I'm having surgery with Dr.Satterwhite at the beginning of june, and I am trying to get everything set up ahead of time. I'm a novice when it comes to traveling. Last year for my voice surgery was the first time I was on a plane without a parent(I'm 22) haha.

I will be doing this surgery alone and am just hoping some of you more experienced with traveling and those who have had their surgery already could give me some advice. I will be in California for around 23 days, and I was thinking that a hotel with a kitchen is a must. I would really love some help as I'm kinda nervous about all of this.

Any advice on just general stuff on what to bring with me etc would also be welcomed.

Edit: I hope this is the right place to post this?

Hello,

When I went to California my surgeon Marci Bowers had several hotel recommendations where Staybridge Suites was on the top of the list and I picked it and so happy.

At least at the Staybridge in San Bruno the staff was well versed with transgender guest.

My room had a large living room with a large screen television, large bedroom with a a tad smaller television. Bathroom was nice. Kitchen was had a stove, refrigerator and microwave. There is a separate dining area and desk. I brought my laptop along as I knew just watching television would get old fast and it did.

Since I flew down the only means of transportation was a free shuttle from the hotel which would drive me to the grocery store, come back when I called and return me to the hotel. Granted the grocery store was three blocks away it's not a good idea to walk that far and there are hills and hot weather to deal with. Thinking of heat, great AC.

Each morning they had breakfast where each day they had different items to choose from.

So with that I highly recommend the Staybridge suites in San Bruno. If there are any other questions feel free to ask.

The staff at the doctors office would be a good place to ask as I am sure that is a common question. In Dr Haben's case, the Dr and Hospital had a special rate with the hotel and the normal room rate for the Marriott would have been higher than what we paid. It's also possible that your surgeon has an arrangement with one or more of the local hotels.

If you travel more in the future you or your company may find you commonly stay in one chain of hotels. If so, like the airlines, they may have special programs that could be worth becoming a member of.

And thanks for the information on Dr Haben that you posted. It was very helpful in making my decision.

Thank you for both of your replies. I know it may sound strange but I'm more scared about my hotel situation than I am for my surgery.  Staybridge Suites looks very nice I added that to my bookmark list in case I need it. For some reason in the stress of all of this I completely forgot that I can ask my surgeon... I also stayed at the Marriott when I went to see Dr.Haben. Haha I feel silly for forgetting all of that. I will call my surgeon on monday and see what he has to say .

I will be sure to reply if I have anymore questions!

QuoteAnd thanks for the information on Dr Haben that you posted. It was very helpful in making my decision.

Thank you for letting me know! It makes me really happy that my experience may have helped you a little bit.

Another thing to consider if humanly possible is to get someone to go with you rather than going this alone. My best friend came for the surgery and several days afterwards and personally I believe made a difference. Of course one can go through this alone yet better with a family member or close friend.

You may want to stay closer to his office for follow ups. I am, and realize it involves greater travel between airport furnished apartment, surgery hospital, back to apartment...And then back to airport to fly out... But..it will be awesome to only be a mile from that office for several weeks.

Look into AirBnB options. I'm in a support group with a bunch of guys who see Dr. Crane and Dr. Chen for their bottom surgeries, and end up staying around where you'll be staying if you're seeing Dr. Satterwhite. They highly recommend finding a nice AirBnB option. You will probably pay about the same or better than what you would pay for a hotel, and you'll likely have more amenities included (kitchen, laundry, etc.).

Also, check with your insurance and see if they will cover a visiting health aide who could help you during your time there. I'm finding that a lot of policies do, it is just a little known benefit. Dr. Satterwhite's office could probably arrange someone to check in on you, which I think is an absolute must if you don't have someone traveling with you.

Thanks again for everyone's replies.
Sadly I am unable to have someone go with me . When I was doing my hotel searches a couple of days ago I couldn't find anything close that was in my price range at all(That was still safe/not run down). This morning I took FTMax's advice and looked into AirBnB. This was the hugest life saver!!!! Thank you so much for this suggestion. I ended up getting a nice studio(entire place to myself) that's right in San Francisco. It is so much cheaper/closer than a hotel would have been, and it looks like a very comfortable place to be. Where I was going to be staying was stressing me out so much. This has taken a huge load off of my mind. Thanks again for everyone's help.

Quote from: HouseHippo on May 01, 2016, 10:23:30 AM
Thanks again for everyone's replies.
Sadly I am unable to have someone go with me . When I was doing my hotel searches a couple of days ago I couldn't find anything close that was in my price range at all(That was still safe/not run down). This morning I took FTMax's advice and looked into AirBnB. This was the hugest life saver!!!! Thank you so much for this suggestion. I ended up getting a nice studio(entire place to myself) that's right in San Francisco. It is so much cheaper/closer than a hotel would have been, and it looks like a very comfortable place to be. Where I was going to be staying was stressing me out so much. This has taken a huge load off of my mind. Thanks again for everyone's help.

Yay! I'm so glad it worked out for you. Good luck on your upcoming surgery!

Regarding Staybridge Suites, I can say they are great. I am currently staying at one now and have been since I came out to my wife of 21 years. I have been here almost a month now but just lined up an apartment so this week is my last here. They have great breakfast, dinner Monday through Wednesday and free laundry. It is very clean and the staff here are great. Hope all goes well for you!

Jenny


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