daughter's chiari surgery

[CarrieinAK]

My adult daughter and I are flying to Denver for her chiari surgery, scheduled for July 9th, Dr. Oro.   We met Dr. Oro in May and thought he was really great.  Anyone else go to him?  Does anyone have any tips or suggestions for traveling post-op?  I want her to be as comfortable as possible. I'm grateful for any information you can share.  I wish I'd found this site sooner.  
Carrie in Alaska

[selmaS]

I am so glad u also knew the poem...I have it tacked to the top so other's can see there r drs out there,....it gives hope to those slowly losing it bcuz of the medical professions lack of info on chiari and related conditions.

When I met Dr O at the conference, he spent time after his talk...speaking with me personally....I knew how caring he was and could be as a dr....I wish I had a way to see him, but was fortunate to have access to The Chiari Institute in NY....I had Dr I there and was and am very pleased.

I am looking forward to the updates on ur DD.

"selma"

[CarrieinAK]

Selma,

Thanks so much for your response and the suggestions about what to take to the hospital.  We will definitely take your advice.  I checked out the comments about Dr. Oro's poem and find them very reassuring.  We thought he was wonderful and wanted to know if others felt the same.  

I actually came across Dr. Oro's poem when we were researching the surgery.  We looked into the institute in New York.  When I came across the Center in Denver, it was more appealing because my other daughter lives there and we are familiar with the area.  But, of course, we didn't want to decide about surgery just on location and convenience.  Then when I found the poem, we were sold on seeing him.  What surgeon writes poetry for his patients!  You gotta love that.  And it was so true to what my daughter has been living.

When we were scheduled to meet him at the consultation, I was afraid to get my hopes up; afraid that he wouldn't be the person we were hoping he was.  And I was afraid the the appointment would be disappointing, like so many others, and we'd come way from it with no hope.  

But he really was great!   He took so much time with us, was a warm, caring person. He even called us both by name when he walked into the room for the first time!  Without us introducing ourselves.  Those little things showed such respect and care.  It was the first time that my daughter didn't have to explain herself and try to convince the doctor about what she's been going through.  And he gave us hope that things could get better for her.  I was so relieved, that I cried when we got back to the car.

We (my daughter, son-in-law and I) fly to Denver Monday night (my husband will stay behind to take care of our grandkids) and the whole family is nervous, apprehensive, hopeful, and downright scared... but definitely hopeful.  Reading the postings on this forum has been a blessing.  I thank everyone who has shared their experiences and information.  You folks are great!

I'll keep you posted.

Carrie in Alaska

[selmaS]

Hi.....Dr Oro is a very nice man, I had the pleasure of meeting and talking with him at a conference. I do know several members had their surgery performed by Dr O.


I am not sure about flying after surgery.......I would take gum to chew like neother flight.....neck pillows.......

I did not fly after my surgery and I was fine in a car bcuz I was still under the influcence of the stronger meds.

I can suggest that you take for the hospital....hard candies, facial wipes, and other wipes...comfy Pj's that button, so over the head isn't a problem.Or very big necked T shirts that are long and comfy pants....CD player with ear phones and xtra batteries.....
U may want ear plugs.....hospitals can be a loud place when u r trying to sleep.

If u haven't already, u may want to read Dr O's poem at the top of the forum.....the comments include members that have had him as their surgeon.

I wish ur DD success with her surgery and a quick recovery.

Please keep us updated

"selma"