length of hospital stay

[ghb1967]

My 14 year old daughter is scheduled for anterior and posterior surgery February 28th with Dr Betz. It is thoracic and she will have a chest tube. They predict that she will be discharged on March 5th (early am) with a flight scheduled from Phily to Atlanta on the 5th. That means she will be discharged on post-op day 5 (barely). Does this seem "do-able" to those of you who have been through this? I know kids bouce back quickly - and they have recovery down to a science at Shriner's .... But????
Thanks,
Gayle

[Snoopy]

Hi Gayle,

First let me say Dr. Betz is an awesome surgeon! Your daughter is in good hands.

I don't know your daughter, but if she were my daughter, I think I would try to stay in a Ronald McDonald House or hotel for a day or two after discharge. My daughter had a long fusion (T3-L2) and her surgery was only posterior and she wasn't discharged until 6 days post-op. At about day 3 post-op, we were told she would be going home at day 5, but when day 5 came around it was obvious she wasn't going home.

I would suggest calling Shriner's and asking their opinion about your plans. Who knows, she may be ready for the flight home at day 5. Trust your instincts --you know your daughter better than anyone else. Good luck and dress warm! It's really cold and snow covered in PA!

Mary Lou

[Robbie]

I'm 18 years old and had a posterior spinal fusion on January 5th. I was discharged from hospital on the fifth day. I was more than ready to return home. I'm feeling perfectly fine now, so I'm sure your daughter will recover fantastically. I wish her the best of luck with the surgery.

[ghb1967]

Actually, now I'm more concerned about her surgeon. Dr. Betz had surgery and will be out 6mo to a year. We just found out today (2/17) and we leave in 5 days. Anyone know about Dr. Samdani?