I finally heard back today from Jo, Mr. Boeree's PA, about potential dates for the surgery. She gave me a couple to pick from and I picked the soonest one, August 3rd. She is going to be out tomorrow and will finalize everything on Thursday so I can start booking flights/lodging etc. This will mean I will need to fly out from the US on either July 30th or 31st depending on what time I need to be there on Monday for pre-op consultations/tests etc.
There is a lot I will need to take care of in the 2 and a half short weeks before I leave including booking flights, finding a place to stay, finding transport to Eastleigh from the Heathrow airport, getting any pre-op tests/procedures done, arranging for short term disability from work, getting the funds together to cover the surgery and having them wired over, and preparing and packing for travel.
I am looking at a couple of rental houses in the area:
http://www.kingsmerecottage.com/cottage/Welcome.html
http://www.winchesterholidayhomes.co.uk/Properties/Properties.html
I have emailed them both to see if they are available during the time frame I'll be over there (July 31-Aug1 to Aug. 12). Since both my parents want to come over with me, I figured these would be more comfortable than cramming into a hotel room together for 2 weeks which I think would have a good chance of driving us all crazy. I need something that is relatively close to the hospital (no more than 12 miles) since I'll have to go back there a couple of times after I'm released and I've read that car rides can be tough right after the surgery. If these aren't available, I'll have to find a hotel in the area although, most appear to be at least as expensive if not more so than the rentals.
I also found a couple of websites for taxis that can take me to Eastleigh from the Heathrow airport. The hospital can arrange transport for both way for £300, but I think I can find something quite a bit less expensive if I look a bit (hopefully more in the range of £200 total for both trips).
http://www.eastleighcabco.com/
http://www.londontobirmingham.com/TaxiFromHeathrowToEastleigh.aspx
http://www.southamptonairporttransfer.co.uk/taxi-fares.html
Feels kinda scary to have this becoming more a reality, but I'm also excited that it will hopefully get me back to doing the things I've missed for so long.
Wow - happy for you. That is a short time to get it all organized. You will do so great with surgery. I feel totally confident in Nick Boeree myself, and would be scared to death to have surgery near my home.
ReplyDeleteIf you do end up in a hotel, I've heard most Spine Clinic people stay at the Holiday Inn in Eastleigh. I think they are accustomed to his patients and have some handicapped amenities. Make sure you sign up for the Priority Club program before you stay as you'll rack up a ton of points staying that long, and can use them for free hotel stays with that chain later for more pleasurable things! http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/pc/1/en/reg
I have the Priority Club Visa too (bunch of points at sign up and all purchases) plus they have a no-fee for foreign transactions if you ask. Don't know if you'd have time for that process though. I'm a points junky! We stayed many nights in Europe for pleasure a few years ago for free all on accumulated hotel points!
Jo told me testing on Monday is at 4pm for EKG, blood work. Tuesday is either free or a few more tests. Wednesday is surgery. That sounds like his usual routine. WILL ANXIOUSLY AWAIT YOUR PROGRESS!
Best wishes!
Botley is very close to Eastleigh. Was poking around on their website (waiting for AAA to come tow me!)....
ReplyDeleteMight want to check bed and breakfast locations there:
http://www.botley.com/
Thanks JS. I signed up for the Priority Club and it looks like I'm going to end up going with the Holiday Inn.
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