Out of state Surgery

[MMT]

I am interested to learn of people's experiences with ileostomy surgery done out of the state they live in. I have been planning to go out of state for ostomy surgery but I am interested to know how you found doctors, nurses, support in case of emergencies, infections, problems with your stoma, rashes, dehydration, etc. once you returned home. Did you find it difficult to find a backup surgeon, and support if needed from nurses, etc because your surgery was not conducted where you live, especailly during emergencies? Ho w did you do follow-ups? Were they in person or telehealth if surgeon is out of state. I may have to rethink going out of state if I cant first find bridging doctors, resorurces in the state I live in. thanks

[Shamrock4806]

Well the first thing I would look at is IF your insurance will cover the out of state care and that they are in network for the least out of pocket costs. If they do then it's pretty easy after that.

But if not then you'll likely have to set up everything there with a new policy and plan on a 1-2 year adjustment process. Then start over back at your home as it will take awhile to get all new doctors up to speed on your condition. So you want to be entirely stable during this time.

I moved just within the state I'm in and now getting all new doctors etc. as everything is networked. It's taking months. You can get a PPO plan and just go see any doctor directly without a referral also. As long as they take your insurance plan. So I would investigate those hospitals etc in the other state if they accept your plan or what plans so there are no hidden costs or obstacles.

But usually once you get a primary care doctor and then the dominos start falling into place afterwards with referrals. So they will provide a list of doctors in the area for what type of care you need next. It's all about the insurance policy really.

I assume your doing this because you would have family or friends take care of you for your recovery and they can't leave the state they are in on account of jobs, kids in school, house payments etc.

Having self recovered from an illeostomy surgery I can tell you it WAS NOT FUN. I wound up going back to the ER a few times for various issues from infections to severe diarrhea and even a clog which was very painful.

Then getting the ostomy bag to work correctly so it would stay on for more than 2 days was a challenge, now I get up to 10 days!

Then getting ones diet under control is another factor..including a watered down all day drinkable oral rehydration solution that keeps up with my electrolyte losses. Also taking care of vitamins intake

For me with NO assistance from ostomy nurses or a ostomy nutritionist nor any blood work for 2.6 years after surgery it took me about that long to fully recover. But I'm sure you can do it in less time with the right advice and especially learning secrets from other ostomates. ChatGPT has been a good assistant but it's not perfect and can make mistakes or assumptions if you don't give it enough detail and have memory engaded.

If you read some of my posts here, you can get ahead very quickly by learning my secrets. But just be warned it's my experience and not medical advice per say. Just things I learned the hard way through trial and error.