concerned and confused

Tracey,

Yes I had surgery in morning first thing and left right after lunch to go home next day. They have it down to a science. Important things for early release seem to be getting up walking (I was up the night following surgery walking), passing gas (they told me I had to do that to start eating solid food), and slowed discharge from the drainage tube. I didn't feel rushed at all. I was ready to go home and rest away from hospital hub.bub...... hahaha.

My doctor told me the same thing and yes it happens and I am convinced a doctor that does it all the time and is an expert with a lot of experience is the key to a good fast recovery.

Let us know when your husbands surgery is and we'll be sure to be here for you. This is the right place for support, advice, and questions you are afraid to ask. There are no silly questions, just silly heartfelt advice here.

John

Hi, Tracey. We had a five hour drive. Bumpy Interstate and a short-wheel-base SUV. Went in early (6 a.m.) on a Wed. and discharged Thurs. a.m. We checked into a hotel on Tues. and stayed an extra night after discharge. Came home on a Friday and it was still a rough and painful ride. Set up an air mattress with elevated head in the back (so the catheter bag would be lower than the bladder). Took a painkiller and still slept very little on the way home. Glad we waited the extra day, for sure. If you have a smoother-riding vehicle, I'm sure it willl make a huge difference.

If we could have made arrangements to take our dog, I think we would have stayed the entire 8 days (up until catheter removal). On the other hand, we were equally eager to get home to our own bed. And then made the return trip a week later.