I returned from my NYC trip a week ago. I spent 5 days and 4 nights in Manhattan, flying up from FL by myself. Just before I left, I had learned that I could request wheelchair assistance and this turned out to be a phenomenally useful thing! I had a wheelchair waiting for me at the Delta counter, and was pushed in that with my carry-on luggage to the security checkpoint (where I set off the metal detector and had to be patted down and a wand passed over me, even though I had cards stating I have artificial hips) right to the gate. At LaGuardia Airport in NYC, I only had to mention to the shuttle bus driver (from the plane to the gate) that I needed a wheelchair, and he phoned whoever was in charge of that. A chair and pusher was there when I got off the bus. I was then pushed to baggage claim and then curbside for a cab. This also was done in reverse on my way home. (As mentioned, I have artificial hips, and the left one has been redone twice, so long walks carrying stuff are difficult.)
I had a fantastic time in the city and am so glad I went!! I honestly had started second-guessing myself about the trip and the cost of it, and am really glad that I didn't back out. My oldest and dearest friend (we met in 9th grade at 13) came to the guest house where I was staying on Tues. around noon, and stayed with me all day, all night, and all of the next day up until I was heading for a Broadway show and she needed to get the train back to LI. We had an absolute blast "doing" Chinatown and Greenwich Village. She's such a doll and would not let me pay for a thing while I was with her. What's more, she wants me to return in Sept., to stay with her on the Island. She said to get myself there and then I wouldn't have to pay for a thing. I already have money set aside for plane fare. I walked more in 5 days than I have in the past 5 years total. I think I was going on pure adrenaline. On Thurs., being alone, I took the subway up to the Columbia Univ. area to eat at a Greek restaurant I frequented 38 years ago. I found the food just as delicious as I remembered, and still low in cost. The subway was a little scary...I'd forgotten how steep the stairs are...and I needed help purchasing a Metrocard, but it was a great adventure. I feel that I've developed more confidence in my ability to do things I used to do, as a result of this trip.
I had developed some chest congestion before I left, and had some coughing fits while I was up north, but felt fine. Last weekend, at home again, I started coughing up green gunk. However, it seemed to clear up some until Wed., when I saw the surgeon and his P.A. However, they would not give me antibiotics, citing a new regulation that they cannot prescribe anything that is not directly related to surgery. I will have the hernia repair the week of May 12th...exact date will be mailed to me. I already had labs and an abdominal CT. The labs will be repeated, plus I will need to do a bowel prep, chest x-ray, and EKG. Meanwhile, I feel fine one day and sick the next. I have an appt. with my PMD's P.A. on Mon., but the productive cough is no longer bringing up green stuff...just white mucous. So there doesn't seem to be an infection at this point. I believe part of the problem could be allergy and post-nasal drip.
My surgeon did tell me that this next hernia repair will "knock me for a loop." The hernia is huge (not helped by the coughing fits), and he will have to use a synthetic mesh. He started telling me of the possible risks associated with this surgery on someone with cirrhosis and hep C, and I told him I'd be fine. He laughed and said that I always say that...but I always am. It's something I strongly believe. I HAVE to have a positive outlook--that is what keeps me going--that and the belief that God is not going to drop me now after all he's carried me through. ;)
It will take me awhile to read through all the posts I've missed. Meanwhile, welcome to all our new posters and "hi" to the old and familiar!
Hugs,
Connie
Post Edited (hep93) : 4/26/2008 12:36:21 AM (GMT-6)