Fast sugery date with Dr Bertagnoli

[Terry Allen Blackburn]

I had my surgery done November 4th and flew home November 17th from Germany. I took Ativan for making the flight more comfortable and the pain medication I was on. Ativan made the trip bearable even with flying regular coach class. Like Dr. J said, get up and walk as it is a long flight and you don't want to clot. They had us self administer Heparin shots daily until the flight home to prevent clotting. I would also recommend support hose for the flight. The Ativan put me in a dream like state and I don't remember anything of the flight. It sometimes has the amnesiac symptoms. Make sure someone else gives you the medication so you don't overdose.

Good luck with everything.

Terry Newton

[Cheryl]

Look like a spiney. I actually got scolded in first class for getting up and about. My companion had "words" with the flight attendant. I think we have some free vouchers over it.

In any case, the more you look like a patient the more sympathetic the staff will be.

[mmglobal]

Be very careful when talking to the airlines. Set up wheelchair assistance in advance. I've seen several people who have tried to talk their way into a free upgrade or other consideration by saying, "I just had surgery and I need help." The answer to that will be, "we cannot let you on the airplane without a release from the doctor saying you are fit to fly."

[fuzzy]

Now Mark, that is very valuable advice!

[SandyW]

Good luck Steve, you are in good hands.

Take your own pillow, you can use it on the airplane, hotel, hospital - it was a life saver for me. One of the pluses on business/first class is the food. I had yummy lamb chops, as good as any 5-star restaurant, the whole ball of wax beautifully presented, desserts, chocolate, and all I wanted to drink - had to turn down the wine however.

I have to admit I used the "poor me" along with honest tears, really!!!, to get my hubby moved from coach to be with me. We couldn't afford both first-class tickets, there were so many vacant seats I had to ask. At first they told me they would take a drink to him and tell him I was ok, then they came back and said they were allowing him to move up. Yeaaa! Doesn't hurt to ask!

Steve, hope you get to talk to Mike. Will keep both of you in my thoughts and prayers. Say hello to Dr. B and Dr. FM for me. Sandy

[Roblin]

Steve,
I wish you the best. I flew home after 10 days from a 2 level cervical ProDisc surgery and some lady in business class came back and gave me her 3seats in business class and took my coach seat. I believe she was an angel. It is doable. Best wishes for a great surgery and quick recovery. We actually did a little sight seeing the last few days we were there. I was amazed at how much better I felt almost immediately.
Bless you,
Roblin

[mmglobal]

I just spoke to Steve. It's Friday late afternoon, he had the surgery Thursday noon. He's still in quite a lot of discomfort, but did not seem in distress when we spoke. Interoperative discography showed the 3rd disc to be wide open, so he's one of the few people I know who got more discs than expected.

He sounded good... I hope he turns that corner soon.

More as I hear it.

Mark