Travel or stay in hospital accomodation

I lived on a Scottish island when I had my RT so couldn't travel every day. I travelled over on a Monday morning and had a late treatment that day. The rest of the week the treatment was early morning so I could travel home on Friday and be back by mid-afternoon. I stayed in an hotel adjacent to the hospital for four nights and was able to take advantage of the days to visit old friends and lots of visitor attractions in the city.

Personally, I would try to get a late appointment on Monday, an early one on Friday and stay in the hospital accommodation during the week. It will reduce the stress of travelling and that can only help 

Hi Safeways,

Now, that's a difficult question, as it all depends on what you feel is right for you.  If it helps give you a different perspective, I personally would be leaning more to travelling each day for the following reasons:

1. I always get a better nights rest in the comfort of my own bed

2. The appointments are at a good time for getting there & back again in daylight hours & out of rush hour

3.  I love driving but would want someone with me just in case who could share the driving with me if I was feeling a bit rough or tired.

4. Could take the opportunity to visit somewhere on the way home either for shopping, visiting someone or even a meal as a treat

5.  Being in your own home is always more restful & relaxing plus friends & family will be nearer

As I say, those are just my thoughts, & a lot could depend on what type of roads you would be using & how busy / congested they would be.  I did drive each day to my appointments (which varied in time from very early starts to early afternoon) and never had any issues, but it was only about 25 miles each way.

If you do decide to drive, it's quite likely that you will need to stop on the way back for a pee so being aware of some good places to stop is well worth it.  I carried an empty 5ltr container in the boot of the car as a precaution & did need to use it once on the way home (thank god for dark tinted windows in the back of the car ). 

Whatever you choose, I hope it all goes well for you.

Best Wishes

Brian

Hi Safeways , I think Brian and Seamus have made good points.  The first week you should be ok driving, as tiredness hits you it is normally gradual and I think you will be able to judge.  I had an easy 15 miles but was caught on one return with an accident on the motorway and nearly burst myself, after that I carried a 4 pint plastic milk bottle! David

Hi Safeway 

Looking back to 2017 when I had a 4 weeks stint with RT I was just 3 miles away from the hospital.

84 miles quite a trek, is it an easy drive, what if weather no good.

Enema was required for first few weeks so have to allow for that.

Sounds like extra stress u can do without but perhaps if you are being driven and it's a relatively easy run then ok.

Other way to do it try for first week see how it goes, presume u could stay over from week 2

Good luck

Steve 

Thanks, I have decided to stay in the accomodation supplied by the hospital, I came home last night by bus just to see if it was doable, took around 4 hours, I've 18 more sessions to go, three more weekends, so I have decided to stay at the hospital. 

My third session, yesterday, failed because of gas in my rectum, there are others there that have failed 3 or more time.

Hi Safeways,

At least you tried travelling & I think you have made the right decision to stay at the hospital if it avoids a 4 hour bus trip after each session.  Far less tiring & no issues with needing a loo stop part way home.

I'm sure others will be along with some dietary advice to help prevent the gas situation (my issue twice was the bladder not being full enough so meant drinking more water then going back in after another 30 minutes).  

Wishing you all the best with your remaining sessions.

Brian

Hello Safeways 

Well - I hope the accommodation is OK and you are enjoying your "holiday"!

To avoid wind we were told no fizzy drinks, alcohol, beans, pulses and green leaf vegetables and to try and avoid coffee too. It worked for me but we are all human.

Good luck with the remaining fractions.

Best wishes - Brian.