Spinal surgery and travelling long distance after. And some other panics...

[MulledWineMincePie]

I am having a double level laminectomy and decompression on 7th January (removing bone from lumbar spine that is pressing on nerves at two vertebral levels).

I live in the depths of the South West of England, and I am travelling to London to see a top surgeon for this operation. It was my decision to go to this hospital, in order to see this top surgeon and not remain under my local surgeon who chose to leave me, mid thirties, virtually unable to walk and not even tell me wtf was wrong.

This surgeon is confident he can improve my pain and mobility levels by around 50% with this surgery. I of course snapped his hand off, as I am fed up with my life being on hold and this surgery will possibly be the key to a better physical life, a return to some activeness and the chance to be a better, less tired and grouchy mum to my young children.

I have had no problems with the distance, other than practical ones. Found solutions to most of them. I will unfortunately be in London on my own as there is no-one to care for the children if DH comes with me, due to timing of xmas and holidays etc, no family close (up north or on another far flung country), and so I will be in London for hopefully 3 days including day of surgery. DH will come to collect me when I am discharged to bring me home.

I am worried about travelling home. It's gonna be a 4 hour trip, approx, hopefully 3.5 hours on the actual main train journey. Been to-ing and fro-ing about whether DH drives me back, or first class train back. Talked it through with various people and decided train would be better as I can stand if I need to (will need to possible), lay across two seats, move about freely to reduce the risk of DVT etc, where car will be much harder to plan, will be driving through London which is relatively unfamiliar territory for driving, and all that might entail with braking hard etc etc.

I am worried about whether I should tell them about this in hospital. Will they keep me in longer if they know that I need to travel 4 hours, maybe more with any delays. I don't want to be kept in longer. (surgeon knows I live a long way, they must have a management plan of some kind, people travel across the country for the surgeons at this hospital, and the pre-assessment team didn't discuss with me other than the practical stuff of them confirming the bed space before I travel).

Anyone done a long post surgery trip? Am I going to actually be able to make this journey home? Any suggestions? ideas of how to manage the trip, advice, helpful hints? I can't get pissed as I might otherwise do without children in first class

I am not even sure I am expecting you to have answers. I am just worried that this is not going to be an easy trip and it might make things worse for me and undo the good of the surgery. I am just rambling.

[magiandco]

It might be worth contacting the patient advice and liaison service usually called PaLS, which most hospitals have, just in case they can organise an NHS ambulance for you, or have other ideas.
Good luck. Hope it all goes well.

[MulledWineMincePie]

magi I spoke to PALS about trying to help me organise having my pre-surgery assessment in local hospital instead of travelling 500 miles round trip with a fucked back for a 1.5 hour appt to have tests and discussions that are done locally in the same way. She was not at all helpful, and happily told me that my issue (that particular one) was way down on the list of priorities she had out of 60 cases to deal with. I expect that my transport issues will not be much higher up the list.

Their liaison involved them calling the same person I had spoken to 30 mins before and asking the same question I asked, given the same reply and relaying that to me.

Therefore I have no confidence they will be helpful.

And, actually I think I will be ok in a car semi flat, with some nice music on in the background (new CDs from christmas to start with), and my DH to look after me. As long as I don't throw up due to meds...

[MulledWineMincePie]

waswondering my DH would love a Volvo, they are one of his favourite cars. But, he always likes 'old man' cars - Volvo, Honda Civic, Honda CRV, Saab... (well, Saab until his friend bought one and engine failed within a month, rendering it useless)

[MatildaTheRedNosedReinCat]

Old men 's cars? . I was going to recommend the Honda CRV as a good option for comfortable ride home. My new one is as comfortable as I've yet been in a car. But now I won't bother . Although the hospital discourages driving and says parking is horrendous, we have always parked in the Square without much difficulty. Finding said square in the car is another issue so make sure you have sat nav.

The heated seats are blissful but I would definitely check before you use them that it's ok from the pov of the wound. Hopefully they will say yes.

[MulledWineMincePie]

he likes the OLD ones Matilda the new ones are lovely, he likes old smelly dirty ones, not ones with heated seats and fancy sat nav.

[MulledWineMincePie]

yes, I am a bit worried he might not find the Square - he'll be coming up on his own, and driving through London on his own. Unless he drives me up on tuesday as well, to learn the route, but it'll be dark by the time we arrive, so might not help him.

Do hire cars come with satnav? or will he need to rely on his own iPhone/satnav?