Question:
Did anyone use the hospital in Gainesville that Dr. Hocking does surgery at?

I want to know if anyone has had a problem with the hospital that Dr. Michael Hocking Hocking uses in gainesville. I have read the stories from others about the hospital experience. When and if I get to have my surgery my husband will not be in attendance because of work and our son. So I will be by myself.    — [Anonymous] (posted on February 28, 2001)

February 28, 2001
Hi, the hospital is Shands teaching hospital at hte University of Florida. They took very good care of me. My Dr. was Dr. Hocking. He is wonderful. I was there 4 days. I am not sure if I understood you correctly about being alone. Someone must accompany you and be there when you are admitted. Someone must take possession of your clothes and personal items. More importantly someone need to be there during surgery and immediately afterward. Some one also needs to pick you up and take you home 4 days later. If your husband cannot, find someone who can. We live 3 hours away. We stayed overnight at a hotel the night before surgery, and then my husband stayed at the same hotel for 2 more nights, just to make sure I got thru the critical times. He then went home and came back to get me 2 days later. It is very important to have an advocate there for you in case things are not going to your liking and you may not feel well enough to get it straightened out. I did not have any problems with the hospital , but you never know. Now is the time if possible to line family or friens up to watch your son and for your husband to arrange to take some vacation. You will also need someone to stay with you when you first get home to take care of you and your son. You have some time to think about these things now , and to make creative arrangements. You are going to need some TLC
   — claire C.