How long did you stay post-op TG in Phoenix?

[Faith]

Those who have had TG surgery with Hibner how long did you stay post-op in Phoenix? I am going to be having the Ketamine infusion for 2-3 days post op so I will not be getting out of the hospital as quickly. His office told me I can leave once the wound vac is removed on Friday (surgery is on monday), but I am thinking maybe I should stay in Phoenix a little longer especially since I will not be getting out of the hospital till Wed/Thurs if I have the ketamine. Would love to know your experiences.

[nyt]

Faith, as you stated you can leave after they remove the wound vac on Friday. If you are traveling alone there is a thread about what to bring to manage things by yourself. If you have someone with you it is really helpful. Make sure you pre-arrange a wheelchair at the airport. If you can afford two tickets for yourself you will be glad you have them as it makes travel so much easier. The first time I flew to Dr. Hibner I didn't do that and on the way back was in a row of 3 people with two rather solidly built, tall gentleman. Needless to say, I was miserable when I got home. From then on I always purchase two seats for myself to lay down.

Regarding the Ketamine. I just had a 2.5 day infusion and they will titrate the dose so that you can walk around the ICU. It took less than a day to get it to a level that I could open my eyes without the world swirling around and could walk around the ICU hallways with my eyes open. They gave me Zofran altering with phenergine and not one touch of nausea and the nurses were great about coming in and basically just giving it to me. I did recommend to them from the start that I didn't want to take any chances and just give it to me. I left the hospital late Wednesday, spent most of Thursday sleeping off and on then flew home on Friday. This trip I was by myself and was fine. I am very sensitive to medications and was really worried about the Ketamine but Dr. Sparlin does a great job with dosing. Ketamine is one of the few meds I could tolerate the side effects. I am still having some blurred vision problems. The Ketamine made a world of difference for me. I hope this is the same for you. First time in 4 years I told a doctor my pain was almost zero. Most of the effects have warn off over the last 2 weeks but I am actively investigating my options for aggressive Ketamine treatments. PM me with any questions regarding either the surgery and/or the Ketamine.