Already hit major roadblock "sigh"

[TatorTot 44]

Looks like I am not going to have this surgery after all. I am going through the Veterans Administration for my surgery and there is only one hospital that I can get it done at. I am required to bring family or a friend or they will not perform the surgery.

It is 3 1/2 hour drive to the hospital, and I just relocated to this area and have no family and just a few work associates. I don't know any of them well enough that they would drive me down there and stay overnight in the VA facilities.

I have enough resolve to dig into more alternatives because I need this done very badly! But at this point I am totally frustrated!

[Madam Reverie 2,958]

Ask for an independent advocate?

[SnowDaisy 73]

There must be someone or something you can do. X

[PdxMan 4,292]

I believe with my place you could "rent a nurse" for $250. Might want to check that out. Where is the hospital?

[greensleeve 457]

Talk to your surgeon. Is their office the one requiring it or is the hospital? Surely you aren't the first person to have that issue.

[shmily 424]

Hospitals or surgery centers will NOT release a post op patient without a driver. But you can hire a nurse. I did once. Your surgeon should be able to suggest one.

[katesuccess 990]

I'd go for the nurse option in a heartbeat, and charge it to a card if you have to. It's hard enough to get this surgery arranged and qualify, etc, without letting this swamp you out of it. If you're a church-kinda-gal maybe call the local one per your denomination. I work in one, and I have two different women here who (as a side business) help do small jobs and errands for elderly people who would do this in a minute for someone in need. God luck - and don't give up!

[Bufflehead 6,358]

You might also be able to hire someone from http://www.care.com for cheaper than hiring a licensed nurse.

[JeanZ_RN 378]

Where are you located? I'll go with you if you're within driving distance of Dallas, TX.

[KeeWee 470]

Well u say u have a few coworkers that u know, U can always offer payment or cook for a single man for a week or babysit for a single mom for a week...see what u can offer if cash is not an option for u. I don't know u at all but if we were coworkers or even neighbors, I would consider it..

Don't be afraid to ask, u never know. Remember, a closed mouth won't get fed!

Good luck!

Edited April 27, 2014 by KeeWee

[Madelyne Bonthron 128]

The va will be able to help you just talk with the social worker. What VA are you going to?

[marfar7 1,528]

I use VA facilities also. I know when I had an appt with them 5 hrs away (Portland, Or) last summer, they offered a van that takes patients to their appts there everyday of the week. I turned it down. They leave at like 3 am and I'd rather just go myself.

I'm sure most VA facilities provide transportation for u. Call ur local clinic and find out.

Good luck to u!

[terrydumont46 1,954]

hospitals won't let you drive yourself after surgery. but if you were to take a taxi to a nearby hotel or motel and spend the night they shouldn't have a problem with that. ask your doctor if he/she would be okay with that. and perhaps there is a train you can ride to and from. there are always ways to get this done. good luck.

[catfish87 3,471]

Maybe you could contact a local Amvets/VFW/American Legion, etc organization? Most of them have someone to help drive veterans/dependents home from the hospital and medical appts. Best of luck!

[TatorTot 44]

Thank you for all your replies they got the wheels turning in my head. You guys are great!!