Charleston Bound, part 2

Sherry, how is it going? Hoping the infection and abscess are under control?



Pinkheart, it seems like I will only have 20 sessions right now with the HBOT. I have completed 6 already. So far all is good. Worst is feeling tired after although I don't sleep in the chamber. I went to the library and took out 10 movies, trying to get comedies to keep my mind off the need to be in that chamber so long.



Cascader have you made arrangements yet for your HBOT?

Hi Ladies,  It sounds like everyone is doing pretty well.  I have been away for a bit just healing from stage 1B.  I am now ready for my Stage 2 in Charleston.  I have done my first two in NOLA but am happy to be able to drive to Charleston for this surgery. I am only about 3 1/2 hours away.  It's funny that it's time to hit the operating table again when I am just now feeling like my old self.  I will be very nice to get all of the tweaking done.  I think Dr. M has a lot to do on me.  I am keeping my fingers crossed that she is able to get it ALL done!  Is there anything I should know about the hospital?  We rented a condo for the week through VRBO.  It was well priced and decently located.  My husband is playing in a golf tournament the first part of the week.  Hugs and Healing to All, Jamie

Cascader, i dont know that they can't tell for sure if it's working. I can't read books in my chamber. I can watch movies only or TV but I cannot bring anything into the chamber with me. They wouldn't even let me have mints or anything because they're afraid of choking as they did for pinkheart. I guess the oxygen is very flammable.



I find I'm really tired after, maybe you will be able to sleep during the last session of the day. Are you doing a large chamber with multi chairs? I think those can read while haing the treatments. That would be my ideal, I love to read.

I have a date for my stage 1b on January 3rd, so the docs think it would help both the healing now and for the upcoming surgery. My wounds are healed on the successful flap, so not sure if this is HBOT treatment or the repara I used per Dr K. It is a calcium aliginate product that works great. I still have the seromas in my back so very interested in MsSherrys progress.

I'm checking on VRBO rentals but it is so far out time wise that I've not reserved yet. The dilemma is do I want to splurge and get ocean view or not. I totally missed any vacation this year and with having stage 1b in the winter and stage 2 in the spring or summer may miss both. But expenses get nuts with new deductibles, rentals, food, etc. I'm sure you all understand.

Catie

Yes, there are 14 chairs but each person has their own oxygen hood. I can read books or magazines, or bring in playing cards.

Downey, good luck with stage 2, keep us posted.

jacee,  Thanks, it is good to hear positive things about Roper.  I was in Charleston last year at about the same time and that is when I met Dr. Massey.  Charleston is beautiful.  I think I could live there.

gma10, Good luck with your hbot therapy.  I hope it speeds your healing and gets you all ready for your next stage in January.  I certainly understand the part about all of the expenses. Things really add up.  The condo we rented was actually a very economical way to stay.  I'm not sure about the water view though.  

 cascader, I wish good luck to you and speedy healing also with your hbot therapy. Wow, two sessions a day.  I know with having to relocate that you would be anxious to be finished.  I thought that my patience would get better going through all of this but not sure it has improved much.

Hugs to all, Jamie 

Catie, I thought the same thing. Decided that for Stage 2 I was going for oceanfront condo at Wild Dunes, all or nothing! Ended up booking at Homewood Suites. Decided that I was really not going to have much time to enjoy the view, and that the hassle of stocking a condo for a week  with necessary food items, etc and sounds like this next stage is pretty umcomfortable(painful?) so I am going to make it easy on my husband and go for the free breakfast and light dinners at the hotel. Sigh...the beach will have to wait until it is time for nipple.

Where to stay in Charleston is always a challenge - too many choices and some very $$$.  I believe that you will get great water views from the Courtyard by Marriott in Charleston - it is right on the Ashley River at the marina.  Close to Roper and the city.  The Boardwalk Inn in Wild Dunes often has really great rates during the off season - November - March.  There is a restaurant in the building and the beach is right there along with great golf & tennis for your caregiver.  If you choose a Homewood Suites, I would recommend the one in Mount Pleasant as it is just a few miles from the beach (easy drive and a straight shot) and in a nice area to walk.  There are also several really great restaurants very close by.

For an area known for its great food, I can never understand why the hospitals here in Charleston can't do any better.   

Let me know if I can answer any local questions as I have lived here for more than 24 years.  Either post or PM me.

Roper ladies...I ordered a large fruit plate for every meal while I was in the hospital (3 meals a day).  It was GREAT!!! The pineapple was always fresh! It is not on the menu, but ask for it! 

Sandy

bennetts1,  thanks for the tip about the fruit plate.  That sounds like a good plan.

Adey,  good to know they got your vein on the first try.....is everything staying where it should?  Hugs, Jamie 

Cascader - here are some of the restaurants near Homewood Suites - all are walking distance - 2 blocks. Crave is across the street from Homewood and is yummy.  Lunch or dinner.  If you keep walking past Crave, you will see Calders on your left - good pub food.  Continuing on the same side as Crave, Opal is at the end of the block and is really, really good.  Very much for foodies.  Then directly ahead across the street is Gilligans - classic southern fried seafood - and Basil - upscale Thai.  Basil is not too expensive and a great atmosphere, beautiful design.  I love their Chicken/Coconut Soup (enough for 2) and the Pad Thai is excellent.  If you were to turn the corner here, you will find Tassi (smoothies, salads) and Troubadours (coffee).  Of course, the Pig is right there if you need any groceries and Yamato is next to it.  Yamato features hibachi, but we love their sushi.

I assume you will have a car as it is essential in this location.  Drive east on the Isle of Palms Connector and you will be on my island.  If you go straight through the light, bear right at the end and look for Huck's on the left (excellent, but upstairs).  If you turn right at that traffic light (only one on island) and follow the road to the Breach Inlet you can eat at The Boathouse - love it! And amazing views.  If you continue across the Breach Inlet you will be on Sullivans Island (Edgar Allen Poe was stationed here while in the Army).  Poe's is known for their burgers and Home Team has really great bar-b-que. 

If you are in downtown Charleston, try SNOB (Slightly North of Broad) - really delicious, creative, old Charleston design, consistent. Of course, I could go on forever - our restaurants do make up for the poor hospital food.   

Thanks Marty, Crave is the one I was thinking of. I have printed the list and we shall try and eat our way thru it. My husband and I are restaurant people, so just hoping I will be feeling up to it. If not there is always next time We did go the Boathouse for lunch, loved watching the dolphins play and love the beaches on Isle of Palms. You are so lucky to live there.

We stayed 8 nights at the Homewood Suites in Mt. Pleasant. They gave us an $80 a night hospital rate. Loved walking in the area. My DH got takeout from Gilligans one nite. Wasn't bad. Also, ate at Hucks on Isle of Palms at lunch. There's a Target just behind the hotel. Found an eye Dr. In the shops around the hotel that gave me a set of contacts when I needed some. All in all A great hotel at a very enjoyable location at a great rate.

I will have to check back with Homewood, I was given a medical rate of $119.00. I also suscribe to Groupon Charleston and bought a deal for Harbor Breeze restaurant in Mt Pleasant. Know nothing about it but it was just too good of a deal to pass up. It cant be that bad can it? Marty, maybe you know something about it? Either way, looks like we will be going there.

Cascader - Harbor Breeze is new. Chef has good creds as he cooked at Hank's and Mercado downtown. I haven't been there yet.

Hi Adey, we are on our way to Charleston as I type. I have to admit I'm getting nervous. How has the fat grafting worked out. How long before you know for sure? Hugs jamie