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.
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.
This, too.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Pfft. Who’s to say a family member or friend wouldn’t take advantage of you?
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.
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.
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
Also, look on Yelp
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!
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.
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.