Hello @Emelia8
Really pleased that you have a definite date for surgery and planning and preparation activity is underway. I most sincerely hope that everything comes together for the 9th February, as planned.
With regard to the difference between the plane and the train, at least in the train, most of the time will be relatively relaxed. With flights, I think there would be more movement required with transfers, longish waiting times, because of covid requirements etc. Hopefully the train trip will be comfortable. And great that a friend will be able to greet you in Sydney.
The fact that you will be transferred back to your local hospital is also positive. I found that it was the two weeks following the week in hospital when I wanted to be in familiar surroundings. By the sounds of it, you will be able to return home for that time.
We can think of the relative chance of "more (or less) things to go wrong". However, with progress, even since the time when I had surgery, those more things are very small and rare compared to the good, right and positive outcomes, of which we need to be mindful and keep ourselves aware. The good outcomes need to be the expectation, rather than a random and haphazard avoidance of bad or unpleasant outcomes. As I have referred to before, like in the percentage chances of "being hit by a bus". Not large by any measure!! Three weeks after the operation, my own experience being anything to go by, you will be very thankful that you made the decision to proceed. And, yes, an end to that extreme level of pain.
I am sorry that your companion, Holly, is having the difficulties that you have described. You appear to have considered the appropriateness of various courses of action. At such times, we think of whose benefit is to be considered, our own, that of our companion and even, as you have indicated, that of your neighbours. I think that dignity is important in such considerations also.
Thank you so much for the update and allowing us the opportunity to offer you support and encouragement for the next few weeks in particular and the time following that.
With Very Best Wishes
@HenryX
