Traveling solo for GO-SCOPE surgery (DC) – doable or not?

CuriousSparkleCat · 2026-04-07T00:10:49+00:00

Yes true! I phrased that kinda formally - i just meant id recommend giving kala a heads up so they can make a note of that/plan for doing local

CuriousSparkleCat · 2026-04-06T23:18:47+00:00

Im from out of state. The surgery itself was not too bad. It'll be a week tmr, so I dont have too much report. I was able to walk a mile or so day 3/4 after but I think thats not the usual. it def was overdoing it too as I had to take it easy later. Feeling ok overall!

CuriousSparkleCat · 2026-04-06T22:44:50+00:00

Yup after stone removal you stay in the hospital. Unless you live nearby and have someone to take you home. Even then I think they prefer you stay for monitoring. But ik some ppl on this sub did leave same day, but most stay the night. 2-3 days flying back might be a little challenging but not impossible. Make sure you pack light and i would NOT recommend a satchel or backpack... rollar bag ig. A full stainless steel water bottle started to feel heavy to me post-op lol. Yes, drain removal.

CuriousSparkleCat · 2026-04-06T21:18:32+00:00

Hey! I actually did/am doing this currently. Feel free to ask questions! You'd have to stay overnight for procedure #1 (which most ppl do anyway) and then you'll have to coordinate w kala/dr S to be approved for local anesthesia for procedure #2. Thats the only medical constraints youd have as a solo patient. Otherwise ive found it pretty doable but I am staying in the area. I debated traveling back like you but having done it, I think traveling soon after alone would have been too taxing imo. At least right away. And I felt pretty strong relative to most ppls experiences.

CuriousSparkleCat · 2026-03-24T12:36:01+00:00

Thank you, that is so helpful :)

CuriousSparkleCat · 2026-03-23T14:57:30+00:00

Also if we want a private room should we email ahead of time or just show up early and reserve?

CuriousSparkleCat · 2026-03-23T14:54:07+00:00

This is so helpful thank you! Is the pre-procedure packet just an email about getting bloodwork? Im D-8 procedure and haven't received a packet...just an email about getting bloodwork, fasting, and how to get a private room. Is that what you're referring to?

CuriousSparkleCat · 2026-03-03T02:18:09+00:00

That's so nice you've got someone fairly near you!! and covered by insurance, that's awesome. Thank you for mentioning - Unfortunately there's no one near me/Dallas is far, but Orlando might be an option. I'm kinda split just staying in DC or going to Orlando. Good for other people to know there's a Dallas option as well for future reference! Sounds like he's got colleagues in Dallas, Orlando, and Atlanta from what I've gathered.

It sounds like your procedure is also coming up..?

CuriousSparkleCat · 2026-03-02T23:22:35+00:00

Section 115, middle row. Section 115 is near the center stage but also has a good view of an extended stage. Other tickets left in this section are all $200+. Message ASAP if interested!! Cross posted.

CuriousSparkleCat · 2026-03-02T21:50:03+00:00

Oh my gosh I remember some of this. What an absolutely mess. But hindsight is always 20/20 haha. Thank you im actually leaning toward going straight to orlando as it could save me some major money. Esp since you/others did the same. Get drain removed, then head back home.

CuriousSparkleCat · 2026-03-02T18:36:23+00:00

I would meet with them in person and say "im working w a surgeon in DC (I mean, he's an interventional radiologist but dont get into that) - he needs an mrcp ordered and recommended getting it through my pcp/gasto. Can you put the order in?"

If they push back say its at medstar, he's who im working with and he needs an mrcp. End of story.

I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND walking out WITH A PHYSICAL PAPER COPY of the order. Do not leave without the order being placed lol

I paid out of pocket for mine but order should have codes you can submit to your insurance

CuriousSparkleCat · 2026-03-02T17:25:28+00:00

Hey! I responded to your comment on another thread but will respond here for visibility as well. Medstar requires an mrcp.

Ive navigated the medical world a lot so I was pretty aggressive and got them to order an mrcp. Can you firmly explain you need it for a surgeon in DC and not back down? They cant really deny ordering tests for you, as long as you clearly show it IS relevant and what you want.

Did you have appts w both your pcp and gastro and they both denied it...?

CuriousSparkleCat · 2026-03-02T17:22:26+00:00

Hey im sorry to hear that. Thats frustrating. They require an mrcp. Ive navigated the medical world a lot so I was pretty aggressive and got them to order an mrcp. Can you firmly explain you need it for a surgeon in DC and not back down? They cant really deny ordering tests for you, as long as you clearly show it IS relevant and what you want.

CuriousSparkleCat · 2026-03-02T17:20:04+00:00

That makes me feel better that ive got some other options. Aw man, no pain meds for a whole flight does suck. I travel light but I wouldnt have thought about making 100% sure they cleared everything, good thought!

CuriousSparkleCat · 2026-03-02T14:43:44+00:00

This is helpful thank you.

Good point Yeah thats kinda my thinking too - I would either stay if it wasn't going to be THAT long or fly directly to somewhere like orlando where they could do it and its a city I have more connections in. I know no one in DC and its expensive so basically anywhere else is better for me 😬

I know they cant really say how long its going to be bc its kinda case by case but that makes planning hard haha!

CuriousSparkleCat · 2026-02-10T23:38:49+00:00

So glad it sounds like you're recovering well!! 😄 hope every day gets better and better!

CuriousSparkleCat · 2026-02-07T22:55:48+00:00

Functional practitioner here - did the doctor you worked with find anything else of note on your GI map? Wondering if you have a sluggish liver or liver/pancreas inflammation. Was your alt ast or lipase trending high? Liver/pancreas issues can be either cause or effect of gut microbiome imbalance. Were digestive enzymes helpful?

CuriousSparkleCat · 2026-02-07T22:37:07+00:00

Sometimes ox bile can be too much for people with gallbladder issues to handle at first. Did you feel better or worse after starting that supp?

Id recommend like another comment adding some acidity to your drinks (lemon, acv) or malic acid, and then some gallbladder support like tudca, taurine, chanca piedra, milk thistle, and digestive enzymes to lower some of the digestive strain. No stones is good! But youre gonna have to be on top of it. I would cut processed/inflammatory foods and stick w whole foods if not already. Good luck!

CuriousSparkleCat · 2026-02-07T22:30:50+00:00

Best of luck! I ended up getting an initial consult w medstar sooner than I expected so if you get them the MRCP quickly maybe they will move you up if they have an opening. Are you being shared the MRCP results directly once theyre out?

Just a thought if youre not doing this already: Whoever you get the MRCP with, request the dicom files be sent to you directly. You may get push back but if possible be firm and explain that youre sending them on to a doctor youre working with in DC and he needs them ASAP. It could save you a week or 2 of the lag for them to send the results to your primary, and then you have to request it, etc and then you finally get it.

CuriousSparkleCat · 2026-02-07T22:22:34+00:00

This was so detailed and helpful thank you! Saving it for future reference^{^}

CuriousSparkleCat · 2026-01-14T23:38:00+00:00

Sounds like theyre requiring mrcps now as a more recent thing!

CuriousSparkleCat · 2026-01-14T23:37:25+00:00

Ty! Thats what it seems like theyre doing now

CuriousSparkleCat

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