Out-of-state costs - what am I forgetting?

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Trying to estimate everything outside of the labs/meds/surgery itself, and post-op items like button-up shirts.
On the list is round trip bus fare, hotel costs, cash to cover taxi fare to appointments and grocery store, and some money to buy groceries and toilet paper for the visit. Somehow it seems like this list is missing something, an "I can't believe I forgot to budget for (crucial thing)" moment waiting to happen.

If you travelled out of state for top surgery, does this list sound about right or is something important missing?

[LordKAT]

post op necessities, easy food and one of those reaching tongs. Good books, movies or video games. Unless you have them already.

[aleon515]

I think a neck pillow is really useful. A subscription to Netflix is also good.
I actually didn't spend that much for food. If you stay somewhere with a little kitchen (microwave/refrigerator). I spent something like $75 for food and went out to eat 2-3 times.
You might read this thread: https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,151041.0.html


--Jay

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Thanks LordKAT, and Jay. Whoops. I'd seen that thread and forgot about it, so made sure to re-read it and add stuff to the list. Very informative, so is the buzzfeed article (never would've thought to pack a "super hunky poncho", lol).

[aleon515]

My video (shameless advertising) that's in that thread has helpful hints as well as a shopping list and some links. So you might be interested. I stole a lot of stuff from here and any videos that I could find and stuck it in one handy dandy little video. I didn't include the poncho (I took one) because I didn't use it. But they are cheap at a couple dollars.

I stayed at New Beginnings but a lot of cities have the Extended Stay motels. I don't think they are so nice (3+ stars usually), but they do have little kitchens (microwaves, refrigerators, and sometimes a burner or two, coffee maker, etc) which would be very handy for a longer stay. Very funny though, I stayed in one once and there was 1-2 of EVERYTHING. Don't forget your coffee filters and that sort of things, but they do have sheets and towels. Sometimes they have weekly rates.

--Jay

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I am interested, but can't seem to find the video. Sorry if my un-observation super power is kicking in.

When you say 1-2 of everything, I'm picturing two microwaves, two coffee makers, two TVs, two mini-fridges, etc. That would be funny.

[aleon515]

2 microwaves, 2 coffee makers, etc Funny.
I'm more than happy to do some shameless self promotion. 

--Jay


Video is here:

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That's funny, and weird. I wonder why they had two of everything.

"I started packing -- no, not that kind of packing" ha!
Thanks for posting the video and list under it, very informative. Good thing there's plenty of time to gather everything. Something for itching is a good idea, had to have stuff taped to my skin before and oh man, so itchy. Itchy just thinking about it.

A chest-kneading cat sounds hazardous, ouch.

[aleon515]

That's funny, and weird. I wonder why they had two of everything.

"I started packing -- no, not that kind of packing" ha!
Thanks for posting the video and list under it, very informative. Good thing there's plenty of time to gather everything. Something for itching is a good idea, had to have stuff taped to my skin before and oh man, so itchy. Itchy just thinking about it.

A chest-kneading cat sounds hazardous, ouch.

Haha yeah funny I can't hear that word without thinking of THAT kind of packing.
Yes he's hazardous. I still find myself worried about him, even though my nipples are fully attached.

--Jay