Susan's Place Transgender Resources

Hello everyone,

Getting close to one month before my surgery with Dr. Brassard and I have a few questions...

• Does anyone have any recommendations for hotels in the area, preferably as close to the residence as possible.  My Mom is confirmed in the residence for half of the trip, but they didn't have room for her for the second half.  Suzanne suggested a B&B, but my Mom would rather stay in a regular old hotel, within walking distance if possible.
• What about internet access?  If I take a laptop it would obviously be nice if they had wireless in the residence.

Any replies would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!
Amy

There's nothing too close.  My Mom was with me and stayed at a hotel in Lavalle.  It was a pain in the butt and expensive.  The B&B Suzanne suggested is nice--very nice

http://www.bbexpo.com/marigot/facilities.html (http://www.bbexpo.com/marigot/facilities.html)

The residence has wireless access.  Your laptop will be your best friend!

Here is another website (http://www.gitedumarigot.com/800x600/anglais/home.htm) for the B&B's and apartments in Laval run by Chantal Lachapelle.
Chantal and her accomodations are very nice.

The hospital/clinic/residence is reachable with one subway stop and a short bus ride.
The adventurous could walk there in 30 minutes or so.

Don't even consider Motel Pierre in Montréal, it's even dumpier than you would think.

A few more questions.   

• Just out of curiosity, what status are you in at the surgical site when you fly home?  Mainly I was curios if you still have bandages on, and if so, to what extent?
• My Mom is going with me and she is scheduled to stay in her own room at the residence.  She is going to attempt to do as much business by cell phone and laptop as she can.  Kristyn, how is the wireless access?  Dependable?  Fast?
• I'm not worried about coffee, but my Mom is.  She is one of those "Oh my God, where's the coffeemaker" kind of people when she wakes up.  I'm assuming there's no coffeemakers in the room?  She's planning on taking a one-cup coffeemaker to have with her in her room.  I'm assuming this is probably the best option?

Thanks,
Amy

Quote from: amy2003 on January 01, 2011, 11:19:15 AM
A few more questions.   

• Just out of curiosity, what status are you in at the surgical site when you fly home?  Mainly I was curios if you still have bandages on, and if so, to what extent?
• My Mom is going with me and she is scheduled to stay in her own room at the residence.  She is going to attempt to do as much business by cell phone and laptop as she can.  Kristyn, how is the wireless access?  Dependable?  Fast?
• I'm not worried about coffee, but my Mom is.  She is one of those "Oh my God, where's the coffeemaker" kind of people when she wakes up.  I'm assuming there's no coffeemakers in the room?  She's planning on taking a one-cup coffeemaker to have with her in her room.  I'm assuming this is probably the best option?

Thanks,
Amy

Hi Amy, going home you are in good condition.  There are no bandages, but you will have stitches/sutures which dissolve over time.

Wireless in the residence is excellent and not so good in the hospital.  There is nothing but water allowed in the rooms.

The coffee is always on and, when it isn't, just ask and they will make it for you.  I was an early riser--4am--and the night nurse would always ask me if I wanted some coffee if there wasn't any made.

Quote from: Kristyn on January 01, 2011, 11:30:13 AM
There is nothing but water allowed in the rooms.

Oh, I wouldn't be so sure  ::)

:icon_drunk:

Quote from: Julie Marie on January 01, 2011, 12:38:40 PM
Oh, I wouldn't be so sure  ::)

:icon_drunk:

Granted, but where are they going to keep a coffee maker, silly one?  ;)

Quote from: amy2003 on January 01, 2011, 11:19:15 AM
A few more questions.   

• Just out of curiosity, what status are you in at the surgical site when you fly home?  Mainly I was curios if you still have bandages on, and if so, to what extent?
• My Mom is going with me and she is scheduled to stay in her own room at the residence.  She is going to attempt to do as much business by cell phone and laptop as she can.  Kristyn, how is the wireless access?  Dependable?  Fast?
• I'm not worried about coffee, but my Mom is.  She is one of those "Oh my God, where's the coffeemaker" kind of people when she wakes up.  I'm assuming there's no coffeemakers in the room?  She's planning on taking a one-cup coffeemaker to have with her in her room.  I'm assuming this is probably the best option?

Thanks,
Amy

1) no bandages, just a pad.
2) as Kristyn said, the wireless is cool at the residence.  Are you from US?  Unless your mom has an international plan, she will get nailed for roaming charges on her cell.  If she is paying for it, you may want to buy an international calling card (or buy something online).  Of course if her business is paying for it, *shrug*.
3) yes, the coffee is always on.  But, to be honest, it really sucks.  I couldn't wait to get home and get a good cup of coffee.  I don't know if it was the Montreal water or what, but I really didn't care for it.

If there's nothing but water "allowed" in the rooms then where do you eat?  I just assumed they brought food to your room.

And I can understand a rule like that for patients, but for a non-patient who has their own room?  I'm assuming she, as a non-patient with her own room she will have some privacy, no?

Quote from: blackMamba on January 01, 2011, 02:36:39 PMUnless your mom has an international plan, she will get nailed for roaming charges on her cell.  If she is paying for it, you may want to buy an international calling card (or buy something online).  Of course if her business is paying for it, *shrug*.

Thanks for the heads up, but she just switched to Verizon because they have coverage in Canada, and she will be switching to a Nationwide plus Canada plan before we leave.  No roaming and no long distance charges.

Quote from: amy2003 on January 01, 2011, 03:46:21 PM
If there's nothing but water "allowed" in the rooms then where do you eat?  I just assumed they brought food to your room.

And I can understand a rule like that for patients, but for a non-patient who has their own room?  I'm assuming she, as a non-patient with her own room she will have some privacy, no?

Thanks for the heads up, but she just switched to Verizon because they have coverage in Canada, and she will be switching to a Nationwide plus Canada plan before we leave.  No roaming and no long distance charges.

Actually Amy, everyone eats in the dining room.  Socializing with the others, both pre and post-op, is just one of the things that make the Montreal experience so great.  It's a real family type atmosphere.  I'm guessing Dr. Brassard set it up that way as it goes a long way toward the healing process and the days leading up to your surgery.

I'm pretty sure your Mom will have all the privacy she needs.  If you want, you could contact Montreal and ask if the rules are different for non patients.   :)

Quote from: Valeriedances on January 01, 2011, 05:54:28 PM
One thing she may not be thrilled with is they lock the shower/bath room after dinner for the night and it stays locked until morning.

If they lock the shower/bath after dinner there must be somewhere else to go to the bathroom?!?!?  I go one, sometimes twice a night.

Quote from: Valeriedances on January 01, 2011, 05:54:28 PMIf she doesnt mind commuting 15-20 minutes there are numerous major hotels in Laval. I stayed in Laval the week before my surgery across from a magnificent mall (Centre Laval) and there were lots of hotels. She would be comfortable there.

No, she really wants to stay with me, so it's good they had a place for her.  I think I know Centre Laval.  Is Laval the downtown looking area, and the mall is huge, most of which is underground?  I used to travel to Montreal on business frequently, but I was always with a group, so I didn't know how to get the area we always stayed in.

Since there is a day or two before surgery, I'm assuming we can sightsee some during that time?  I LOVE Montreal, and my Mom has never been.

QuoteIs Laval the downtown looking area, and the mall is huge, most of which is underground?

Not sure what you're referring to here.  Laval is north of Montreal Proper.  It's not on the island.  Downtown Montreal is on L'isle de Montreal, the centre of which is Mont Royal (Mount Royal) - the "mountain" from which the city takes its name.  The clinic is on the north shore of the island, just across the river from Laval.  I've never been to the clinic, but I used to live in Montreal, and I've looked at a Google map of where the clinic is.  I used to live in what's called the "West Island" (very western suburbs of Montreal).  I've been away for over 20 years, but the last couple of times I've been there, lots of the previously-suburban areas could be described as "downtown looking areas".  The whole area is HUGE - on a much bigger scale than Toronto or most other places...

Quote from: amy2003 on January 01, 2011, 06:41:53 PM
If they lock the shower/bath after dinner there must be somewhere else to go to the bathroom?!?!?

If believe that the rationale is that they don't want people taking showers when there is only one nurse on duty.
It could be difficult to extract a patient from the shower if they should fall.
The doubles have their own full bathrooms and the singles have access to two other bathrooms.

Quote from: amy2003 on January 01, 2011, 06:41:53 PM
... the mall is huge, most of which is underground?

You're thinking of the Underground City in downtown Montréal.

Quote from: Kristyn on January 01, 2011, 12:49:00 PM
Granted, but where are they going to keep a coffee maker, silly one?  ;)

The coffee is downstairs.  It's the Kahlua and Bailey's you'll have to supply.  ;D

Quote from: Julie Marie on January 01, 2011, 10:57:36 PM
The coffee is downstairs.  It's the Kahlua and Bailey's you'll have to supply.  ;D

Those are actually my two favorite liquors!   :)

Can we sightsee the days before surgery?  I'm assuming we can, but I don't want to look forward to it if we can't.

Quote from: amy2003 on January 02, 2011, 09:51:14 AM
Can we sightsee the days before surgery?  I'm assuming we can, but I don't want to look forward to it if we can't.

Of course you can.  You can set up your arrival the Thursday before your surgery if you  want to do that.   :)

Quote from: Kristyn on January 02, 2011, 09:57:30 AM
Of course you can.  You can set up your arrival the Thursday before your surgery if you  want to do that.   :)

Well, that's not really what I meant.  We get there Sunday and from the literature I don't have to start preparing for surgery until Tuesday afternoon.  I figure there might be a consultation with the doctor and perhaps some blood drawn, but other than that I should be free to go out???

Quote from: amy2003 on January 02, 2011, 07:28:38 PM
Well, that's not really what I meant.  We get there Sunday and from the literature I don't have to start preparing for surgery until Tuesday afternoon.  I figure there might be a consultation with the doctor and perhaps some blood drawn, but other than that I should be free to go out???

Right, but make sure you are around when Dr Brassard is doing his consults.  When I was there, one of the girls had missed hers and it was difficult setting it up in time for her surgery.  He'll probably do it late Monday afternoon, so ask the staff just to be sure. 

Quote from: Kristyn on January 02, 2011, 08:40:04 PM
Right, but make sure you are around when Dr Brassard is doing his consults.  When I was there, one of the girls had missed hers and it was difficult setting it up in time for her surgery.  He'll probably do it late Monday afternoon, so ask the staff just to be sure.

He's not always good about setting them up.  I had mine while laying in the warming room!  Guess he forgot.  He asked me if he had examined me.  I said no.  He lifted the sheet, peeked around and said I'll be fine.  About ten minutes later I was wheeled into the OR.

Quote from: Julie Marie on January 03, 2011, 04:52:28 PM
He's not always good about setting them up.  I had mine while laying in the warming room!  Guess he forgot.  He asked me if he had examined me.  I said no.  He lifted the sheet, peeked around and said I'll be fine.  About ten minutes later I was wheeled into the OR.

:icon_yikes:  YEEOWWWW!

Two more questions...

• Is there a place in the bathroom to keep your shower stuff?  They have these all inclusive lists of stuff you need to bring, from a toothbrush to a book and music, but they don't say you need something to carry your toiletries to and from the bathroom.
• They say three sets of street clothes (no tight jeans, please).  What are these for?  Are they expecting you will get up and get dressed your last couple of days?  And are you able to wear whatever you want on your trip home, or should you where something loose fitting?  I only own skirts, dress slacks, and tight jeans, so I am going out today to go shopping for these items.

It's pretty hard to plan for this trip considering how little they tell you about your stay beforehand.

Thanks,
Amy

With the shared bathrooms and even the bathrooms in the double rooms you really can't keep your things there.
Be prepared to drag your stuff in. You'll always be forgetting something and have to go back.

Clothing is a personal choice. Some seem to just wear bathrobes and nightgowns.
I'd suggest getting one pair of black oversized sweatpants. (Black doesn't show stains as easily.)
In the initial phase you will be surprised at how big your pelvic area will be packaged.
A long, loose skirt will work too. They have the advantage of no material between your legs.

I'd suggest having enough clothing so that you could go for short walks outside.

Quote from: Renate on January 08, 2011, 12:15:28 PMClothing is a personal choice. Some seem to just wear bathrobes and nightgowns.
I'd suggest getting one pair of black oversized sweatpants. (Black doesn't show stains as easily.)
In the initial phase you will be surprised at how big your pelvic area will be packaged.
A long, loose skirt will work too. They have the advantage of no material between your legs.

I'd suggest having enough clothing so that you could go for short walks outside.

So I take people don't stay in their pajamas until they leave?  I can't imagine I'll be going for too many walks outside.  The forecast for my first day there is snow showers with a high of 19 degrees without the wind chill.

Is it safe to keep stuff in the residence rooms like phones, laptops, and purses?

First of all they encourage walks.  Activity is preferred over being sedentary.  I don't know about you but if I had to stay in my PJs the whole time there I would have been very depressed.  It was only a couple of days after leaving the hospital that I returned to "normal" life, at least in appearance.  And that was more effective in bringing about a PMA than anything else I did. 

I was there in March and I spent as much time outside the building as I could.  The day I got out of the hospital I was outside on the veranda when Brassard came by.  He looked at me and said, "I thought I just performed major surgery on you!" and smiled.  You can't keep an old broad down!

We've been there twice and we've never heard of anyone's things being taken.  Valuables (money, jewelry, wallet) should be kept at the nurses station though.

Quote from: Kristyn on January 02, 2011, 08:40:04 PM
Right, but make sure you are around when Dr Brassard is doing his consults.  When I was there, one of the girls had missed hers and it was difficult setting it up in time for her surgery.  He'll probably do it late Monday afternoon, so ask the staff just to be sure.

Like me, i didnt have my consult til i was laying in the OR pre-waiting room on my bed while he was on his MAC book

Quote from: Julie Marie on January 03, 2011, 04:52:28 PM
He's not always good about setting them up.  I had mine while laying in the warming room!  Guess he forgot.  He asked me if he had examined me.  I said no.  He lifted the sheet, peeked around and said I'll be fine.  About ten minutes later I was wheeled into the OR.

Omg julie that's exactly what happened to me