I just got my surgery date with Dr. Ponce De Leon in TJ for Dec. 17. I am really nervous about crossing the border and being safe in TJ with all of the drug issues going on. am I safe and what is it like as I have never been across a border or to Mexico. I do want to spend the next three months freaking out.

There are no "drugs issues" going on in Tijuana. It is a town like any other. Be open to new experiences and an open mind. You will be fine.

Thank you for the thoughts. I am just overly nervous and want to also keep my husband and family at ease. My dad is a big news watcher and freaked out about things happening in border towns. I know I will be ok. Right!

TJ is right near the border. You will be fine. Just dont go far into Mexico though, the deeper into Mexico the more problems.

There's nerves and then there's intuition. Figure out which one you're experiencing and govern yourself accordingly.

If it will make you feel any better about your visit, you're welcome to read our blog, http://realtijuana.blogspot.com/. We started it in 2009 specifically for people like you. There's really no reason to worry about drugs, violence, or even the unknown. Just make sure you have enough free time to do touristy things while you're here. Visit Pasaje Gómez and Pasaje Rodríguez. Go to the Mercado Hidalgo and the Centro Cultural. Those sorts of things.

Just got back & you have nothing to worry about. I travelled from Canada, into the US and then to MX. I was picked up from the San Diego airport & driven to MX to my hotel. The hotel was great & if you are too nervous, you can just hang out in your room till its time to go to the hospital. I had 2 days in the hospital then was returned to the hotel for a day. We went shopping with my coordinator to a little market not far from the hotel & everything was fine. They have been working on the image of Tijuana for the past 7 years & trying to get their tourism jump started again so as said above , go with an open mind, enjoy a little of the culture & you will be fine