Need some advice - Parkinson's Disease Message Board

Bruce · 12-07-2000, 07:45 PM

I am trying to think of the best way to get to the hospital when off all the PD drugs. When I am off the drugs, I am very weak and not sure I could get from the bed to the car. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Bruce

Carole · 12-07-2000, 09:56 PM

My three ideas:

Could the hospital admit you the night before, given your situation?

Also, is there a motel nearby the hospital? At KUMC, there is one a block away which shuttles DBS patients back and forth. I would check at your hospital and see if there is a similar service or perhaps a volunteer group or person nearby to help you up in the morning.

In KC, there are PD support groups who would supply a volunteer and I'll bet there is in Indianapolis, too. That's another avenue to investigate!

Good luck and let us know what you find out!
CC

pete · 12-09-2000, 04:12 PM

Hi Bruce,
No question --If you are taken off all your meds, you will have to enter the night before. If i go without my meds from l1pm ti. 7am, i turnn into stone and i have to play catch up for 2 or 3 days. (I know i am one who does not get the "night benefit " from the meds, but you do not want(nor do i think your dr will want youy that weak-

take care--pete

Googy · 12-09-2000, 08:09 PM

Bruce,

I understand what you will be like without meds.Pete stated it well.My advice is an ambulance service.Call and reserve it they will help you get there.Make sure they know why they are needed.Sort it out with the Dr and medicare afterwards.Unless anyone has been there they do not understand.I do as Bill has.

Blessings,

Googy

Bruce · 12-09-2000, 08:51 PM

Thanks for all the suggestions, but I missed it the first time I read the instructions. It said registeration time is two hours before the surgery. Another potential problem is I have to stop taking Ibuprofen 10 days before the surgery, which is tomorrow. My knee joint is about worn out.

The secretary will call me Monday and give me time of the surgery. I will ask f I could register the night before the surgery, but I have a feeling they won't let me do it.

Right now, it's looking like I will try to get one of my old friends at the hospital to drive me. He is a pretty good sized man and if he had to I am pretty sure he could lift me up into the van.

I am still amazed that when I lost my driver and the only thing I could think of was to call the lab where I worked and this guy said his supervisor even gave the okay for the trip. I knew this supervisor very well. They sure don't make it easy to have these surgeries do they?