Hi, Guru,
I agree with Clarice's comments. I, too, had surgery at House (about 3 1/2 years ago) and stayed at Seton Hall with my husband for the two weeks or so that we were in Los Angeles. I had no complications whatsoever from my surgery ... but I absolutely cannot imagine being out there without an advocate companion.
The only individual I know who was unaccompanied during her acoustic neuroma sojourn at House was a resident of Los Angeles; she drove herself to the hospital, left her car in the House parking garage, spent a couple of nights (before and after surgery) at Seton, and had a friend drive her (in the patient's car) home a day or two later. She managed okay, but I know she would have preferred having someone around. I'll add that her surgeon called the patient's elderly mother (who lived in Texas) immediately after the surgery and a couple of more times as well to provide updates.
When I made my arrangements for surgery I was assigned a registered nurse from House as one of my contacts -- someone whom I could email or phone with any questions, etc. prior to my arrival in California. I'm hoping that this practice is still being followed, and if so I would definitely get in touch with that person. I think it would also be a great idea to have someone accompany you to LAX when you leave House to return home. As I mentioned above, I was feeling just fine (only issue was post-surgery fatigue), but the thought of dealing with luggage and all the other aspects of checking in at the airport all by myself that morning would have been pretty daunting. (As an aside, you might want to consider upgrading to first class for your return flight -- the first class security check-in line at LAX was non-existent and we got through that and to the departure gate in a flash.)
Best wishes for a successful surgery and excellent recovery!
Catherine (JerseyGirl 2)
