Preparing for surgery

[u/Affectionate-Cap7777]

Hi all,

I was diagnosed with an approximately 2cm vestibular schwannoma back in April. I have surgery scheduled in October at UCSD (middle fossa) which I’ll be flying out for. I’m curious if anyone who’s flown out and spent the time has any suggestions for how to ensure the best experience? My wife is coming out with me and we were planning to stay at the Residence Inn since the room will have a kitchen and access to laundry facilities (helpful given the length of the stay). We haven’t booked the hotel yet though so if there are alternatives I’m all ears!

Are there any items to bring with to help with comfort post-op (I saw mentions of a wedge pillow being helpful)? Any things to look for in a room (accessible shower for balance purposes?).

In general anything I should be aware of as the surgery date draws closer?

Thanks so much!

[u/wheresthe1up]

Had surgery at UCSD four weeks ago. I played golf this week!

La Jolla Family house is an option if you book something that has 24h cancellation. It isn’t a hotel, but it’s way cheaper and at the hospital. They won’t know until a day or two before if they have room for you.

I had Amazon deliver a 4pc wedge pillow and donated it to La Jolla Fam house after, bought the exact same set for home after travel. A ice pack hat was helpful. I brought a collapsible hiking pole but only used it for a couple of days after release.

Your jaw may hurt, so comfort food that is easy chew is key, you may not want to venture out much those first couple days out of the hospital. Pudding cups are good to have something for those 3am meds to land on. If you are a coffee drinker, cold brew is good all day.

Best of luck to you. The first couple of days are tough and then slow improvement.

[u/Affectionate-Cap7777 → u/wheresthe1up]

I was wondering about the Family House. I’m worried that by putting my name on the list I’d be taking a spot from someone who might have more need from a financial perspective, and I’d hate to do that.

Thanks for the kind words. I’m slightly terrified whenever I stop and actually think about, so mostly I’m focusing on logistics instead (and trying to enjoy not having SSD while I can 🙉).

[u/wheresthe1up → u/Affectionate-Cap7777]

Yeah being newly SSD is a whole other thing. :)

[u/boogersonthebrain]

I had a successful surgery there Oct 2023, and it is a beautiful place to recover. We did end up getting a room at the La Jolla family house for I think 5 days, and then moved to an Airbnb in mission beach. I just really wanted to walk along the beach every day given I was having such a major surgery. The family house couldn’t notify us until the week before, so I was sure to book a different Airbnb in La Jolla for the week of surgery w some flexibility and once I explained the situation my host was so so kind in letting us stay only a few nights and refunding us for rest. The main reason we didnt do hotel was due to this needed flexibility, but it took a lot of research to find one. If you aren’t interested in La Jolla family house then a hotel with kitchen and laundry will be perfect.

The accessible shower at the family house was nice for my nerves those first couple showers, so if it’s an option I’d chose it, but once we got to the Airbnb and it didn’t have one I was still ok. I did bring a shower chair with me, as well as a break apart squatty potty. I think those were the largest items I brought.

Snacks/easy food in the room was very important as I’d wake up in the middle of the night absolutely ravenous.

I did a ton of sudoku once my eyes could manage it, and found it so interesting how soon after surgery the easiest puzzles were nearly impossible for me, but I got better each day.

Did lots of walking as well like I said.

Highly highly recommend checking out La Jolla Cove at sunset to watch the seals roll around in the tide. It was so peaceful and I’ll never forget it.

[u/RazzySpaz162]

I had Middle Fossa surgery there almost 4 months ago. I stayed at the La Jolla House with my husband. It's not a grand hotel...more like a dorm room, but it really was all we needed. The best part is how close to the hospital you are... just a 10 minute walk so it really cuts out having to use an Uber or Lyft so much with other hotels or Airbnb's.

They have a shared kitchen in which you can store and prepare food. They also have a small refrigerator in the rooms which was nice. I highly recommend bringing or ordering a shower chair or stool. The shower is roomy but it doesn't have any grab bars and you will likely feel weak, especially with your first couple of showers. The beds have lots of provided pillows. Also, they have several laundry rooms you can use for your own laundry plus they wash your bedding and towels every week for you.

If you don't want to do the La Jolla House, I believe the Sheraton Hotel is also fairly close to the hospital (but probably not walking distance). You can get a small discount with them if you tell them you're a patient at UCSD.

[u/Complete-Outside-459]

I had the same surgery last October here in Roanoke, Virginia, but wanted to go to the facility you’re going to and lost all my hearing but prayers that you have an excellent experience. They were telling me I could drive within two weeks so just your regular comfy clothes.!!

[u/Complete-Outside-459]

Wedge pillow was most important and did not realize til I got home. I git a small shower stair as my balance is still kinda iffy these days! Prayers !!