

Let's hope this guy can make up for lost time.

OMG is right, Jesus, what a mess that turkey left for the new doc..

I know exactly what you mean by "that look" -- I've seen it twice in my life, and yeah, it's not fun. Fortunately everything turned out okay, so no complaints here.

Like everyone else at DU, I'll keep a good thought for you, with hopes that everything comes out all right very soon now that you have had a COMPETENT surgeon examine you. Aren't you incredibly glad that your PPCP didn't try to do the surgery himself? gawd

Please check back in with us and let us know what the hell is going on, okay? :grouphug:

Hekate

I've been wondering how things are. Keep on keeping on, now.

I hope everything works out for you.

And let's get a decent US healthcare system.

the insurance company is only trying to make sure that you receive the absolute minimum of care required, as that is in their financial interest.

In 1996 I fell and broke my ankle in such a way that the bone snapped and my foot was basically dislodged from the ankle. I can't describe the pain when my foot moved even a little. I was taken to an emergency room. The foot was wrapped and I was sent to an orthopedic specialist who informed me I required surgery and the insertion of pins, plates, etc. Then he sent me home for the night, explaining that he couldn't operate until morning and that the insurance company wouldn't pay for an overnight hospital stay. That was the worst night of my life. I barely made it into the house. I had no way to get up and use the bathroom. I was in intense pain. It still upsets me to think about it 11 years later. But that's the state of medicine in this country. No compassion. The bare minimum is the norm.

I wish you well and hope you make it home in one piece. At least you have beautiful Hawaii to recuperate in. Sending good vibes.

I'm so sorry LibDemAlways. Right now, I'm going through a horrible bout of arthritis in my legs, muscles, and I can't even imagine the pain you must have gone through. Greedy, greedy, pigs. May they burn in hell.

he's really being put through the medical ringer.

I am sorry to hear about your arthritis. Chronic pain is hell to live with. I was fortunate that once my ankle was taken care of and healed, I've had no more problems. Still, I'll never forgive the insurance company for not recognizing the necessity of being admitted to the hospital that day or the doctor for not pushing harder for it. I wouldn't wish that kind of pain on anybody.

If you can locate a competent specialist, I'm sure you'll be fine. What a story though - flying from island to island, being schlepped around in a hospital gown and for nothing. What island do you live on by the way? I guess, when it comes down to it, unless you're the rich and privileged and can afford the very best you need to get on the Internets and diagnose yourself before you seek medical attention. I'm uninsured and routinely treat myself. About 3 years ago I decided I had a condition that was life threatening so I relented and went to a gastroenterologist. I was right, but I had nursed myself along for such a long time I had hit a turning point and rather than being admitted to Intensive Care, which is the normal OP for the condition, I was sent back home to bed. I desperately hope Michael Moore's film will be some kind of turning point for the American system of health care. If it isn't, I'm going to need a copy of "Hip Replacement For Dummies."

man, we've been through the ringer, eh? Look at so many people being given the bum's rush by insurance companies, and as one of you posted, it's all bottom dollar crap.. we are THINGS to them, numbers..

Chronic pain takes over your life, you may spend each day thinking in three hour increments, WHEN you are taking the next pain med, and feeling relief for a while. You have to think before you leave the house, "What if I'm gone for more than three hours?" Get stuck somewhere and start feeling like you're going to scream, or getting physically ILL because the pills have that effect if you DON'T Take them. It's no picnic, and some of these docs seem to think you're having FUN on pain meds. It's a Horror, forgetting little things, feel like you have Alzheimers. Searching for a word.. sometimes it feels like you're going to lose it..

I've got to hit the doctor's office this morning, my wife and I are going to face this guy down. Time to put some documentation in his face. That's one thing people should remember to do, DOCUMENT what is said and done to you, Keep a LOG, you may need it at some point, and it may get you the help you need when you wave it around.

I'm sorry to hear all the pain you've all had, my friends, there should be some way to join forces on this, esp with Moore's movie coming out, plenty of facetime on this issue, good for the timing too, with elections coming up.

Thanks for all the back pats and good vibes, let's all stay HEALTHY out there, eh? I'll let my pals know when I'm on the path to HEALING :)

We're gonna need you guys when the HUMANS Take Over! :)

From personal experience, I know that even when the patient KNOWS that something is wrong and can even point it out, the HMO docs will refuse to believe it and say there's nothing. And there's no recourse, later, if the physician hasn't taken the time to note the patient's specific complaint. There's no evidence in the medical records that the patient said he had something growing in his abdomen, or that her parotid gland was swollen and tender unless the doctor puts it there. Etc.