Going through lobectomy alone

Dear shortish,

How brave you are!

So courageous for you to go through this surgery on your own ... but also strong in reaching out to others who have endured the same surgery!

I am a volunteer for a national senior advocacy group. A resource they recommend that might be helpful to you:

Eldercare Locator – 1-800-677-1116
Operates Monday - Friday 9 am to 8 pm Eastern time. If callers or their families have a specific need for assistance (food, medical care, transportation, housing, etc.) in their local community, these services will connect them to local resources. Website: https://eldercare.acl.gov/home

Sending you healing wishes and strength for the journey ahead!

@snorfish,
I also live alone, and I traveled by airplane to Mayo Rochester by myself for my two VAT Thoracic surgeries. I requested wheelchair service when I purchased my ticket. You will need help at the airport with your luggage, etc. You will have weight restrictions after surgery. I arranged for private transportation from my hotel to the airport for added convenience.

I stayed at a hotel across the street from the hospital for one to two days. How many days are you planning to stay at the hotel? Have you arranged for transportation from the hospital to your hotel room after you are discharged? You will need a wheelchair to get from the taxi or transport service to your hotel room, so you don't fall. Anesthesia and pain medication affect people differently. You may feel nauseous, dizzy, or weak.

I did fine by myself after my two thoracic surgeries. I took the hotel shuttle from the hospital to my hotel room, and I felt well enough to walk to my room. However, after my gallbladder surgery, I was so dizzy and nauseated that I needed a wheelchair. You may want to arrange for medical transportation from the hospital to your hotel room in advance. Check with your hospital about what services are available. Your insurance may cover home health to visit you at your hotel.

I used Walmart's delivery services to have food items delivered to my hotel room door before my surgery.

Overall, I did fine flying home and taking care of myself at home. I was doing light activities and gardening outside. You will have pain, but I found staying busy and moving helped me recover faster. I am 71 a 71-year-old female.

I am happy to help or answer any other questions you have. 🙏

@snorfish
In reply to snorfish. I've had 2 lobectomys 6 years apart. The first i recovered quite well but I needed help to get out of bed thank goodness I had help.
The 2nd op was 12 months ago and I didn't recover near as quickly as the first, I needed help to get up to shower to get dressed even to walk, please let the surgeon and hospital staff know that you will be alone in a hotel room, maybe you'll be able to stay in hospital a little longer ? My very best wishes, I'll be thinking of you and when you are able please let us all know how you are faring xx