United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

okay folks, here I am again asking MORE questions.

We have our appt mar 10 with Dr Mackinnon and was wondering if anyone knows what we can expect. Derek will be 2 1/2 mo post injury when we go. We still don't the extent of damage, if he will need surgery, even what tests they will be doing.

This trip is going to be expensive, so we want to be prepared. We don't even know how long he will be going. Right now we are planning for just a week. But we have never even spoke with the md in st louis.

It seems frivilous for us to be thinking about the financial end of things, but traveling from Anchorage to anywhere in the lower 48 is still a big expense.

Thanks again for listening to me ranting on all the time.

Teri

Teri,
If he is going for testing and consultation it should be one day tops. But is he scheduled for surgery?
In my case I met with Dr. Tiel on Monday. Then they did an emg and nerve conduction velocity test. On Tuesday they did 8 hrs of surgery. On Friday I walked out of the hospital (after I took a shower). Hope this helps....Karl...

Teri,

If you know anybody with Frequent Flier points who would donate airline tickets to you, it affords tremendous flexibility in flight arrangements. As long as the destination remains the same (& of course the name on the ticket), you can change the dates as often as needed without paying penalties.

First trip to Mayo, we ended up paying a lot of $100 change fees on our four regular tickets. Thought we were staying two days, but decided on immediate surgery so ended up being there closer to two weeks. We could all use crystal balls because it's impossible to predict how long you'll need to stay that first time.

If Derek is 18 or younger, the family can stay at a Ronald McDonald House for $10/night - including use of a large kitchen & much donated food.

TAke care & best of luck,

Ellen