Herburban ....

[Jkm7]

I saw your post on the other thread and did not want to interrupt the good wishes sent to Zipper so started this thread to respond to you.

That's great, It's nice she get's to stay.


I have to be at the hospital all day Tuesday then go home an hour away and be back at 5:30 am the next day..I am closely watching the weather, we may stay in a hotel if it's bad.

We live a little under an hour from MGH and, like you, were worried about traffic and weather. We stayed at the Holiday Inn next to MGH. They have special patient rates. It isn't fancy but is certainly adequate and gave us peace of mind to not worry about being late in the morning. Dr. Hilgenberg (may he rest in peace) suggested it. You may wish to look into it, Herburban. (BTW..... there is a big tribute to him in today's Boston Globe on the obituary page. Amazing man and such a huge loss.)

DH had a meeting in the city the night before my surgery and I certainly didn't want a large or heavy dinner. We walked to a nearby Whole Foods where they have a huge selection of prepared foods. I selected a few things and some cut up fruit that appealed to me and brought it back to the hotel. There was a microwave available on our floor so I could heat what I wanted. It was perfect as I was in no humor to want to go out to dinner or eat heavy. We have a Whole Foods nearby us but it only has a fraction of what that market offers.

I also was happy I didn't have that goopy soap we have to wash with in my bath at home to have to clean up. I am sure the hotel is very used to us pre-surgery folks washing with it.

In any case, Herburban.....sending you best wishes and we'll all be eager to hear your surgery has been successful and you are having a bump free recovery.

You have had enough bumps leading up to your surgery..... you aren't allowed anymore.

 

[Lynlw]

I agree with the suggestion of staying close the night before, especially since you will be right there that day. When we lived about an hour from dupont we spent the night before the procedure if he was the early case in a hotel right there. It got everyone a little more sleep, plus then we didn't have the whole car ride there for an hour to worry. Since Justin couldn't eat or drink, we just waited until the last min to wake him and go. IF it is at all possible I think it makes life much easier.

 

[Herburban1]

Jkm is there parking at the Holiday Inn? My DH is too cheap to pay for a hotel and parking..We ate at an asian place right next to the hospital after Christmas when we went to see the Grinch. It had great shrimp Pad Thai I could go for that again..It was kind of freaking me out having dinner looking up at MGH.

 

[Jkm7]

We had a car company bring us into the city as DH didn't know how long he would be with me and he hates Boston traffic etc We were happy to not have to bother with the car.

But we learned that if you are a patient, you can go to a booth in the MGH garage and request reduced parking rate which saves a considerable sum. We did that for my post op visit. I don't think the hotel would have free parking. You could look on line at the Holiday Inn website.

If you enjoy the pad thai, great. There is also a restaurant in the hotel. I eat very healthy and truthfully, I found that menu not at all to my taste but that is just me.

With all the snow and ice we've had this winter, I'd be nervous about weather the morning of your surgery. My surgery was end of February and weather was a concern. As it turned out, it snowed just a little.




[/B]

 

[dcat96]

I see it is almost time!

I see it is almost time!

Hi Louanne,
I know it has been a while and I apologize for not being in touch! You have been through so much in the past few months...I am sending positive vibes your way for the 21st and that all goes as scheduled!!!
I am back at work..we had a rough December here...the ice storm was BRUTAL here in Holden. We stayed at a friends until power was back up...had about 2 grand in tree damage at house and kids missed so much school they are now scheduled to go on Saturdays in March :-(
Well I am feeling great I will be 5 months out Feb 2nd. I am not walking as much as I was while on medical leave...mainly because of time ..however our PE teacher at Fales is running a staff "boot camp" 2x a week and that is a tough work out!
I think staying in Boston is a great plan too. We did not ...but I did not have to be at hospital until 11am. If it had been earlier we would have, especially if weather could be an issue!
I will continue to think of you stay stong
Dana

 

[Herburban1]

Dana, So good to hear from you. Is your PE teacher Matty? My dd #2 and he are old friends. I will need boot camp after sitting around doing nothing for so long. That stinks about your trees, at least you aren't losing February vacation like Gardner..I just got the OK to book the room for Tuesday..Yay! One less thing to worry about...

 

[Jkm7]

Glad you are booking the room. Once less thing to worry about.
Hope this info helped you.

The nurses in Cardio Step Down (and certainly CICU) are so outstanding at MGH, I still remember some of their names. Linda, Mary, Marilyn, Elaine (and I hate to leave out any of them) are outstanding nurses. I could never thank them enough and if you encounter any of those individuals please pass along the memories of a grateful patient for all they do for all their patients.

If you have a PA named Stan - you will get some chuckles. Very funny (and extremely able) man. He was there both of my surgeries and took care of me the second one.

Best Wishes.