I copied this from another post ref hotels a while back so I just haven't amended it.  Just do a 411 search for what hotel you choose and call them directly for the discount.  Mention that you are Dr. Grabers patient and they will give you one.

Someone said the hotels are going up soon so this is still a ball park figure for you.

Here is the scoop.  The Red Roof Inn is very nice .  I had a double first, then moved to a single and the staff did almost all of the carrying for me.  I was there for 6 days and it was under $350.00.  The only thing there was no restaurants close if you needed water or 7 up etc.  Taxi to the hospital was close to $10.00 so not bad either, same as going to Walmart same price. No charge for Microwave and fridge.  There also is not laundry mat near by unless you are healthy you can walk maybe 15 minutes to it.

The Best Western is a little more but you have a laundry facility, continental breakfast, and Wendy's, McDonalds etc close by and it is around same price for taxi for hospital or Walmart.  Second time there I had a single room for handicapped and the bathroom had grab bars and heating lamp and bath chair.  Fridge and Microwave as well no charge.

Yes I beleive Becca and I saw the Scottish Inn and it did not look like something we would ever consider.  Ick!

Taxi is one where you have to share with others as there is only 2 cab companies in Utica.  So don't be suprised if you have company.

If you go to Walmart there is a bus I guess every hour that you can take but I don't know how close it will drop you off near the hotels.  You can ask.

Everything at Walmart compared to here is cheap.  Vitamins/jello/drinks etc.

Another thing make sure you tell the hotel that you're there for surgery and you get a discount.  But you have to call them directly not the 1-800 #.   Just google hotels in Utica and then call the one you pick.

Oh and the closest one to the hospital there is nothing around there in shops/restaurants, etc.  I hope that helps.

After I posted yesterday and came back into the forum I learned of Lucie passing and I was devistated as we all were.  My heart still hurts over Lucie and her family's loss.  I send out my deepest sympathies and condolences to the family!

With everything that happened to me on and after 7 Dec 07 I was beginning to think that surgery was not for me. I just hit one too many roadblocks that seemed to cause a great deal of stress for me and my poor daughter and son in law.

Ok so I don't want anyone to think that my problems greatly outway others who have had and are having major problems. Lucie in paticular! God Love Her and keep her here!!!!!!!!!

So below was the post I did in the forum.

Post Date: 12/31/07 8:39 am
Hi All;  I felt like posting this.

You all are aware that because of not having a stress test done I was sent home from Utica.  So that expense was close to $360.00 maybe more counting restaurants added in after.

So I got an appointment for the stress test in Ottawa but couldn't get a ride there.  You see I only see out of one eye and am super sensitive to light of any kind.  I rebooked and still couldn't get a ride so I drove.  I got lost going to Heart Institute, turned left when I should of turned right.  I wound up in Gatineau.  I parked in a hotel there and took a taxi which cost 20 bucks to get to Heart Inst. then another 20. to get back.  It was late I was tired and it was snowing bad out.  I had to stay the night.  $123.00 for the room and take out cost me (because in Quebec you can get beer delivered) 32. bucks.  I drank 1 beer but bought 4 duh me!  So I left hotel next morning at 6 a.m. and spent next 35 minutes driving trying to find 417 west.  A truck veered into my lane almost side swiping me.  I finally found 417 west.  Yah!!  I got close to Arnprior and a Transport truck passed me and dumped all his snow from his roof on top of my windshield.  I almost swerved into him (AHOLE).  I hit the breaks and windsheild wipers same time.....thank God!  Well anyways I made it home.  Whew!

Now I am waiting for my doctors to return from the holidays.  If I get the stress test passed and my blood work all faxed to Dr. Grabers office by Wednesday I can have surgery on Friday.

My ride doesn't leave till 2 p.m. on Wednesday and if I can't make it there (2.5 hrs away  from me) I have to take a plane into Syracuse.  Then a taxi to Utica which is 48 miles away.

OK so tell me exactly why I needed a stress test with all the stress I have been in since this whole thing started?  

WELL I AM STILL AT HOME TODAY!

I didn't get the blood tests back until later on in the day Yesterday and the specialist wanted to see me in the afternoon.  So after sighing a relief I cancelled the trip to Utica with Bobbie Jo and I am wishing and praying all goes well with her surgery.  The stress was way to much for me and my family. Oh I passed my stress test like that was a suprise and have a good to go from specialis for surgery..

blood tests redone;
stress test done;
phychatrist done;
dietician done;
pulmonary done; and
physical done.

Anything else I forgot will come to me after I post this I am sure. 


NOW FOR THE GOOD NEWS!

I am booked for surgery for 10th January,  I am going downn with Becca on 8 January who lives close to me and she was so happy to take me (Thank you  my Becca..also all the other 's that I have come across on OH, Thank you one and all).

I have booked an airplane home for 14 Jan and TerryL is driving me to Syracuse to catch the plane.  TerryL is one awesome person and anyone fortunate to meet her will think same way.  Ok Terry leave da cats alone!  LOL.

Dr. Graber and his staff have been awesome and the good Doctor is helping me financially which I didn't have to ask he offered!

So I do know everything happens for a reason.  By the way Rebecca is my middle name and Becca was originally from Golden Lake about 30 minutes away from me!  How is that for a small world.

Next time I post I will be on the losers bench and cheering others on their journey of a life time.



"What doesn't kill you makes you stronger".  Don't know who said that but I am hoping it is true!!

Have a Great Day All

As most of you are aware my surgery for 7 Dec 07 didn't go off as planned.  Seems the internist here in Pembroke forgot to book me for a stress test.  I found out after they stuck me/pilled me and wheeled me down to the operating room.  Oh ya I was that close to the operating room when they told me.

So then I was taking back up stairs and released.  .  <
And no no where in my paper work does it say stress test.  Actually the other girls have a hell of alot more paper work then I do.  Mine just said make appointment with cardiologist.  Internist was as close as my doc could get to a  doc.

So there you have it.  I am waiting again.


Gerri