I slept well again last night. The pain has dramatically decreased since the stent was removed Monday. It's not even in the front of my mind anymore at all. The schedule and making sure everything is done is the only thing I think of.
So I had scheduled to stay here in Montreal until Sunday, but plans have changed. I broke down this morning after thinking of having to be in a hotel, alone, with nobody there to help me. I have none of the supplies I'd need, and would not be able to fathom getting everything done. So this morning I called and got my flight changed to tommorrow afternoon. It was supposed to be a few hundred dollars to change it, but I told them I had surgery and I was able to get a medical discount, which brought it down to about $60. I also asked for assistance at the airport and will now have a wheelchair and first dibs when getting on the plane. That'll really help out, since it's still hard to walk. It's getting better and better by the day though.
Coming up to the end of the stay it was starting to get a little scary, knowing that I'll have to manage all of this without the constant help of the nurses and staff here. But now that it's tommorrow, I'm getting more anxious to just be home, see my boyfriend again, and be in the comfort of my own home. It's going to be a long day tommorrow. The last leg of this journey. But I think overall it'll be nice to be out and about and start getting back to a normal life. It worked out good though with the flight change, since instead of having a 2 hour flight followed by a 5 1/2 hour flight, now I have a 3 hour flight followed by a 4 hour flight. The flights are still long, but I was dreading being in an airplane coach seat for 5 1/2 hours. It would have been torture.
Anyways, there's really nothing else to talk about today, so I'll leave it at that.
~Sarah
Quote from: SarahR on April 07, 2010, 10:12:02 AM
I slept well again last night. The pain has dramatically decreased since the stent was removed Monday. It's not even in the front of my mind anymore at all. The schedule and making sure everything is done is the only thing I think of.
So I had scheduled to stay here in Montreal until Sunday, but plans have changed. I broke down this morning after thinking of having to be in a hotel, alone, with nobody there to help me. I have none of the supplies I'd need, and would not be able to fathom getting everything done. So this morning I called and got my flight changed to tommorrow afternoon. It was supposed to be a few hundred dollars to change it, but I told them I had surgery and I was able to get a medical discount, which brought it down to about $60. I also asked for assistance at the airport and will now have a wheelchair and first dibs when getting on the plane. That'll really help out, since it's still hard to walk. It's getting better and better by the day though.
Coming up to the end of the stay it was starting to get a little scary, knowing that I'll have to manage all of this without the constant help of the nurses and staff here. But now that it's tommorrow, I'm getting more anxious to just be home, see my boyfriend again, and be in the comfort of my own home. It's going to be a long day tommorrow. The last leg of this journey. But I think overall it'll be nice to be out and about and start getting back to a normal life. It worked out good though with the flight change, since instead of having a 2 hour flight followed by a 5 1/2 hour flight, now I have a 3 hour flight followed by a 4 hour flight. The flights are still long, but I was dreading being in an airplane coach seat for 5 1/2 hours. It would have been torture.
Anyways, there's really nothing else to talk about today, so I'll leave it at that.
~Sarah
I just want to thank you Sarah for posting your account in detail, It will definitely make my journey to Montreal much easier. I wish you continued success in your recovery and your new life. Please keep us updated on your progress.
PS. 5.5 hrs flying time? I thought you were from Southern California? Does it really take that long?
You last test is upon you, Dear Sarah. The Fight Home. But you are headed home.
Soon you will, possible, go the way of Tink and our other Kate and get on with your life and be gone from here.
May the gods bless you with a joyous and prosperous life.
Hugs,
Janet
5.5 hours sounds about right for Montreal to SoCal - it's diagonally across the continent.
Best wishes, Sarah, and I'm glad you're doing so well and going to be home soon.
Wow Sarah, time flew so fast (at least for those of us watching/reading your journey ).... Congratulations again, and happy to hear your pain has receded.
Advice for flight... get 2 Valium from the doc's office (take 1 before each flight), along with your regular extra strength pain pills, and enjoy your sleep, urrmm, I mean flight ;D
Best wishes for happy travels!!!
*huggs*,
Melan
Crikey! 3 hours then 4 hours! You must be made of sterner stuff than me. I honestly don't think I could have done that! I wish you a very safe and, as far as possible, very restful journey home. I just hope you don't end up sitting next to some of the people I seem to get on aircraft, often men, who want to tell you their entire life history, while you want to rest.
Good luck Sarah - I will certainly be thinking of you and wishing you much strength for tomorrow.
Jenny x.
Well, my flight here was 3 planes all having about a 2 hour flight time, so that's roughly 6 hours. This one is about 7 hours total, but I'm connecting through Minneapolis this time so that may be the cause of the increase. In any case, I'll get through it one way or another...I have no choice.
Melan - Thanks for the tip, I'll think I'll use it. Time has seemed to slow down here. I feel like I've been here a month, when it hasn't even been two weeks total. I hope the next few weeks go by a bit faster. I suspect they will since I'll be home and have all the wonderous distractions of life. Plus, work starts for me again on Monday (from home) so that'll keep me busy. I just can't wait until it looks normal, it doesn't always hurt, and it's not so bloody. There I go again with the whole waiting thing, lol. We're always waiting for something.
~Sarah
yup, we spend most of lives in a state of hurry up and wait, seems to make more sense to just enjoy the journey as best we can. Gratz, girl and safe flight home.
Sarah, make sure to make use of the electric cart with a driver in the Montreal airport. It will wisk you most of the way through the long stretches of the airport.
You can also grab a quick drink in the airport while you are awaiting your flight home. Julie and I took advantage of this, and after 2 weeks in a hospital setting, just sitting down relaxing with a cocktail was like 20 minutes of heaven! We both knew, at that point, that life would be returning to normal.
Best of luck getting back home, and with the remainder of your recovery. Just take it easy. Having the support of your BF and others at home will be great. Good luck, again!
Quote from: SarahR on April 07, 2010, 11:51:56 AM
This one is about 7 hours total, but I'm connecting through Minneapolis this time so that may be the cause of the increase.
I'll apologize in advance for tim pawlenty, the crappy terminal design at MSP, the overpriced tasteless food at the airport, and the "Larry Craig bathroom".
Quote from: juliekins on April 07, 2010, 12:16:05 PMSarah, make sure to make use of the electric cart with a driver in the Montreal airport.
MSP has carts too, and crazy drivers to match. :)
Quote from: SarahR on April 07, 2010, 11:51:56 AM
Plus, work starts for me again on Monday (from home) so that'll keep me busy.
Yow!! Where are you going to find the motivation, let alone time for that? Me. I've decided to take an entire year off which began March 1st. Of course I'll probably keep my skills up with some freelance work both pre and post-op.
Sarah,
Thanks so much for letting us in on your journey. You are one brave woman to travel soon soon, but I know it will go well for you. You have a lot of new horizons spread out before you. I wish only the best for you.
(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fganjataz.com%2F01smileys%2Fimages%2Fsmileys%2FloopyBlonde-blinking.gif&hash=4545ddf8251cf9c32ae6074d56e48bc34a755857)Kristi
Quote from: Kristyn on April 07, 2010, 02:10:15 PM
Yow!! Where are you going to find the motivation, let alone time for that? Me. I've decided to take an entire year off which began March 1st. Of course I'll probably keep my skills up with some freelance work both pre and post-op.
Kristyn when are you going to Montreal?
Quote from: MsGiselle on April 07, 2010, 02:42:34 PM
Kristyn when are you going to Montreal?
Sept 15, hunni bunni! Like you I can't wait! My original date was July something, but I would have been the last surgery before they shut down for the summer and I wasn't too comfortable with that. I then rescheduled for Aug 31, then changed it to Sept 15 in the hopes that my Mom would feel good enough to come with me--she's so coolio!! :laugh:
Quote from: Kristyn on April 07, 2010, 02:55:11 PM
Sept 15, hunni bunni! Like you I can't wait! My original date was July something, but I would have been the last surgery before they shut down for the summer and I wasn't too comfortable with that. I then rescheduled for Aug 31, then changed it to Sept 15 in the hopes that my Mom would feel good enough to come with me--she's so coolio!! :laugh:
Oh okay ;D. I can't wait, I been told I'm one of the last people before the vacation. My mom can't come though and I'm sad. but I'm bringing a friend to go with me.
Quote from: MsGiselle on April 07, 2010, 02:58:22 PM
Oh okay ;D. I can't wait, I been told I'm one of the last people before the vacation. My mom can't come though and I'm sad. but I'm bringing a friend to go with me.
Sorry 'bout your Mom--but at least you'll have someone there. I'm looking forward to your updates!!! ;D
Quote from: Kristyn on April 07, 2010, 03:02:26 PM
Sorry 'bout your Mom--but at least you'll have someone there. I'm looking forward to your updates!!! ;D
My updates are gonna be funny. I'm eternally 12 ;D. I plan on having fun. I have a lil tiny crush on Dr.Brassard :o I think he is just so cute.
Hello Sarah,
first of all I'd like to thank you for posting such detailed information about your progress. I've been almost fulltime for nearly three years, but am still early in the process figuring out how many physical procedures my transition will involve. In my country it is extremely difficult to find personal accounts about surgery and life post it, with only 2-3 people being allowed to have it each year. Finding this forum and your posts have been very enlightening to me.
Thanks for sharing and good luck in your new life
--
Tippe
Thanks again Sarah, its been invaluable, have a safe journey home and remember to take care of yourself and don't do to much. If you are like me I can't sit still for one moment so I have no idea what I will be like when its my turn this year.
The best is still yet to come.
Hugs
Stardust
Sarah, have a safe and enjoyable 7 hour flight home (if such a thing is possible). I'm sure it will be wonderful to return home to familiar surroundings and be with loved ones. I'm so happy for you. :icon_bunch: :icon_bunch:
I am also very grateful for your honesty, openness, and vivid descriptions of this phase of your journey. One day, I will follow in your footsteps and will plan to also share my story as I go through the steps so that those who come after me can be likewise inspired.
Deanna
Oh, and Valerie and Kate, I can hardly wait to hear about your adventures as well. So many reaching the SRS line - it is like watching the finish line of a marathon. I wish you all the best.
Quote from: MsGiselle on April 07, 2010, 03:06:14 PM
I'm eternally 12 ;D. I plan on having fun.
You and me both! All good comes to those who luv fun!
Quote
I have a lil tiny crush on Dr.Brassard :o I think he is just so cute.
Oh no! Not another one! I'll admit he's attractive, but definitely not my type. I'm more into rugged, well muscled men ;)
Quote from: Kristyn on April 07, 2010, 03:35:07 PM
You and me both! All good comes to those who luv fun!
Oh no! Not another one! I'll admit he's attractive, but definitely not my type. I'm more into rugged, well muscled men ;)
He's so attractive and his voice :P. He's totally one of the hottest older men I've seen :police:.
Quote from: MsGiselle on April 07, 2010, 03:40:09 PM
He's so attractive and his voice :P. He's totally one of the hottest older men I've seen :police:.
Here's my top 4
Mickey Rourke as Marv in Sin City
http://www.dennishollingsworth.us/archives/image/MickeyRourkeMarv-1.jpg (http://www.dennishollingsworth.us/archives/image/MickeyRourkeMarv-1.jpg)
Kurt Russell in Death Proof
http://www.allmoviephoto.com/photo/2007_grindhouse_dp_001_big.html (http://www.allmoviephoto.com/photo/2007_grindhouse_dp_001_big.html)
Samuel L Jackson in Jackie Brown and Pulp Fiction respectively
http://forum.premiere.fr/uploads/603356_basilebouzouk_20080513122857869.jpg (http://forum.premiere.fr/uploads/603356_basilebouzouk_20080513122857869.jpg)
http://www.eurweb.com/images/articles/200411/samuel_l_jackson(pulp-fiction-med).jpg (http://www.eurweb.com/images/articles/200411/samuel_l_jackson(pulp-fiction-med).jpg)
Antonio Banderas in Once Upon A Time In Mexico
http://www.joblo.com/images_movie_reviews/once_upon_a_time_in_mexico.jpg (http://www.joblo.com/images_movie_reviews/once_upon_a_time_in_mexico.jpg)
Quote from: Kristyn on April 07, 2010, 04:00:15 PM
Antonio Banderas in Once Upon A Time In Mexico
http://www.joblo.com/images_movie_reviews/once_upon_a_time_in_mexico.jpg (http://www.joblo.com/images_movie_reviews/once_upon_a_time_in_mexico.jpg)
Antonio :P I have to agree ;D.
Ummm...ok, here's my first and only remark on Dr. Brassard.
He is here right now dressed to the nines in a classy business suit for a business meeting. He looks...downright...georgeous! I can't stop smiling as I look at him.
Anyways, thanks everyone. I'm glad to have been able to post my journey, as I too found it very difficult to find real-world accounts of the experience beyond the sentimental side of it. This has been how it was/is for me. You may have it better, you may have it worse, but let these accounts of my experience be your guide.
~Sarah
Quote from: SarahR on April 07, 2010, 04:22:06 PM
Ummm...ok, here's my first and only remark on Dr. Brassard.
He is here right now dressed to the nines in a classy business suit for a business meeting. He looks...downright...georgeous! I can't stop smiling as I look at him.
~Sarah
Oh girl I'm soooo jealous :'(. I can just imagine how he looks right now. Congrs again on the surgery.
Dr. Brassard is so gonna take a picture with me for the nostalgic haha ;D
Quote from: MsGiselle on April 07, 2010, 04:24:31 PM
Oh girl I'm soooo jealous :'(. I can just imagine how he looks right now. Congrs again on the surgery.
Dr. Brassard is so gonna take a picture with me for the nostalgic haha ;D
You should be focusing more on the final outcome of your surgery, girl! :icon_razz:
Quote from: Kristyn on April 07, 2010, 05:00:35 PM
You should be focusing more on the final outcome of your surgery, girl! :icon_razz:
Oh most defiantly hun I will be it's very serious :). BUT :laugh: I like to have fun and I will be when I go thats just my personality.
his office thinks im crazy anyways lol I told them about my crush.
Quote from: MsGiselle on April 07, 2010, 05:05:36 PM
Oh most defiantly hun I will be it's very serious :). BUT :laugh: I like to have fun and I will be when I go thats just my personality.
his office thinks im crazy anyways lol I told them about my crush.
Have you met him yet?
Quote from: Kristyn on April 07, 2010, 05:19:19 PM
Have you met him yet?
I did meet him last year. He's so hot in person :o and I've had a crush ever since haha
Safe journey home Sarah.
And thank you for posting your thoughts, they have been both informative and inspirational.
Thanks, Sarah, for all your posts. This is an incredible journey that we take. It is nice to hear a little of what it is like so we don't go into it with just blind faith.
I hope your trip home will be as comfortable as possible.
I think I know what you mean about wanting to be home. My daughter will drive me to my sister's when I'm released (about five hours), and then someone from my town will drive me the rest of the way (a little over two hours). A few have suggested that I might stay overnight at my sister's to take a break, but I think by then I will be ready to be in my own house and sleep in my own bed.
[Not to hijack the thread, but Valerie: If you are driving to Montreal, how are you getting home? Are you going to drive yourself?]
Thank you so much again for the wonderful updates, Sarah. I wish you a quick and easy recovery. :icon_bunch:
- Kate
looks like the twenty-ten club is going to have quite a few members ;)
Wow Kate 7 hours sitting in a car? eek! I wish you well! I'm just staying in Philly for 2 months before I even think about traveling lol
Congratulations and thanks again Sarah, I hope you're all better soon :)
Dang it! I would love to be part of the class of 2010, by maybe next year. ???
Quote from: FairyGirl on April 09, 2010, 05:37:36 PM
looks like the twenty-ten club is going to have quite a few members ;)
Yeah, we're all racing to beat the end of the Mayan calendar ;)
Quote from: FairyGirl on April 09, 2010, 05:37:36 PM
looks like the twenty-ten club is going to have quite a few members ;)
Yeap, looks that way, nice sort of figure though 2010. Its because 20 divided by 2 equals 10. Male body female mind, divided, now or will be when complete just one. Its getting bizarre so I'll sigh off, lol. Glad to be part of the 2010.
Stardust
Quote from: MsGiselle on April 07, 2010, 04:08:13 PM
Antonio :P I have to agree ;D.
I have to say Jason Stratham all the way! Super Hott Daddy!
http://images.google.com/images?rlz=1T4GGIH_enUS310US310&q=jason%20statham%20pics&um=1&ie=UTF-8&source=og&sa=N&hl=en&tab=wi (http://images.google.com/images?rlz=1T4GGIH_enUS310US310&q=jason%20statham%20pics&um=1&ie=UTF-8&source=og&sa=N&hl=en&tab=wi)