I have a way forward! (cervical & lumbar surgery with Dr. Pimenta, Brazil)

[Katie]

Thanks Justin. Kathy was talking about using both. I have booked the wheelchair already, and hope it helps us skip through Customs quickly, as the time between plane transfers is short in Toronto onto the International flight. I just couldn't picture managing both the wheelchair and the walker through the airport!

[Justin]

Thanks Justin. Kathy was talking about using both. I have booked the wheelchair already, and hope it helps us skip through Customs quickly, as the time between plane transfers is short in Toronto onto the International flight. I just couldn't picture managing both the wheelchair and the walker through the airport!

Customs will be a breeze with a wheelchair. Did you get my email?

[KBear]

You mean they put it through as luggage? I've never flown with a stroller, so don't know what you mean there

Yeah, kinda like if you don't check your bags and they are too big for the overhead storage or if the overhead storage is full.... They just check it right at the door of the plane and give you a claim ticket. Then, as soon as you un-board, they bring it out and it is waiting right outside the door of the plane, before you even get into the airport. Or, you can check it with your checked bags... not sure if they charge for it as luggage, since it is for a disability, I wouldn't think they could do that.

[KBear]

Oh and we just hung the walker on the back of the wheelchair when I wasn't using it. It fit perfectly on the handles for the wheelchair, and folded up, so it was not a pain in the butt having both. I'm glad I had both... so I would highly reccomend it. I used the walker for several weeks and then went to a cane.

[Phylly]

Katie,
I have been reading your thread and want to wish you the very best with your surgery and recovery. You have such a good spirit and that will see you through a lot. Take care.
Phylly

[ajj1001]

I used the walker for several weeks and then went to a cane.

Having a walking stick is really useful post surgery, it makes people a bit more considerate and stops them barging into you as well as helping with balance. I have a really cute black and silver sparkly one that folds down small to go in a bag.

[Katie]

Thanks everyone! I have managed to stay relatively up...not sure why with all the problems, but just my nature I guess Philly, thanks so much for the sweet comments and everyone else for theirs too and the help.

Kathy, that makes sense now, about putting the walker on the back of the wheelchair, and stowing it while on board. Did you get one with wheels? Those are a bit bigger I think. I had rented one a couple of years ago when I broke my ankle, but tossed it in a snowbank when it got hung up on the ice ruts outside Every once in a while, my temper shows itself

But then again, you don't have snowdrifts to worry about

I've wondered about a cane too...hmmm, this shopping list is getting a lot longer! A friend mentioned a pad for sitting on, especially a donut one to relieve pressure on my tailbone, plus one for my neck. The economy seats on the plane are not known for comfort.

Justin, I just went back through old emails and found yours in my junk folder...you are going to get a complex soon! I'll send one back later today, thanks.

OK, off to do more research! Hubby found out last night that the hotels usually have both forms of electrical plug-ins, so don't have to worry much about converters, but we'll take a couple of those too. I'm stressing about fitting enough things into a carry-on in case our checked luggage gets lost. Thankfully we can pack light in the clothes department as the temperature there is a balmy 18 C, about 70 F...although a fellow at Dr. P's clinic thought that was a bit cool. Considering it is 5 C during the day, and -11 at night right now, with a foot of snow here....shorts and t-shirts will be dug out and packed soon! Cool....riiiiight!

[KBear]

My walker had wheels.

Also, did you realize that it's St. Patricks Day on your surgery date? It's a lucky day, same as mine. I went in wearing my st. patty's pj's, socks and undies! LOL

[Katie]

LOL, good thing I didn't arrive on the same dates as Carnival...can you picture it? Big ruffled skirt, bangles...

I would have loved to see the hospital staff when they saw your outfit

[JenniferC]

Hi Katie,

I haven't been up to speed much on this forum either Last I read, you were going to Brazil! Do you get the disc here then in the U.S.????? That would be great! (Although, would be nice to check out Brazil before your procedure!)
(Think I'd be asking for some lipo, too while I was there) Keep in touch as I'm super excited for you!!!!!!

Jennifer