<p>Donna, you are very brave and I am sorry you are so uncomfortable and having these issues. I hope you get to Mt. Sinai mostly because you want to be there and also it would be much easier for others to visit and support you. But should you have to have the surgery in Montreal, I am sure they are very competent and so that part will hopefully not worry you so much. I am glad some friends are trying to make arrangements for your transportation tomorrow. The main thing is that you get the medical help you need and you will get it no matter where you are. I know what you mean about those ice chips! In such situations, it is amazing how something like ice chips are like a major prize! Here’s to ice chips! </p>
<p>While you may not have lots of visitors in Montreal, I hope you feel the support here on CC as we’re rootin’ for you. I am amazed that you are able to post here! We’ll be thinking of you. Maybe James can update us if you are moved or have surgery. </p>
<p>Keep the faith…you’ll get past this. Keep your eye on your goal! </p>
<p>donna,
I totally get the ice chips… I had major chest surgery many years ago and that was when I “discovered” green jello… little things can make or break us…so, here’s to lots of ice to make the hours easier…then the days… until you can face a week…</p>
<p>prayers from Maine to Montreal to Mt. Sinai …</p>
<p>Donna, should you need to stay in Montreal, please be assured that Sacre-Couer is a major teaching hospital with very competent and reputable doctors. It is not a minor neigbourhood hospital. It is affiliated with the University of Montreal. The other large teaching hospital is the Royal Victoria, near downtown, which is affiliated with McGill. If you would be more comfortable in an English speaking environment, would it be possible to have you transferred there?</p>
<p>If I had medical contacts there I would try to help out, to have someone help arrange things and reassure you, but I no longer do. I moved away from there too long ago.</p>
<p>I do hope getting back to NY is possible but please do not take risks. You will get the care needed there and that’s the main thing right now.</p>
<p>Just adding to my above post. After speaking to a friend, trauma doc/anaesthesiologist, who worked in Mtl many years before relocating to the US, he affirmed that SC is an excellent hospital and you should be well taken care of there. However he did say the Royal Vic would be preferable as its intensive care is superior. Besides, the personnel is English speaking which would make things less stressful in communicating. Just something to consider if it’s not possible to get back home for now, and if such an option to transfer to another hospital is possible.</p>
<p>it looks like no ambulance tomorrow after all the mt sinai drs were contacted and dont think from the description im stable enough for 7 hr ambulance trip and wont agree to accept resposiility. so here i stay i guess and if i do need surgery itll have to be here. a frien of friends who lives in the adirondacks 2 hr south of here and used to work as an RN volunteered to drive up and help out shes sleeping in a chair next to my bed what an amazing soul its so nice not to be alone. ive been very agitated and earlier i had horrible burning pain in catheter thats been in ten days now so maybe im not really great shape for long ambulnce trip anyway. im afraid i wasnt very stoic about the pain but i cant be brave all the time you know. james is terrified and incosolable hes afraid im not strong enough to survive another surgery right now and ill die. ihope hes wrong but who knows. im trying my best to reassure him but hes having a lot of trouble.</p>
<p>Donna, I am so glad you are no longer alone. What a wonderful woman your new friend is and she will be able to advocate on your behalf.</p>
<p>Please do not worry about being stoic at this time, it’s just a waste of energy. We support you. Poor James, maybe he can come up now that you know you will be there for at least the next few days. </p>
<p>Just reading these updates and am both stunned, and not surprised at the same time. We all knew how strong you were before you went into the surgery; we knew this through reading your posts, sharing your experiences and exhibiting great fortitude. We also know it is this strength and courage that will get you through setbacks. </p>
<p>This thread will bring you great pride and joy when you are all healed, and you are able to see how you fought tooth and nail all along the journey.</p>
<p>Donna, I know you wanted to get back to NYC but they will take care of you just fine in Montreal. Have faith. I am glad that a friend is there for in person support but you have lots of support behind the scenes too. I hope James can get back to Montreal as that will likely make him feel better too. It is natural to have worries. Health setbacks are hard to bear but you will endure this and get better. I hope James has family/friends support back home in the meantime. </p>
<p>Remember, they are going to help you at the hospital. It’s gonna get better. I am sorry you have to endure this, however. Best wishes.</p>
<p>Donna, Your worries and James’ fears are natural. But it’s evident that you are one tough cookie, and you have not come this far to…well, not sure of the metaphor here. Crumble? Burn? Let the chocolate chips fall where they mayn’t?!</p>
<p>I am tremendously relieved that someone is there with you. And an RN to boot! That should comfort you greatly.</p>
<p>(And if she also speaks French, it’s like winning the lottery!)</p>
<p>Donna, they know what they’re doing there. You will get through this. And after all is taken care of and you’re fully recuperated, the CC crowd in the metro-NYC area will have another get-together and toast to your good health and new life.</p>
<p>Donna, glad that others “in-the-know” have chimed in to say that Sacre Coeur is a good hospital and can handle the surgery. Glad that you have an advocate in that chair next to you! More good vibes being sent your way.</p>
<p>Thank goodness you are in fine medical hands. I know you hoped to return to NY but it really sounds like staying put is the wisest course of action. I am exceedingly grateful and relieved you have a knowledgeable friend by your side. What a godsend. </p>
<p>I am so sorry James is having such a hard time and that adds to your worries. I hope he knows we are all here for him, too. If he needs someone to lend a sympathetic ear or a place to share his fears, please let him know he can PM me anytime. </p>
<p>Rest as easy as you can. There are no medals for being stoic so don’t give that a second thought. You are one of the strongest, most determined women I know. I have perfect faith you will come through this. So many are pulling for you, from far and wide. </p>
<p>This morning I’m sending lots of love and gentle hugs to you and James, and special thanks to the saint in the chair next to you. </p>
<p>Sending loads of good cosmic waves from Texas… It’s a red state, nobody’s using cosmic rays here anyhow.</p>
<p>Think pretty pink and blue thoughts… Canada is not so far from home. One of my friends was in Jerusalem when she had a major Crohn’s attack, had surgery and complications from the surgery, infections, horrible things… and now she’s happy and healthy in San Francisco, working on her PhD. Bounced back completely and is up to her old tricks. Your spirit is resilient like hers, and there are no oceans between you and us, at least!</p>
<p>Donna- It sounds like you’re in good hands in Canada and with your friend there, I hope you feel some comfort. This is a terrible time for you, I know, but please know you are in the thoughts and prayers of so many. I have been saying special prayers for you and will continue to do so for your recovery.
Love, Pipmom</p>
<p>So glad to hear you have a friend with you now, and a nurse on top of that, so you don’t feel so alone during such a difficult time, and who can offer support and comfort that you need right now. What an angel for her to drive up to Montreal to be with you! This will also help James a great deal to know she is with you.
You are in good hands there and it’s the best decision to stay put for now.
Continuing to send positive energy and prayers for a full and quick recovery.</p>
<p>Donna, you are so so brave for everything you’ve gone through. I’m so inspired to have someone tell their story like you have been in this simple forum. I hope healing comes as quickly as possible to you. Please know everyone here is thinking of you. You’re where all my good cosmic energy is headed right now!</p>