Surgery date is set and I'm kinda freaking out; especially over finances.

[TaraJo]

So, hi.  Yeah, I haven't posted much here in a while.  Trans stuff just hasn't been too big an issue in my life..... at least not until recently.  I have a surgery date scheduled with Dr Ley in Scottsdale for next summer on May 28.  I've been slightly freaking out about finances.  I think I'll be ok as long as my boyfriend is able to get a good job and keep up his half of the bills; he had a temp job that ended yesterday.  I've been trying to put together a rock bottom, bare bones, no frills budget just to have a bottom line to go by and I think I have something here:

Travel (greyhound): $125 (I'm only going on greyhound TO Scottsdale; no way in hell I'm taking greyhound all the way back home when I'm freshly post-op)
Travel (flight):  $175 + $20 to get home (I live in Tulsa OK, but, oddly, I can get a flight for half as expensive if I fly into Oklahoma City and get some other ride home)
Hotel:  $100 (I was told I'd have a consult the day before surgery, which means I'd get into Scottsdale on Sunday, get a room, consult on Monday, surgery on Tuesday and be in the hospital for the rest of my stay.  And I found a hotel that seems to be both cheap and close to the hospital)
Transportation:  $75 (I'm going to need to use Lyft here or there while I'm in Scottsdale)
Food:  $30 (One meal while I'm there and it will be low fiber and then, from what I've heard, I spend the next day doing the bowel cleanse thing)

So, ok, that's my basic outline.  And, obviously, if I'm doing better with money between now and then, I'll have more to budget with and maybe be able to take a few luxuries like getting a nicer hotel or whatnot.  Still, anxiety is getting to me; I can't help but worry that there's something big and expensive and important I forgot to consider.  Any input from someone who might have more knowledge or experience on the subject?

[Northern Star Girl]

@TaraJo
Dear TaraJo 
Regarding your upcoming surgery next May, I trust that all of your research and pre-planning will make things work out smoothly for you.  I am certain that there are many members here that have the exact kinds of input that you are seeking with your post...  Once members here see what you have written you can expect more specific responses.

I see that you have been a member of Susan's Place for many years since June 2013 and have just posted twice in the last 5 months.  This is obviously OK, there are a lot of members that are in the background and read and follow the many informative threads and postings here.

Even though you you have been around here for a long time, I also see that you have not ever been Officially Welcomed.   I feel led to give you a proper welcome and some information that will help you to most benefit being here on the Forums.

I am thinking that you may have lots more questions and concerns, this is the right place for you to be to find out what others have done that may have been in your circumstances.
Be aware that there are a lot of members here that can identify with your situation as you feel free to share it.

Please allow me to warmly WELCOME you to Susan's Place. 
You will find this a safe and friendly place to share with others  and to read about others similar trials, tribulations, and successes.
It is nice that you had signed up so you can share with others and involve yourself with some give and take with other like-minded members.  When frustrated or if you have successes you can share it here if you wish and receive support from others and offer support to others. ....
***It's a very good chance that you might find that you will make some new friends here. 

Please come in and continue to be involved at your own pace. 
I have included Important LINKS that will tell you about Susan's Place.  Included there is information about the site that will help you navigate around and best utilize the features here.   
Please look closely at the LINKS in RED, answers are there to many questions that new members ask.

Again, Welcome to Susan's Place.
Danielle

Here are some links to the site rules and stuff that all new members should be familiar with:

Things that you should read

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[Northern Star Girl]

@TaraJo   
Oh, and another thing TaraJo:
Just before I let you have your thread and posting back so that other members can comment on your questions and concerns.....   would you please stop by the  Introductions Forum  to tell more members about yourself and your arrival here on the Forums.  You can include some brief information about yourself so other like-minded members will be able to share with you, and you with them.

Enjoy your time here on the Forums, I trust that you will find this an enjoyable and informative experience.
Best wishes to you.... and again, Welcome to Susan's Place
Danielle

[Kendra]

Hello TaraJo, congratulations on having surgery scheduled!

I detailed my experience in the topic GCS & BA with Dr. Ley at Meltzer clinic.  Page 11 contains a list of things I'm glad I brought to Arizona, stuff I didn't need, and what to have ready at home. 

The Meltzer/Ley clinic can provide a car to/from the airport at no additional cost but there are some limitations.  Their car service is available during regular business hours but not early/late, and they require an advance reservation based on availability.  I didn't use the car service, I don't know if they can pick up at other locations (Greyhound etc.).  If you contact your patient coordinator with arrival and departure schedule they might be able to help with that part of the trip. 

As an alternative to hotels, AirBnB is a good option to save money.  With advance planning you'll find quite a few available in the area.  Another option is take a close look at local bus routes - picking a hotel or AirBnB near a bus line can help offset cost of the room with cheaper transportation.

You'll be visiting two locations.  First the Meltzer/Ley clinic which is a 10 minute drive north of Old Town Scottsdale.  For surgery and surgery recovery, you'll be at Greenbaum Hospital which is slightly southeast of the center part of Old Town Scottsdale - a great location filled with restaurants, bars and shopping all within walking distance (and a free trolley service) but the restaurants in that area are pretty expensive.  There is also the Fashion Square indoor mall which is huge and has a very nice food court (and air conditioning!)

Scottsdale Old Town has a bike share system, $2 per hour for rentals.  Definitely not an option later in your trip, but before surgery that's another option for getting around. 

If you're up and walking on a Saturday there's a farmer's market 8am-1pm across the street from Greenbaum.  The farmer's market is closed during summer. 

Best wishes for next May!

Kendra

[gracefulhat]

Hello TaraJo, congratulations on having surgery scheduled!

I detailed my experience in the topic GCS & BA with Dr. Ley at Meltzer clinic.  Page 11 contains a list of things I'm glad I brought to Arizona, stuff I didn't need, and what to have ready at home. 

The Meltzer/Ley clinic can provide a car to/from the airport at no additional cost but there are some limitations.  Their car service is available during regular business hours but not early/late, and they require an advance reservation based on availability.  I didn't use the car service, I don't know if they can pick up at other locations (Greyhound etc.).  If you contact your patient coordinator with arrival and departure schedule they might be able to help with that part of the trip. 

As an alternative to hotels, AirBnB is a good option to save money.  With advance planning you'll find quite a few available in the area.  Another option is take a close look at local bus routes - picking a hotel or AirBnB near a bus line can help offset cost of the room with cheaper transportation.

You'll be visiting two locations.  First the Meltzer/Ley clinic which is a 10 minute drive north of Old Town Scottsdale.  For surgery and surgery recovery, you'll be at Greenbaum Hospital which is slightly southeast of the center part of Old Town Scottsdale - a great location filled with restaurants, bars and shopping all within walking distance (and a free trolley service) but the restaurants in that area are pretty expensive.  There is also the Fashion Square indoor mall which is huge and has a very nice food court (and air conditioning!)

Scottsdale Old Town has a bike share system, $2 per hour for rentals.  Definitely not an option later in your trip, but before surgery that's another option for getting around. 

If you're up and walking on a Saturday there's a farmer's market 8am-1pm across the street from Greenbaum.  The farmer's market is closed during summer. 

Best wishes for next May!

Kendra

Wow what awsome and timely advice Kendra!

[TaraJo]

Hello TaraJo, congratulations on having surgery scheduled!

I detailed my experience in the topic GCS & BA with Dr. Ley at Meltzer clinic.  Page 11 contains a list of things I'm glad I brought to Arizona, stuff I didn't need, and what to have ready at home. 

The Meltzer/Ley clinic can provide a car to/from the airport at no additional cost but there are some limitations.  Their car service is available during regular business hours but not early/late, and they require an advance reservation based on availability.  I didn't use the car service, I don't know if they can pick up at other locations (Greyhound etc.).  If you contact your patient coordinator with arrival and departure schedule they might be able to help with that part of the trip. 

As an alternative to hotels, AirBnB is a good option to save money.  With advance planning you'll find quite a few available in the area.  Another option is take a close look at local bus routes - picking a hotel or AirBnB near a bus line can help offset cost of the room with cheaper transportation.

You'll be visiting two locations.  First the Meltzer/Ley clinic which is a 10 minute drive north of Old Town Scottsdale.  For surgery and surgery recovery, you'll be at Greenbaum Hospital which is slightly southeast of the center part of Old Town Scottsdale - a great location filled with restaurants, bars and shopping all within walking distance (and a free trolley service) but the restaurants in that area are pretty expensive.  There is also the Fashion Square indoor mall which is huge and has a very nice food court (and air conditioning!)

Scottsdale Old Town has a bike share system, $2 per hour for rentals.  Definitely not an option later in your trip, but before surgery that's another option for getting around. 

If you're up and walking on a Saturday there's a farmer's market 8am-1pm across the street from Greenbaum.  The farmer's market is closed during summer. 

Best wishes for next May!

Kendra

Well, I'll have to talk to the people at the Meltzer clinic and talk to them about transportation issues.  The Greyhound station is actually just up the street from the airport; I can't imagine that being too terribly far out of the way for them to be able to pick me up; in fact, google maps says it's about a mile and a half away.  I could walk that distance if not for the fact that I'll be carrying a bunch of luggage with me.  I'll be arriving on a Sunday, though, and is the shuttle even running on Sunday?  Hope so. 

As for AirBnB, I'm checking and finding some decent options there.  I'll have to look into it more.  Sadly, I don't have any real experience with using AirBnB so I don't know what to expect; anyone else able to fill me in?  I have a feeling that I'll have to get really aquainted with the bathroom the day before surgery (yay for bowel prep!) so will that be much of an issue?  Even a seedy hotel looks a lot better under those circumstances if I get a private bathroom.

[Dena]

Welcome to Susan's Place. Something your missing is you will have a list of things that need to be purchased before surgery. Mostly it's pills but it will include the intestinal cleaning kit. I am not sure how much it runs as when I saw it purchased, insurance was covering some of it but perhaps the doctors office can provide more information. The hospital is within easy walking distance of both food and the tourist section of scottsdale. The hospital will allow you to leave to explore the area for 3 hours at a time so you might desire some purchases from the local shops. Prices are a bit on the high side but but the items are more on the luxury side in quality.

One advantage you have is prices will be at their lowest during the summer. The heat drive the tourist away and there isn't a shortage of rooms. The stores might need to make some sales so they may drop their prices for the summer crowd. What ever you do, don't bring any heavy clothing as the only cold you will need to deal with will be an air conditioner set to low.

Last but not least, plan for the unexpected. Most people leave the hospital according to schedule but a few have had complications requiring an extended stay. The additional time can amount to just a few days to a week or more. I would suggest between now an your surgical date you stash away as much spare cash as possible just incase it's needed. This might include getting a credit card if you don't already have one or paying off the balance on a current one. A credit card can go a long way to dealing with issues that sometimes happen.

[Kendra]

I don't think Meltzer's free car service to/from PHX airport (and probably the nearby Greyhound station) is available on weekends but you should confirm with them directly. 

AirBnB and VRBO have a wide range of rentals and prices.  You can set your property search to include or exclude shared spaces vs. renting an entire apartment or house.  I've found in most cases a 1 bedroom or studio condo costs less than a hotel and you gain more privacy and a fully equipped kitchen.  Mandatory cleaning fees add up but it's still usually cheaper than a comparable hotel.  When you first start out, until you have established a reputation (both sides can post feedback on their site) there's a higher risk a landlord might cancel a rental.  Property owners worry about a renter throwing a wild party.  If you tell the property owner you're in town for surgery, that should assure them you're not gonna party like a rock star.

Bowel prep is a crappy experience but I have some good news, it was easier there than at other clinics I've been at.  A year earlier at a Seattle clinic (colonoscopy) I was handed a gallon of horrible tasting chalk-water and told to drink it all.  In Scottsdale they handed me a fairly small bottle as part of the pre-surgery kit and it didn't taste that bad.  The smaller size needs to be chased with regular water but it's much easier.  I recommend follow the surgeon's written instructions exactly... you do not want to wake up from surgery with anything less than an empty stomach.

At the pre-surgery meeting they will provide a written prescription for pain meds you will need to buy, that can be filled locally or after you return home.  You won't need any medications while you are in the hospital but you will want this when you leave and potentially during the flight home, so I took care of it before surgery day.  The only other thing I had to buy while there was a small amount of Hibiclens liquid soap - I think the hospital has a policy requiring patients wash with Hibiclens the evening before surgery as a precaution.  As your surgery date approaches they will send you a PDF with all the specific instructions. 

[TaraJo]

Last but not least, plan for the unexpected. Most people leave the hospital according to schedule but a few have had complications requiring an extended stay. The additional time can amount to just a few days to a week or more. I would suggest between now an your surgical date you stash away as much spare cash as possible just incase it's needed. This might include getting a credit card if you don't already have one or paying off the balance on a current one. A credit card can go a long way to dealing with issues that sometimes happen.

Yeah.  I'm ahead of the game on this one.  I'm putting in as much overtime as I can at work and trying to cut back on a lot of my expenses to save money for the trip (and since I have to lose some weight, it's surprisingly easy to cut back on my food expenses).  I'm just a bit worried because my boyfriend isn't quite so good at thinking ahead or planning for the unexpected.  He had a temp job and they laid him off yesterday so now, my biggest fear is his being unemployed will wind up eating away the money I'm saving for surgery.  And it's frustrating because he had the job since around what.... February or so and he knew going in it was a temp position but he almost never looked for a more permanent job (and when he did, it was only with me putting an extreme amount of pressure on him to do it).  Even now, a lot of the jobs he's applying for are part time, fast food type jobs, which won't leave him with enough money to pay bills.  And it's terrifying that his lack of planning could easily cost me my surgery.

[Violet]

Over the last two years I have gone Greyhound for the 7 hour ride to Portland 14 times for my surgeries and consultations! Those buses are a total drag, but were my only option.

You might check with the hospital to see if they offer financial assistance. My hospital (OHSU) does and I qualified! Such a relief!

My only additional expenses have been lube, pads, liners and a donut cushion (which did not work for me) Dilators were included with my surgery and that saved me $300-400.

Best wishes honey ♥

[TaraJo]

Over the last two years I have gone Greyhound for the 7 hour ride to Portland 14 times for my surgeries and consultations! Those buses are a total drag, but were my only option.

You might check with the hospital to see if they offer financial assistance. My hospital (OHSU) does and I qualified! Such a relief!

My only additional expenses have been lube, pads, liners and a donut cushion (which did not work for me) Dilators were included with my surgery and that saved me $300-400.

Best wishes honey ♥

Thanks for the input.

As of now, I'm handling most of my surgery with insurance.  I'm lucky because not only does my job offer really top-notch trans inclusive benefits, I've also learned a LOT about health insurance on this job.  A lot of those expenses sound like they could easily qualify as the kinds of expenses that I could cover with insurance and I may try to set something up before I head out to Scottsdale.  At least I would expect I can get insurance to cover pain meds.  I really wish they would help with travel expenses since, y'know, medical tourism exists for a reason.

And as I look at websites and prices and everything, it's really looking like the price difference between greyhound and Southwest Airlines is so small that I might as well just fly there AND back.  The only catch is that I'd have to fly out of Oklahoma City, which is a 2 hr drive by itself.  Not impossible, but it's a bit of a hassle for whoever has to drive me there but less of a hassle for me; those buses are no fun.

I've looked at BnB options and I might consider them but, honestly, my biggest concern is still that bowel prep the night before surgery.  I really don't want to have to monopolize a shared bathroom because my back end is spraying like a firehose all night; I also don't want to mess up my pants because someone else is in the shared bathroom when I desperately need to get in there.  Maybe if I can call and make sure I get that private bathroom, but that's probably about the only way I'm pulling it off.

[Kendra]

Traditional BnBs (Bed & Breakfasts) usually involve a shared bathroom, and you're right that wouldn't be a good situation if you are prepping for major surgery the next day. 

AirBnB and their competitor VRBO (Vacation Rentals By Owner) have a much wider range of property types to compete with hotels and short term rental houses.  In many cities I've visited the majority of AirBnBs have a private bathroom - the rental is an entire studio apartment all to yourself, or a 1 bedroom or larger depending on cost.  Both AirBnB and VRBO web sites are very clear what it is you're renting and you can easily filter out anything with a shared bathroom.