GRS Brassard Sept 24

[marilyn]

Hello everyone,

I'm going to be in Montreal for GRS with Brassard Sept 24 (surgery date)
I have been on Susan's in the past on another account / lost the acct / and haven't kept up that much lately here / msg privileges are down

So I'll try to get enough posts in that I can message if you like.

I'm interested in getting in touch with anyone going to Brassard in Montreal soon or who has been recently.

I have pretty much everything together... need to shop for slippers 'n PJ's 'n some other things to bring.

Anyone know how the wifi quality is at the hosp or the aftercare facilities??

Also, I heard that Air Canada may require a post op risk release form of some kind
re: DVT Thrombosis risk etc. Which I am at.. too much waitress work. ;-p
so any info on that, yup, thanks.

Anyone up for chat on Brassard, Montreal, the trip, before or after..
I'm pretty chatty so beware...
I write novels so the stuff pours out.. 

Let me know with a post here if you're a Brassard girl, or anyone... what's up with your journey?

otherwise, to all... njoy your day. Marilyn

[mrs izzy]

Marilyn,
I was there April of this year. My husband was just there 2 weeks ago. I my bottom, him his top.
Wifi is good at both hospital and resident.
The staff there are so great. You will enjoy your time there once you get over the event lol.
For me it was like a walk in the park. Pain for me was not as bad as i thought seeing all the videos of the surgery.
I spent most of my time after the stent was removed in just a house coat, made it easier to do the dilations. Hated to get dressed to just get undressed. Dilations are a huge part of your life for the first 3 months, after that they are only 2x a day and gets easier to make them work in your life.

Hmm i think we will be there Sept 17th for his check up and later that week. We live in the Montreal area (its like 45 min drive) and maybe  1 could get by and check on you if you are going to be in Montreal alone?

Izzy

Ps as with anyone coming to Montreal alone, give me a shout and will try to get around to visit.

[Jenna Marie]

I was there over a year ago, so I'm not "recent" anymore (yikes).

[Jamie D]

Congratulations Marilyn.  You might want to poke around the Post-Op board too.

[marilyn]

Congratulations Marilyn.  You might want to poke around the Post-Op board too.

Thanks for that Jamie, I will ~~~~

Marilyn,
I was there April of this year. My husband was just there 2 weeks ago. I my bottom, him his top. (WOW)

Wifi is good at both hospital and resident.
THANKS, good to know, I have a serious online Miss-addiction to keep up with.

The staff there are so great. You will enjoy your time there once you get over the event lol.
omg, more xanax right now!!

For me it was like a walk in the park. Pain for me was not as bad as i thought seeing all the videos of the surgery.
thx. I'm wondering about the pain, if I'll 'like' that kind or not ~ don't judge sistas, thank you...;-P xx

I spent most of my time after the stent was removed in just a house coat, made it easier to do the dilations. Hated to get dressed to just get undressed. Dilations are a huge part of your life for the first 3 months, after that they are only 2x a day and gets easier to make them work in your life.
fabulous tip.. I'm trying to decide what to bring, they said 3 effing pairs of PJ's and a housecoat ~ srsly.. I only have two sets of PJ's and only wear them when I'm on the internet... I'll prolly end up doing what you did... awesome. I'm hoping I can stuff everything including my laptop into Air Canada Carry-ons.. You're allowed a 'Standard Article' which is the little suitcase on wheels and a 'Personal Article' which is my decent sized handbag which fits the spec. I also had the thought of using a pack as the 'Personal Article' but it's about 3 inches too long for the spec and I'm wondering how sticky they are about it. I'll try to find out...

Hmm i think we will be there Sept 17th for his check up and later that week. We live in the Montreal area (its like 45 min drive) and maybe  1 could get by and check on you if you are going to be in Montreal alone?
Yes, my sis was going to come, but we decided it'd be better for her to spend time with me at home in recovery.. so she's landing back the same day as me...I'd love to meet you but don't hold yourself to it if it's too much. The thought is beautiful and what counts. xx

Izzy ~~~~ Marilyn x♥x  ps: after I can DM I'll send you my addy and we can keep up if you want.

[mrs izzy]

Marilyn Pm: sounds good as soon as you can.
I would keep some extra room in for your suitcase to bring home. IE:sits bath, left over douche, your SS dilation set and other misc. stuff. Sits bath takes lots of space but can put things inside once you pack it.

Just relax it all will be good. They handle pain if needed, i only had 1 shot first night and then just pain pills as needed for next few days.

If you have any other questions just ask here if you do not have the PM ready. Will answer best i can.

Izzy

[marilyn]

Marilyn Pm: sounds good as soon as you can.
Thanks.. I'll start posting some and get it...
I would keep some extra room in for your suitcase to bring home. IE:sits bath, left over douche, your SS dilation set and other misc. stuff. Sits bath takes lots of space but can put things inside once you pack it.
I totally didn't see that yet (about leaving room in your suitcase) on the info sheet, but now I did.. thanks.. I'm just bringing minimal clothes.. I thought I'd wear some baggie jeans and a top whatevs and wear the same outfit back.. While I'm there, like u said housecoat 'n jammies.

Just relax it all will be good. thx They handle pain if needed, i only had 1 shot first night and then just pain pills as needed for next few days. I'm sure I'll deal okay... it's more the organizing and all the stuff I've gone through, now the travelling etc.. I don't think I've even really 'worried' about the operation.. but that'll set in I'm sure once I get there.

If you have any other questions just ask here if you do not have the PM ready. Will answer best i can.
you are fab!ulus xx

Izzy

[Amelia Pond]

Congratulations on getting your GRS soon! 

I'm hoping to go to Brassard about this time next year.

Sorry, I know that doesn't help you at all. 

Amy

[marilyn]

Thanks  so much Amy. I've been on these boards off and on over five years in different profiles, coming back etc. But I knew one day 'I'd be the one' saying this, being here and actually making it. So, you will too. And everything, every word spoken, every acknowledgement from any one of us, one to another, is so worth something.. and we all have to remember that too right?? Good Luck on your journey. It wasn't that long ago it seems, one year.. that I was waiting too. xx

[mrs izzy]

Tick, tick, tick goes the clock. 2 weeks left. Time will fly.

Are you getting excited or freaking out yet?
Izzy

[bullwinklle]

Hi Marilyn,

I just had mine with Brassard on September 4th, so I would be happy to answer any questions you might have as well.

I found the WiFi connection in the residence to be mediocre; if you are just hoping to do basic email/web surfing it should be okay, but if you are hoping to use a streaming service like Netflix, you may be disappointed. The hospital's WiFi may have been slightly better, but I was too distracted by drugs, lack of sleep, and throwing up to notice.  Fun times!

Oh, and regarding clothes: I think you could make do without everything they suggested. Most of the time I wore a hospital gown or this giant
shirt; basically you are going to be dripping fluids and bleeding over everything, so why bother with getting your clothes messy? Granted, you are provided with bed pads and panties/pads, but I found the shirt/gown was easiest given how often you need to be naked or need to access your surgery site. I also brought a couple pairs of socks, a pair of PJ pants, a T-shirt, and a loose skirt to wear home. I brought slippers, but never used them (I walked around either in socks or my boots).

[marilyn]

NekoKoNeko - Thanks.. I'm just having some last minute looks around.. leaving tomorrow morning at 8am.. fly to Van - Mtl... I went the same route.. only minimal clothes in a standard carryon.. plus my laptop bag and another 2nd carryon which you're allowed. Anway, I don't fly much but my sis said it's all good to bring the three things. My second carryon is a pack so I'll have extra room to bring whatever the stuff I need to bring back, strapons etc kakaka.. oh well okay dildos dialators wtf ever.. thx for your suggestions.. ciao meow and all.. see you when I get back..xx

[mrs izzy]

I wish you a safe trip and all goes well. It will all be good.

Izzy

[Agent_J]

By this point you're hopefully drifting off to sleep after the real fun of pre-surg prep (two enemas and a shower!)

I was there for surgery on May 14.

[mrs izzy]

Its the 24th around 1:00 pm and not sure if you was 1st or 2nd to go but i am feeling you are now a women. Congrats and welcome to this unique sisterhood club. Hugs.. Now take things as you need to get all the bits to heal.

Hugs
Izzy

[Vicky]

By now on my clock, its safe to say "Welcome to the OTHER side!!" 

[mrs izzy]

Thinking of how things are going with your post healing? Lets see its late Friday night and thinking tomorrow AM will bring the first of the 3 great events, removal of the Surgical Dressings. Wow i know you will love that, what a relief and oh a shower, yes.
Then comes Sunday AM the next great event, removal of the stent. With right after you will learn and start the first day of your lifes dilation schedule.
After the big event weekend comes Monday, day of the catheter removed and the first time to pee sitting becasue you have to. Last of the 3 great events done. Few days afte you will be packing to head back home to recover and dilations.

Izzy

[Agent_J]

Enjoying the Montreal Shuffle?

Packing removal was the most interesting sensation - for the first time being aware of that there was a place inside of me and it was filled by something!

Having the catheter out was a total relief for me. Just make sure they have your nun's hat available when they do it (they didn't for me, needed several minutes to locate one, and the result was a bit messier than it needed to be.)

[mrs izzy]

Marilyn,
Its Sunday almost 4:00 pm. Sitting here thinking you should now have 2 dilations under your belt and getting ready for #3. I hope all has so far went well and looking forward to hearing from you.

Hugs
Izzy