Question about coming home from surgery

[PCInPA]

My surgery is scheduled for August at Georgetown. That is about 3 hours from my home. I am considering options for the return trip from the hospital so seeking guidance from those who have had surgery.

Option 1. Spouse drives me home from hospital in the minivan. Van is comfortable and trip would be door to door. However, it is slogging through traffic for 3 hours up the route 95 corridor.

Option 2. Uber from hospital to train station in DC. Take Amtrak to near my house (Philadelphia area) and spouse drives home from there. I imagine train more comfortable and less stressful. However, I would need to make my way through train station in DC and Philly. Not sure how mobile I might be the day following surgery.

Thoughts appreciated.

[redonthehead]

I'd go in the mini-van too. You would be in control on whether you need to stop or otherwise. And find a way to recline with feet up. Dr may not want you sitting upright for 3 hours - might be a risk of clot in leg(?) - pure speculation on my part.

Being in the van would give you privacy if you have issues with the catheter & bag. Will you need to return in 7-10 days to get the urethra seal checked and catheter removed?

[B8ssist]

Definitely use option 1. I’m a nurse and a patient . You will want to be comfortable for the trip home.

[chral11]

It would not be a bad idea to stay close to the hospital and the doctor for a few days, just in case. You would feel stronger and more confident going home afterwards. Some hospitals have hotels and/or provide special patient rates for hotels nearby. That's what I would do.

[E2-Guy]

My robotic RP 16 years ago was a 'piece of cake'. Surgery on Tuesday afternoon, home on Wednesday, and jumping waves Saturday morning on my waverunner (with a catheter and bag under my jeans) on San Diego Bay!

[NYCUWS]

I would also "vote" for minivan or nearby hotel. I didn't feel the next day, but privacy with spouse sounds better. Also note: bumps in the road were quite uncomfortable. The minivan gives you more control for slowing down for bumps, changing your position over the course of the ride, etc. Bring a pillow or two to sit on!

[wastead]

My own experience: I faced a 7 hour drive after surgery, in a small SUV, mid-covid. My wife and I waited 4 days before heading back home. (2 days were because of a heavy snow over a mountain pass.) We stopped 3-4 times to let me walk a few minutes, drain urine bag, let her pee, etc. I would definitely not have wanted to be on public transportation during that time even if not for covid, though I imagine train would have been better than plane.

[jctaylor]

Another enthusiastic vote for the door to door option and I agree that an extra day or two in a motel near the hospital would be a good idea.

[PCInPA]

Thanks all. I guess the motorcycle option is out of the question. Hahaha.

Looks like the van wins, and I will also look into an extra night or two at hotel.

Thanks.

[CHPA]

You will be okay but you have to be careful of too much walking too soon plus it takes a few days to get comfortable with the catheter. We’re it me and if you can spare the time, I’d book a night in the Key Bridge Marriott and then leave mid day the next day when traffic is light. You have no idea what time you will get into surgery or when you would get released from the hospital. Good luck!

[Murk]

Me Option #1, I couldn't wait to get out of the hospital and getting home -- wouldn't think of a local hotel. I was at Hopkins in Baltimore and they gave me detailed after care instructions. They suggested to take a break for the one hour plus car ride but I just powered through.

The Catheter is going to be unpleasant but disconnect yourself in seven days and life gets much better real fast!

[julianc]

Was driven 4 hours by wife day after. Was a bit sore as I over did getting out of bed to see someone, felt like I'd done 1000 sit ups! But it was ok.