It's been two months, since contacting Dr. Brassard's office; but after many emails i finally have a surgery date!  Aug 24th, which was sooner than expected, but workable for me.    I was told i would get a confirmation in June or earlier, and the cost would be $20,000. However, i was not informed that anything was due as a down payment.

Four Questions:
1. Is that odd not to put a down payment.
2. Is that $20,000 in CAD or USD? I'm assuming CAD but wanted to check.
3. All i need for blood tests in April are Glucose, CBC, BUN, and Urinalysis. Does this seem right?
4. Is there anything i should prep or should bring with me or prep for my return?

Guess i should update my passport soon!!!   

Congrats,

Yes you will need to make payments that are outlined in paperwork.

There packet has all the information needed to buy or bring north.

Yes CAD $ 1.2462 is todays is todays exchange rate.

You can also check out these other topics

https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,179265.0.html
https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,174534.0.html
https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,177555.0.html
https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,151349.0.html

More if you look in the SRS section.

Thank you for the information Mrs Izzy.  I'm assuming I will get the paperwork in June or a bit earlier, and that's what Suzanne meant.  Good to hear it is in CAD, that will give me some reserves if anything goes awry since that converts to about $16,000 USD.  Which I consider a bargain, considering my total for a trachea shave with Dr. O amounted to ~$6500 after the expensive stay in San Fran for a week!  So expensive there >_<

I read through the posts linked and saw that a timer would be a nice thing to have.  But i think someone mentioned $500/wk for lube and pads!!!  Not quite sure where they were from, but that's a fracking ton of lube and pads.  I'm assuming I'll just wear the same underwear, but even then, around here it costs $4 for cute looking boy shorts ^_^ and that's not even on sale!

Quote from: FrostPixie on February 12, 2015, 06:09:46 PM
It's been two months, since contacting Dr. Brassard's office; but after many emails i finally have a surgery date!  Aug 24th, which was sooner than expected, but workable for me.    I was told i would get a confirmation in June or earlier, and the cost would be $20,000. However, i was not informed that anything was due as a down payment.

Four Questions:
1. Is that odd not to put a down payment.
2. Is that $20,000 in CAD or USD? I'm assuming CAD but wanted to check.
3. All i need for blood tests in April are Glucose, CBC, BUN, and Urinalysis. Does this seem right?
4. Is there anything i should prep or should bring with me or prep for my return?

Guess i should update my passport soon!!!   

Hello FrostPixie
I had my GRS with Dr.'s Brassard & Belanger Sept 10, 2014. To say I'm over the top happy can't be put into words.
If you have  any questions, please don't hesitate to ask me.
I think the thing that impressed me the most, other than the surgery itself, is the day they move you to the recovery centre. The staff is unbelievable, around the clock 24 hour support.
I recall the list of items to pack, but brought way too much clothes. What's cool, is they wash your clothes, bring two or three pairs of sweatpants or pyjamas.
The food is awesome! Each day you go downstairs 3x for meals, and you get to know other post ops from around the world. There is is a beautiful garden and grounds to walk around - you'll want to get some exercise.
Most likely you'll share a room with someone else as most of the recovery rooms are for two people. Wish I had brought earplugs, my roomie was a snorer...so bad, I had to ask for sleeping pills lol.

$500 a week for lube and pads is not right, not even close.
One package of blue pads - large - can be cut in half. You don't need pads to cover half the bed, just enough under your butt. At the recovery centre, they supply all the lube, pads,and other stuff you'll need.
Tip: if you live in a large city, they should have a medical supply wholesale store. I pay $2 each for lube, and it's twice the size as the lube you'll get at WalMart for $8. And, it's the same lube you'll use in Montreal.
I'm at the 5month dilation, I use maybe 2 lubes a week...so $4.
Anyhow, congrats on your date, I'm thrilled for you!
Nina

@Muffinheart  First of all, I have to get this out of the way.  I <3  your forum name ^_^

Continuing on  ...  Yay food!  However, are there also snacks provided? I tend to graze throughout the day at 2-3hr intervals than eat three large meals.  Honestly, my stomach isn't big enough to digest all that food at once.  It's a good chance for me to socialize with the other girls, but I'd probably hardly end up eating anything, and I need my calories
Great to know about the dressing I should pack.  Based on that time of year, I'll probably pack 3 pairs of pajama bottoms, 3 pairs of shorts, a razor (can't leave home without that now, lol), and three tanks/tees, and maybe a sweater.  Usually Aug/Sept tends to be about 60-70F weather.  O.o  I did not know about the garden.  I love gardens and exercise, so the exercise portion shouldn't be too difficult for me to do.
I thought that $500/wk on supplies seemed off.  Glad it is.  I should have no trouble getting lube/maxi pads as I live in a decent size city that is primarily employed by the medical industry it seems.  That and colleges.  I think in a 5mi radius from my house there are 8 or 9 of them!!! (colleges)

When you first arrive the day before surgery to three days after surgery, you are waited on hand and foot
They'll bring you snacks, coffee, juices....whatever.
When you're moved to the recovery centre, the main floor has a dining room and living room. There is a fridge with yogurts, lots of fresh fruit, cookies, and usually a cake or two. Also coffee, tea and assortment of juices. Note that you cannot take food to your room. No biggie, you'll want to be up and around.
I'm a foodie, and I can't say enough about the meals. So much to eat. And they'll hound you to drink 2-3 litres of water.

In each room you have your own TV and Bose stereo system. I brought my iPad with lots to do when I wasn't resting. The main floor has a computer, and both the hospital and the recovery centre have wi fi.

The garden is beautiful, and right across the street are walking paths along the river.

Quote from: FrostPixie on February 12, 2015, 11:07:48 PM
Thank you for the information Mrs Izzy.  I'm assuming I will get the paperwork in June or a bit earlier, and that's what Suzanne meant.  Good to hear it is in CAD, that will give me some reserves if anything goes awry since that converts to about $16,000 USD.  Which I consider a bargain, considering my total for a trachea shave with Dr. O amounted to ~$6500 after the expensive stay in San Fran for a week!  So expensive there >_<

I read through the posts linked and saw that a timer would be a nice thing to have.  But i think someone mentioned $500/wk for lube and pads!!!  Not quite sure where they were from, but that's a fracking ton of lube and pads.  I'm assuming I'll just wear the same underwear, but even then, around here it costs $4 for cute looking boy shorts ^_^ and that's not even on sale!

You will use a lot of lube. Pads are but pads are a must but i used liners most of the time.

500$ a week no way i can see it more then 50$ A week max.

Thats based on non sale prices. I used 3 1/2  tubes a week average to start, less as the schedule changes.

Pads you will need to adjust for needs. Maybe 6x pads a day but i stayed naked and used paper towels to catch most mess.

Watch sales on pads and liners. Lube has expire dates so keep that in mind

Hugs

Quote from: FrostPixie on February 12, 2015, 11:07:48 PM
I read through the posts linked and saw that a timer would be a nice thing to have.  But i think someone mentioned $500/wk for lube and pads!!!  Not quite sure where they were from, but that's a fracking ton of lube and pads.

That is indeed a tons of lube and pads. On my case (yours might be different) at 3 month + 1 day post, I was just almost finished the last tube (box of 12 surgilube) and that is following the schedule given by Brassard to the dot.
As for pads, I also use the trick that I heard somewhere (but this will be better when you are mostly healed) to put a piece of towel paper underneath so you can re-use the pad a few more times. I start doing that about 2 weeks ago = 2.5 months post.