Post-op Support Groups - ThinnerTimes

Doc J · 02-08-2006, 02:32 PM

From all my research, pre and post-op, support groups play a large part in long term success for GBS patients.
The ASBS guidlines for Centers of Excellence include post-op support groups as one of its criteria.
In San Diego, we are fortunate to have several support group choices. Including the ones offered by Dr. Callery, Dr. Mueller, and Dr. Wittgrove. But I am wondering about the rest of the country. It appears that from several of the posts that many post-op patients are lacking some basic knowledge that is dispensed at these support group meetings and this web site goes a long way in picking up the slack for that missing info. But t is not thesame a going to these meetings.

I was just wondering, how many of you out there are offered the chance to attend support group meetings and how many actually attend?
Granted there are many of you that live a long way from where your surgery was performed, but what about the rest of you?

I'm just curious.

Mavisavis · 02-08-2006, 03:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doc J

From all my research, pre and post-op, support groups play a large part in long term success for GBS patients.
The ASBS guidlines for Centers of Excellence include post-op support groups as one of its criteria.
In San Diego, we are fortunate to have several support group choices. Including the ones offered by Dr. Callery, Dr. Mueller, and Dr. Wittgrove. But I am wondering about the rest of the country. It appears that from several of the posts that many post-op patients are lacking some basic knowledge that is dispensed at these support group meetings and this web site goes a long way in picking up the slack for that missing info. But t is not thesame a going to these meetings.

I was just wondering, how many of you out there are offered the chance to attend support group meetings and how many actually attend?
Granted there are many of you that live a long way from where your surgery was performed, but what about the rest of you?

I'm just curious.

We have them, but I've been less than thrilled with them so far. The support and info I get here surpasses it by a long shot. I'm actually going to check out a few from my docs newsletter that are not held at the center and see if I can hook up with one I like. Otherwise, myself, and a few friends we've met that had it may start our own.

SD_Johnsons · 02-08-2006, 03:57 PM

I had my surgery here in San DIego through the Naval hospital and we had to do 6 education meetings and they do offer monthly support groups. I learned more from this forum than I did at the education meetings and I have not attended the support groups due to the topics that are covered. I feel that I was well educated through this forum before the surgery and continue to learn things daily from others here.

coptergirl · 02-08-2006, 09:13 PM

My doctor have a support group meeting twice a month. We are required to attend at least 2 prior to surgery, and continue attending for 1 year after that. I like my grou (although it is quite large) because there are others in my area who have done it or are going through it. The best support by far that I have been involved with is right here - I look forward to loggin in everyday and checking in with everyone...my family

Mavisavis · 02-09-2006, 04:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SD_Johnsons

I had my surgery here in San DIego through the Naval hospital and we had to do 6 education meetings and they do offer monthly support groups. I learned more from this forum than I did at the education meetings and I have not attended the support groups due to the topics that are covered. I feel that I was well educated through this forum before the surgery and continue to learn things daily from others here.

Ours tend to go over the EXACT same info at every meeting because people don't know the basics. I feel that we never quite get to things about how to cope and techniques and all. It's more like, here's what to do......now do it........shame on you if you don't. I just don't get much from it.

Realtor Linda · 02-09-2006, 08:27 AM

IMO, we have the BEST support group ever........here is East San Diego County. Currently held at Bridget's house, we have a great group of people, new and old who atttend and we get a houseful every meeting! Love it! Love it!

MiladyB · 02-09-2006, 10:51 AM

Here in Michigan, the surgeon's group that did my WLS has a support group, but I have not been able to attend. It is only offered on Thursday evenings and I always work evenings, so I am unable to attend. The closest support group that meets during the day is 40 miles away, which is a little far from me. If they ever end up offering a day group I most definitely would be interested in checking it out.

SAMI'S GRAM · 02-09-2006, 01:18 PM

There are two support meetings here. One for those interested or had just had surgery. I've gone and like Marty said they just seem to repeat the same things every meeting. Also, they're pretty large. The best part is afterwards when I get to talk one on one with fellow losers. There is another one for long term post op. The Dr. told me today (6 months checkup) that I could start going to that one. Like others have said, I could not have made it without this forum.

Martha

Mavisavis · 02-09-2006, 01:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Realtor Linda

IMO, we have the BEST support group ever........here is East San Diego County. Currently held at Bridget's house, we have a great group of people, new and old who atttend and we get a houseful every meeting! Love it! Love it!

Do you think the airline would give us a special fare for attending all the way from Ohio?