Charleston Bound, part 2

WaveWhisperer

For seafood, you also might try the Boathouse on IOP, Shem Creek Bar and Grill, Abe's Oyster Bar, Art's Bar (both on Coleman/Ben Sawyer). Personally, I think the Wreck is over-rated. It's quirky but I think the food is only so-so. Water's Edge on Shem Creek is pretty good.

PinkHeart

I personally did not care for The Wreck either, and thought it overrated and overpriced. The food was good, not great. The food was served on paper plates. The main reason we all agreed to never go back was it because there were four of us mostly acquaintances, and we missed the sign that said they would not separate the checks!



No one had cash-just credit cards. My friend put it on her card, then the rest of us had to hassle with the next day or two getting cash to her to pay her back.

What. A. Pain. In. The. Butt.



Afterward, we went to RBs (right on Shem Creek) for dessert and coffee where we sat by the water, had excellent service, glass plates and cups, and of course no prob with getting separate checks like most restaurants in America.

Catie2013

Pink I have another type restaurant problem besides separate checks - I bring my own water! I've only been in two restaurants that have objected - but as you said about not separating the checks - a royal pain in the fanny for sure! At one I ordered a coke but drank my water - my friends and I never returned (8 of us) and another DH explained to the manager who took my water and poured it into 2 glasses and served both to me - I'd go there again in a heart beat but took explaining the situation to several wait staff prior to manager coming over!



Hoping the Sominex kicks in soon!

PinkHeart

Catie,



I could use some Sominex right about now, too. Today had kind of painful PT appointment as she worked hard on the scar tissue I have a lot of from this last surgery.

She gave me clearance to go swimming tomorrow. So will start with gentle side stroke on non radiated side.

Take care!

lbrewer

I'm going to Dr. Kline for SGAP on July 31st.  I need info on places to stay. Any advice is appreciated!

Catie2013

My first choice and availability ??? for places to stay in Charleston with tight budget would be Hope Lodge and do a backup with another hotel just in case Hope Lodge is booked. Hope Lodge is two twin beds, bathroom, sitting area in downtown Charleston. You can look it up by googling ACS Hope Lodge Charleston SC. No fee - it's free and they usually have dinners brought in Monday through Thursday. Kitchens (4) available for you to have your caregiver make your meals. It is about 17 miles from the Hospital and Dr Kline's Mt Pleasant office.



Dr Kline's office can give you places to stay with special rates for their patients too, and I would make sure if you go the Hope Lodge route that you call one with a cancellation policy!



My second choice ( or if you would like a closer to the hospital and Dr K's office is Homewood suites in Mt Pleasant - ask for East Cooper Plastic Surgery rate. They have small kitchens, large fridge, etc separate sitting room, and hot breakfast buffet 7 days a week (no extra charge ) and comp wine and tea, lemonade, beer plus light buffet dinners Monday through Thursday also complimentary.



I've also stayed at the beach at Isle of Palms, that was a splurge but well worth it and wound up to be around $85.00 per night for a 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom, large oceanfront accommodation - a bit noisy with a bar next door, but ear plugs did the trick - and the master bedroom overlooked the ocean! BUT it was also off season - so I lucked out!



Hope that helps

lbrewer

where was the beach place?  If my husband stays with me for the hospital part, maybe I can afford the splurge!

lbrewer

Called the Hope Lodge but they said their priority is active chemo and radiation patients and they are very full right now.  So it looks like that's out. 

Catie2013

It was listed on VRBO.com and it was in January and I booked it for a month - thus the $85.00 rate! I had it from 1/1/2013 to 2/7/2013. I came with an entourage of daughter, her kids, hubby for some weekends and son in law (SIL) who is a RN also for a long weekend. DD cooked for me most of the time.



Stage 2 I stayed at Homewood Suites and was so impressed with it I booked my July stay right away. My first choice is now Homewood Suites, but give info on Hope Lodge because of cost. I was told they are busy too, but also got on a waiting list and it was meant to be. You never know!



There are other options and I will predict by the end of today you will have others giving their favorites or options!



Best wishes - you will get such a caring and excellent experience with Dr Kline and his staff!

Catie2013

LBrewer- try VRBO and check out many of the one bedroom or two. Or maybe call Island Realty for a referral?



Homewood Suites is the only local place I stayed at in Mt Pleasant, there may be others as nice. 3 miles to the beach and about as close to the hospital - I wasn't doing the driving though,



Again best wishes!

5andcounting

You wouldn't regret Homewood. You can drive to the beach in 10 minutes and there's a little shopping village you can walk around in. We will probably stay there next time. We did charleston harbor for a night or two. Pretty but added expense didn't seem worth it.

lbrewer

i got the Homewood for about 10 days.  Trying to decide if my husband should stay with me at the hospital and save the money!

Catie2013

Lbrewer, you will most likely get lots of different ideas about DH staying with you in the hospital to save $$ or not. I had mine go back to the hotel or Hope Lodge when we had that option ALL of my surgeries. My DH is a hoverer and I got more rest when he wasn't on either his cell phone or computer when he was with me. He also was able to get a good night sleep and his glass of wine (they don't serve at the hospital The chairs are adequate, and could fold down and he might have done that the first night, but after that I encouraged him to go back to the hotel/lodge. I don't know how your DH is in hospitals, though and not sure which is best for you, but IMHO (in my humble opinion) DH needs to be sleeping well while I'm in there!



Hope that helps!

ketch

CAscader, where was that shop at?? Mama & I would love to hit it up while we are there. I also found an overrun type place on 703 rightbefore the bridge to Sullivan's Island. I'd never had a food processor & after many late nights with "stuff" on my mind, I saw the Ninja 1100 commercials. Decided I would get one of those, but they were $150+. Got one at that place for $35.

As far as seafood, Shem Creek is great. I did not care for Water's Edge at all--good bar, but food was expensive and not good. RBs is my favorite place & Shem Creek Bar & Grill was good too. Vickery's is nice and has the better view of the creek. I also liked Burton's on Hwy 17 at the shopping center. One thing we do is to eat a late lunch around 3ish, we get lunch prices & not so full at bedtime. (Burton's lunch menu seems a bit limited to me.)

For Stage 2.....did y'all stay all week afterard? I have a 4 hour drive & they told me that I could go homeand come back for Dr. visit a week later. Not sure if all that driving is good, but would like to be home, while at the same time it seems like I'm pouring cash into a place to stay. Hope Lodge is out because my mother will not drive downtown. Advice??

cascader

Busy around here his morning:)

Back to the restaurant thing, Catie the reason some places don't let you bring in ANY outside beverage, including what looks like water , is the sad fact that people fill their water bottles with vodka . Happens more often than you think. Just another perspective.



I also like Homewood best. The medical rate is $119 but if you take away what it would cost for breakfast and dinner and maybe a couple of glasses ofwine(all free) then it brings the cost way down. Stage 1 I stayed at Sandpiper village , $1500 for the month 2 bedroom. Great for stage 1 and a long term stay.

The consignment shop is in seaside farms off of the IOP connector, by Homewood and Target.

Ketch , it probably depends on how much you are having done in stage 2 . I needed the week but others do much better. Can you plan for the worst and get a hotel and just check out early if you are feeling up to it?

PinkHeart

Lbrewer



So glad to hear you made your decision to have surgery by Dr Kline!



I would definitely talk to Erica about Hope Lodge. She will send you the paperwork to fill out then she will send it to Hope Lodge to register you. I am doing it for my surgery in July. My back up is at Comfort Suites one block from Homewood on the Isle of Palms connector so you can be on the island in five minutes. The Homewood was booked during my time, but the medical rate for Comfort Suites was only $63 per night. It is clean but worn. Im on surgery #8 (#4 with Dr K), so my finances are depleted. There is an outdoor mall and grocery within walking distance. I can live on fresh produce, fruit, protein drinks, ginger ale and lean cuisines from my little kichenette. Love that its so close to beach and 10 minutes to hospital and Dr K office.



For my Stage 1 bilateral SGAP I flew down a week early to spend time touring CHS with a friend that lives there. She took me to pre ops and dropped me off at hospital day of surgery. Husband drove 12 hrs down and arrived on Day 3. He had work issues and i didnt want him thete first two days when the nurses are taking care of you practically on the hour. So I didnt get any sleep first two days and didnt want DH in room being grouchy with no sleep so he just slept in room first night he got there then went to hotel next day.



Problem is if you get a hotel and unpack everything then check out for nights in hospital then check back in after can be a hassle.



At Hope Lodge they will keep your room while you in hospital. You just have to hope to get a room there. Again, talk to Erica about that.



Also, I have a July 10 surgery date and another one on hold- Aug 2.



Ive had some family matters come up so may come later. In that case I would be able to meet you if interested. I have to let them know soon.



PM or call me if you would like.

lbrewer

if you do the aug, i will be there.  mine is july 31.  my husband stayed with me during my diep and other surgeries.  I guess I just feel better with him around.  He snores tho.  One of the nurses came in and said "YOu know they can fix that?"  It was funny!   I think that the hospital has fold down beds?

I got on the list for the Hope Lodge but will have to wait and see.

PinkHeart

I wear ear plugs to bed every night. Definitely nice to have in hospital to sleep through checks. Eye masks helpful, too.

ketch

They put a fold out bed in my room. My hubby, son (came down for the weekend) & mama stayed with me every night except the first night when they have a nurse assigned to you. Actually, if you do not have anyone to stay and want them to come later, it is do-able alone. The nursing staff at East Cooper were excellent. I was basically out of most of the time anyway, but apparently became demanding with ice & then fellasleep before I got it!

I may just hotwire a room before we go or check into Sandpiper for those 2 surgeries. Guess I best decide on Sandpiper soon though.

PinkHeart

Hi all with surgeries coming up this summer and later in Charleston ....



If you PM Jeskachi with your surgery date, doctor name, and type of surgery,

She will include it in the list that is at the top of this thread. That way we can wish you well as you prepare for surgery and recovery, and help you connect and meet other patients while you are in Charleston if you wish.

Take care!

Catie2013

Cascader - never thought about it like that - I promise you that if you saw me in-person I do not appear to drink Vodka from a water bottle though! And when I explain why I drink bottled - have no problems , usually! I have an intolerance to chlorine! Crazy!



Pink - I pack the earplugs and eye mask EVERY time - helps to get some sleep !



Lbrewer - LOL re snoring and nurse comment!

Anonymous

Lbrewer,



There are lots of places on or near the beach, though it is high season now so rates are at their highest. I stayed on Isle of Palms in January and had a 2 BR 2 BA condo on the marina for about $850/week. In the summer it is $1900/week. You can google The Moorings (Wild Dunes, on Isle is Palms), or look on VRBO for Isle of Palms. iOP is the island closest to Mount Pleasant, though Sullivan's is also not far.



I also have stayed at Homewood Suites ($119/night).



It is really nice for stage 1 to have a kitchen handy. It makes things a lot easier on your caregiver. Homewood was where I stayed after stage 2. I will be there again in mid-July.



If you want to call me send me a PM and I'll be glad to discuss it.

Anonymous

Ketch,



For my stage 2, I had the surgery on a Monday and returned to Greenville on Saturday. It hasn't been a cakewalk but way way easier than stage 1. I got out of the hospital on Wed and went out to dinner on Thur or Fri.



I did forget a lot though - sort of a blur ... For example I know I met Cascader and I know I went to an event at the hospital, but for the life of me I can't recall whether I was still staying at the hospital when I went to the event or if I was there alone. Must have been on massive meds ...

cascader

Sewanee, that made me laugh! But I know exactly what you mean, it is all a blur, even my DC trip prior to surgery when I messed up my ankle, I Cannot remember the sequence of events. Wow, anesthesia is powerful stuff! Yes we went to the women's event at East Cooper, your husband dropped you off after your hair appt and you met us there and drove back with my sister and I. Later we all went to Crave for dinner. So happy to have that time with you, would have never guessed you just had surgery

Anonymous

Cascader-



Thanks for clearing that up! Good grief... Very glad we got to do that. It is coming back to me now.



Deidre

ketch

Deidre, I have moments that Ican't clearly recall, too! One thing I do & did remember is them checking my left flap! No one ever said anything to me, but I was cognizant enough to know that the left one was "iffy". I remember thinking and praying that it would make it and I listened everytime for the blood flow. Dr. K really did not think it would make it, but I fooled everyone! Other than that, it's a blur!

I just bit the bullet and reserved the Sandpiper for the full week in Sept. and in December. I loved where we stayed at Wild Dunes, but I was not going to ask my friend if we could stay there again. So I figured the Sandpiper would be fine. MY surgery is on Friday, so after a stay at the hopsital, hopefully overnight, we'll go to the Sandpiper.

My mom's a nervous driver, so the Mt Pleasant area, IOP, etc. is much better than downtown for us. I reserved a 2 br cottage assuming my husband will be there some as well. With his shingles and my surgeries, his sick leave has taken a hit, but I suspect he will be there at least part of the time, along with my son, who uses my surgeries as an excuse to see some friends who live on Shem Creek!

Catie2013

Ketch, a good excuse for you son! (LOL) My DD must know your son, as she and her kids like the beach a lot and it isn't hard getting her to agree to be with me! I will have my surgery on a Thursday, so my SIL will come down with us for the first leg (Wed-Sat) to enjoy the beach with them. But he is an RN so I'm happy to have him there the first day/night back. Although I am not expecting to need his RN services I do want my daughter to take me to the hospital and SIL watch the kids while I'm in the hospital if I need my daughter! So, the beach is a good draw for getting caregivers! Heck, Iike the beach a lot too!!! Will be happy though to be soon just going to enjoy it and no surgery!



Sewannee - I know I had visitors for stage 1 SGAP - but not sure when they came to see me in the hospital! I should have remembered as it was a trek for them to be in Charleston from the Atlanta area. I remember one bringing me one of those baskets they make there along with flowers. But the only thing I remember is her husband sitting there while we were all in conversation and looking at the basket (which he put in his hands and examined upside and down!) I think he was trying to figure out why his wife bought such an expensive basket - or why the basket cost so much! THATS the only thing I remember about their visit!



Ketch, good for you, biting the bullet!!! It was a leap of faith to rent the condo on IOP for the 6 weeks I did, but so well worth it. It was the easiest recup time ever (but that could also be because I had those grandkids there to take care of me!) Who wouldn't love a 2 year old saying "I'm brushing my gramma's hair" - which she would do any time I'd let her!

PinkHeart

Had to give final answer on surgery date, and decided to stay with July 10.



So looks like Catie, Sewanee, and I will be surgery sisters.



Catie, I will discharge about the time you get back to your room. If I'm still there please let me know if you want a visitor -- a visitor that you will probably forget anyway thanks to anesthesia.



Hope very much to meet Sewanee, too!

Catie2013

Pink, that would be fine! I have always wondered what I 'say' after surgery anyway!!! DD should be with me so that might work out great!



Now we surely can compare 'colors'!!!! (as in fat grafting) LOL

Anonymous

Pink -



You have to find a way to come visit us. If it works out, I plan to be next door to Cathie at Homewood. We can compare notes.



As for memory - I do remember the night after my SGAP vividly - checking the flap every hour and my bp going down down down. This last time I remember having to wait in the holding room because someone (not Dr Kline's or Craigie's patient!) was taking longer than expected in the OR ... Having her 6th try at a DIEP! It made my surgery late and they didn't give me anything to relax until right before going down the hall to the OR. I remember them telling me not to worry- I wouldn't recall any of this ... NOT! I was upset because I was wide awake as they were readying the OR. Of course, before surgery began they put me under but I would rather not remember those bright lights and that freezing yellow room.



Why couldn't I forget that and remember more of the fun stuff?!