# Need someone that "knows" me to drive me back from outpatient surgery in Chicago area **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [May 10, 2019, 6:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-someone-that-knows-me-to-drive-me-back-from-outpatient-surgery-in-chicago-area/833790 "2019-05-10T18:08:26Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![jnglmassiv](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f07891/32.png) [@jnglmassiv](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jnglmassiv)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2019, 1:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-someone-that-knows-me-to-drive-me-back-from-outpatient-surgery-in-chicago-area/833790/21 "2019-05-11T01:33:16Z")
> [@Farnorthsider607](#): > > I am having a minor surgery later this month but I need someone that knows me to drive me back or else I can’t have the surgery done, and I don’t know anybody that can drive me back. > The surgery is in Berwyn il and I live in the far north side of Chicago > What should I do? > Thank you I’ve seen your request elsewhere on the internet. Those added the details that the operation is on the 20th of May and that you’re willing to pay for the ride. ---
**Author:** ![Mr.Bill](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/5f9b8f/32.png) [@Mr.Bill](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Bill)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2019, 2:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-someone-that-knows-me-to-drive-me-back-from-outpatient-surgery-in-chicago-area/833790/22 "2019-05-11T02:00:55Z")
> [@ThelmaLou](#): > > The implication is that leaving the hospital in the company of a stranger (e.g., taxi or uber driver) is somewhat risky because they are not privy to your post-op instructions (nor should they be) and they won’t come in the house with you and make sure you’re okay (nor should they). Even though you feel okay, the effects of anesthesia may linger. > > … > > Not every one has spouses, partners, grown kids, parents, cousins, in-laws, and other family lining up to take you to the doc, wait several hours while you wait and then have your procedure, and then take you home, take you in the house, get you settled, etc. Not to mention if the doc gives you a prescription when you leave the hospital and you’re expected to pick it up on the way home–THAT can complicate things. Exactly! At some point your second point comes into conflict with your first one. At that point I think each person has to decide for themselves. ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2019, 2:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-someone-that-knows-me-to-drive-me-back-from-outpatient-surgery-in-chicago-area/833790/23 "2019-05-11T02:21:22Z")
> [@Telemark](#): > > From the explanation given to me, that’s not the problem. It’s that you are in a vulnerable altered mental state and some stranger can take advantage of you. You should be under the supervision of someone who knows you and will look out for your well being. This, too. ---
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2019, 2:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-someone-that-knows-me-to-drive-me-back-from-outpatient-surgery-in-chicago-area/833790/24 "2019-05-11T02:43:44Z")
> [@Mr.Bill](#): > > … > > I think I just wore down their resistance. > > Think about it, what do they actually have a legal right to insist on? If I got up as soon as I awoke, put my clothes on and walked out, about all they could do is note on my records that i left against medical advice. Any attempt to physically restrain me would probably be prosecutable as kidnapping. > … > I should note here that with the anesthesia I was given for these procedures, I felt no effects other than a very brief period of drowsiness after awakening. I really was fully functional and ready to go. If that’s not the case for you, you might want to reconsider. > > … What they have a legal right to do is to refuse to do the procedure if they aren’t satisfied that you have suitable transport. Yes, once it’s been done, they don’t have the right to force you to stay. But they can ask to call your ride and talk to the person if that person doesn’t walk in with you – before they sedate you. In your case, both you and they knew what your condition would likely be after the fourth procedure. It was completely reasonable to make an exception. No one knows what condition the OP will be in, because people’s reactions to anesthesia and sedation vary widely. I had an endoscopy recently. Very minor procedure. Most people are reasonably competent when they are released. I wasn’t. I felt like shit and my balance was poor. I held onto my husband (who took me home) all the way to the car, and again getting out of the car and getting into the house. I clung to the wall when I walked around the house for the next several hours. I don’t think it would have been safe for me to take an Uber home. Well, not unless I’d hung out an additional four or five hours, looking miserable and scaring all their incoming patients. ---
**Author:** ![FloatyGimpy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/floatygimpy/32/7750_2.png) [@FloatyGimpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FloatyGimpy)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2019, 2:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-someone-that-knows-me-to-drive-me-back-from-outpatient-surgery-in-chicago-area/833790/25 "2019-05-11T02:45:42Z")
I guess I don’t recommend this but what I did is say that I had someone coming to pick me up after minor surgery. Once the surgery was done and my “friend” didn’t pick me up for an hour, one of the nurses suggested I just call a taxi, so I did and went home. ---
**Author:** ![GuanoLad](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guanolad/32/42_2.png) [@GuanoLad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GuanoLad)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2019, 4:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-someone-that-knows-me-to-drive-me-back-from-outpatient-surgery-in-chicago-area/833790/26 "2019-05-11T04:01:04Z")
I once accompanied a friend home, but didn’t actually drive them home because I can’t drive. We took a Taxi, but I was there with him to open the house and settle him in etc. ---
**Author:** ![panache45](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/panache45/32/64_2.png) [@panache45](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/panache45)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2019, 11:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-someone-that-knows-me-to-drive-me-back-from-outpatient-surgery-in-chicago-area/833790/27 "2019-05-11T11:19:54Z")
Several years ago I had minor surgery, and my husband was out of the country on business. I couldn’t find anyone else to take me. So it turns out, it could be ANY known person, not just someone I know. So one of the nurses texted her friends, and one of them came and took me home. Cost me more than Uber would have, but at least I got home. ---
**Author:** ![Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mean_mr.mustard/32/3865_2.png) [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2019, 11:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-someone-that-knows-me-to-drive-me-back-from-outpatient-surgery-in-chicago-area/833790/28 "2019-05-11T11:46:42Z")
Once they discharge you they have no say in how (or even whether) you go home. They don’t want you hanging around all day any more than you want to hang out there all day. If they say no to an Uber, your next question is “what time is dinner served?”. mmm ---
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2019, 12:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-someone-that-knows-me-to-drive-me-back-from-outpatient-surgery-in-chicago-area/833790/29 "2019-05-11T12:25:57Z")
> [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](#): > > Once they discharge you they have no say in how (or even whether) you go home. > > They don’t want you hanging around all day any more than you want to hang out there all day. > > If they say no to an Uber, your next question is “what time is dinner served?”. > mmm The time when they can say, “no”, is before starting the procedure. Every time I’ve been in this situation they asked how I was getting home when I checked in. I’ve done several endoscopies without sedation (so I didn’t need someone else to drive me) and that has always been a conversation. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2019, 1:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-someone-that-knows-me-to-drive-me-back-from-outpatient-surgery-in-chicago-area/833790/30 "2019-05-11T13:29:27Z")
There’s always a workaround. I once had a friend who lived near the hospital “act” as my ride. He picked me up post-op and drove me 1/8 of a mile to a corner where I caught a cab. ---
**Author:** ![TheCuse](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thecuse/32/2854_2.png) [@TheCuse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TheCuse)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2019, 1:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-someone-that-knows-me-to-drive-me-back-from-outpatient-surgery-in-chicago-area/833790/31 "2019-05-11T13:47:38Z")
When I’ve had things done, the person giving me a ride home had to walk in with me when I signed in for the procedure. ---
**Author:** ![Anny\_Middon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/bc79bd/32.png) [@Anny\_Middon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anny_Middon)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2019, 2:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-someone-that-knows-me-to-drive-me-back-from-outpatient-surgery-in-chicago-area/833790/32 "2019-05-11T14:23:30Z")
> [@TheCuse](#): > > When I’ve had things done, the person giving me a ride home had to walk in with me when I signed in for the procedure. Once when I was having a colonoscopy, Mr. Middon dropped me off on his way out of town for work. I had arranged for my SIL to pick me up when I was cleared to go home. They called her to verify that was the arrangement before they took me to the procedure area. Also, many pharmacies have a delivery service. Your doctor can call/fax the prescription to the pharmacy before you leave and they’ll bring your meds to your home. ---
**Author:** ![Two\_Many\_Cats](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/8dc957/32.png) [@Two\_Many\_Cats](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Two_Many_Cats)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2019, 2:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-someone-that-knows-me-to-drive-me-back-from-outpatient-surgery-in-chicago-area/833790/33 "2019-05-11T14:44:44Z")
> [@Telemark](#): > > From the explanation given to me, that’s not the problem. It’s that you are in a vulnerable altered mental state and some stranger can take advantage of you. You should be under the supervision of someone who knows you and will look out for your well being. Pfft. Who’s to say a family member or friend wouldn’t take advantage of you? ---
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2019, 3:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-someone-that-knows-me-to-drive-me-back-from-outpatient-surgery-in-chicago-area/833790/34 "2019-05-11T15:52:37Z")
Farnorthsider, if you haven’t had this form of sedation before, I would strongly advise you to find someone you trust to pick you up. Most people are well enough to take a cab home on their own, but a significant minority aren’t, and you should learn which group you are in before you put yourself in what could be a difficult situation. ---
**Author:** ![Colibri](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/colibri/32/1841_2.png) [@Colibri](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Colibri)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2019, 4:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-someone-that-knows-me-to-drive-me-back-from-outpatient-surgery-in-chicago-area/833790/35 "2019-05-11T16:02:28Z")
> [@Two\_Many\_Cats](#): > > Pfft. Who’s to say a family member or friend wouldn’t take advantage of you? Most people’s family and friends aren’t that fucked up. You’re presumably asking someone you trust. An unknown person is far more likely to be a problem. And it’s not just being taken advantage of; ideally you want someone who will make sure you make it into your house alright. ---
**Author:** ![chappachula](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/d2c977/32.png) [@chappachula](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chappachula)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2019, 5:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-someone-that-knows-me-to-drive-me-back-from-outpatient-surgery-in-chicago-area/833790/36 "2019-05-11T17:09:27Z")
There are companies that provide home health care aides. Their main business is providing daily care for elderly people at home,but some of them seem to advertise one-time services,or hourly rates for a single visit. I have zero experience, but it seems like a possible solution for you. [https://www.activehcare.com/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIuJXzk\_iT4gIVE853Ch3HgwdZEAAYBCAAEgJkf\_D\_BwE](https://www.activehcare.com/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIuJXzk_iT4gIVE853Ch3HgwdZEAAYBCAAEgJkf_D_BwE) ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2019, 5:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-someone-that-knows-me-to-drive-me-back-from-outpatient-surgery-in-chicago-area/833790/37 "2019-05-11T17:19:49Z")
> [@chappachula](#): > > There are companies that provide home health care aides. Their main business is providing daily care for elderly people at home,but some of them seem to advertise one-time services,or hourly rates for a single visit. > > I have zero experience, but it seems like a possible solution for you. > [https://www.activehcare.com/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIuJXzk\_iT4gIVE853Ch3HgwdZEAAYBCAAEgJkf\_D\_BwE](https://www.activehcare.com/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIuJXzk_iT4gIVE853Ch3HgwdZEAAYBCAAEgJkf_D_BwE) Also, look on Yelp > [@ThelmaLou](#): > > I searched in San Antonio and actually found listings on Yelp under “The Best 10 Medical Transportation.” Who knew? ---
**Author:** ![nelliebly](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/nelliebly/32/5422_2.png) [@nelliebly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nelliebly)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2019, 7:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-someone-that-knows-me-to-drive-me-back-from-outpatient-surgery-in-chicago-area/833790/38 "2019-05-11T19:01:51Z")
I’ve been in this situation many times at various hospitals, as I had to go out of state for procedures. The reason for the requirement is due to liability. According to the hospital I asked, if you stumble and fall between your doorway and your bed, you could claim the anesthesia made you unsteady. And it well might have: it can take 24 hours for the stuff to wear off completely. Of course, you could fall with a pal there, too, but since the hospital could show due diligence, they’re less likely to be found liable. OP, I hope you find a ride. Good luck with the procedure! ---
**Author:** ![panache45](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/panache45/32/64_2.png) [@panache45](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/panache45)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2019, 7:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-someone-that-knows-me-to-drive-me-back-from-outpatient-surgery-in-chicago-area/833790/39 "2019-05-11T19:41:36Z")
Many years ago, before I met my husband, I was living alone in NYC, and didn’t know anyone except coworkers, none of whom I was close with. I needed a minor procedure done, and the doctor didn’t believe me when I said I didn’t have anyone close. “EVERYONE has someone.” He was essentially calling me a liar. I walked out. ---
**Author:** ![Shmendrik](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ee7513/32.png) [@Shmendrik](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shmendrik)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2019, 1:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-someone-that-knows-me-to-drive-me-back-from-outpatient-surgery-in-chicago-area/833790/40 "2019-05-12T13:55:27Z")
> [@Mr.Bill](#): > > Think about it, what do they actually have a legal right to insist on? If I got up as soon as I awoke, put my clothes on and walked out, about all they could do is note on my records that i left against medical advice. Any attempt to physically restrain me would probably be prosecutable as kidnapping. > > Now, as others have noted, there are medical reasons why that is not a good idea. But, if you understand the situation and are willing to accept personal responsibility for any consequences, I don’t see why you couldn’t stick around until you are comfortable that you are recovered enough and then get an Uber or taxi. This is true. As long as you appear to have the capacity to make decisions for yourself, the hospital or surgical center will have to let you sign out against medical advice. However, if they know in advance that you don’t have anyone to take you home, they are likely to cancel the procedure. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-someone-that-knows-me-to-drive-me-back-from-outpatient-surgery-in-chicago-area/833790.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-someone-that-knows-me-to-drive-me-back-from-outpatient-surgery-in-chicago-area/833790.md?page=3)