taxi's aren't options because of liability fears. Hopsitals won't usually release you in a cab if you've been sedated. They wouldn't even do the endoscopy pre-surgery without me proving I had someone there who could drive me home.  They were specific about not releasing me to a cab.  They even took  her telephone number to call her when they were done and she had to assure them she would drive me home and escort me inside the house.  She was actually supposed to stay with me all day, but it wasn't necessary.   It was the same rigmarol when I had the bypass but hubby was home for that.. 

Maybe one of the friends you don't bother with will prove to be more helpful than you realize.  I was convinced I had no one to ask as I haven't lived here that long, but I gave my neighbors a shout out and ended up with more volunteers than I needed!

when I had my tummy tuck I stayed at an after care for the night, they came to the hospital, and picked me up and I stayed in a medical hotel. I would ask the hospital if there are any near by

Most every church has people in it that will be more than willing to help you out. Call one and ask and if they don't they really don't get the mission called for. Check with all the medical places and see if there is a service that picks folks up and drops them off for appointments etc. Good Luck.

 Hi Debbie,

 I just wantted to encourage you that everything is going to be okay.  I'm reading some of the comments here and my heart is broken, it is okay to speak the truth to someone.. But, if you mean it the right way say it  in love ,compassion and true concern.. It takes alot to be transparent and vulnerable and to expose some of the Fears, emotions and thoughts you are going through.  Whether people state it or not, weve all been there.  The truth of the matter is how quickly we too forget where we come from 

Here's the good news , you can begin to plan and if this is what you really want you've got to make some calls and get some connections.  I work in a large insurance company in California.  On Monday morning I want you to do me a huge favor okay... Call your insurance company, the one who authorized your surgery and ask to speak to a Nurse Case Manager, tell them the obstacles you face.  You will be surpsrised the level of support you may find there.  From Nurse Practitioners coming to do home visits to being picked up from the hospital.
I am a firm believer that God will make a way out of no way, you've just got to trust and put some action behind your faith.

Like the others I do believe you need someone that you can trust to care and help you after surgery.  Between pain meds running to the store and normal mobility.  Ask your insurance company if they can release you to a skilled nursing facility after surgery, they often set this up for the duration of your recovery process.  If you need me for advice or any support let me know. 
praying for you   

 what a lovely, kind and supportive (!) post- just wanted to say that :)

Debbie, I don't mean for this to be harsh so please bear with me.  The reasons you mentioned as obstacles for your surgery is why I don't think you are ready for surgery.  Frankly, surgery is the easy part.  If you can't afford the taxi fare, you certainly won't be able to afford the protein and vitamins after surgery.  If you are letting the taxi fare get in your way, then you just may be looking for excuses not to have it.  If that is the case, you will continue to look for excuses after surgery...regarding food choices, etc. 

This is a huge decision.  You may not be ready for it.

Wishing you peace,

Call your surgeon's office. Being that far away from the hospital they're sending you to, I'm willing to bet others have been in your predicament. See what your surgeon's office suggests as far as getting a ride and where you can turn for help once you're home again.

I don't know your situation or the insurance you have, but you might want to contact a home health agency in your area to see what your options are as far as getting a personal care attendant to help you out for as long as you need it.

You stated you do have friends that you don't bother with, and I'm sure you have great reasons, so I'm not going to suggest using them to take care of you. What I am going to say, though, is there are hundreds of people on this site who were 100% alone post-surgery and they managed to take care of themselves at home without help with no problem. Telling yourself that you can't do something is setting yourself up for failure. If you're going to succeed in anything, you need to be positive.

So, in a nutshell...

1. Call your surgeon.
2. Call a home health agency/personal care agency.
3. Do as much research as you can if you do decide to postpone surgery. Use your time wisely.

Wishing you the best.

I'm in Georgia or I would volunteer for the job.

I would contact local churches and see if anyone there could drive you home.

I live in a small town to and we dont have taxi etc. but if you call the local agencies they always have people who help get people to and from doctors apptm. My father inlaw has done this for years to keep from getting bored he takes people who cant drive places. Uassally they dont ask for anything but gas. But a tip would be nice because most of these people are giving up there time. Dont get discouraged theres allways away. Loretta

Try looking for medical transport in the towns around you. I had to hire one for a day to take my wheelchair bound husband to his mom's funeral in the next state. The driver was a godsend, she didn't just drive us there and drop us off, she helped me every way possible. She wouldn't even come to dinner with us afterward. I gave her a big tip and she was worth every penny.

Maybe if you go to the OH forum for your state, you could find some people near where you live. People want to help and pay forward the support they've received, just give them the chance. I have a feeling you've been really isolated. Come on out of your shell, okay? Please let us know what you find out and how you're doing.