I probably should know this but we are in 1431 on the 4th of September SBA-TAC. Is that the car next to the PPC?
We have Bedroom C and Roomette 3 thanks to AGR points.
Hopefully Nanette will be working the PPC.
Frank in overcast and cool SBA
yukon11 Member # 2997
posted
I can't find any information, Frank, regarding whether 1431 is next to the Pacific Parlor Car. I would think, if a bedroom, it would be close. Maybe others can give you better information.
I would be interested if there is still a lot of smoke and haze, from the Oregon fires, in the air when up in Oregon. I heard one report that the fires might not be out until Oct.
Richard
JoeR Member # 2633
posted
Frank- you will be in the 2nd of the 3 sleepers on the train. 1432 is the car closet to the crew sleeper, then 1431 (your car), then 1430, then the PPC. We just did this trip last week, and the weather was clear as a bell through the cascades; no smoke or haze that I saw.
smitty195 Member # 5102
posted
FYI on Amtrak's LD trains, the "30" car is always next to the diner (or in the case of the Starlight, it's next to the PPC). This applies to every train except the Zephyr----it does not have a 30 car for some reason, so its first sleeper is the 31 car and that is next to the diner. But for all others, 30 is always against the food service car.
sbalax Member # 2801
posted
All-
Thanks for the info. I'm looking forward to this trip all the more so for being on points. I priced it out and I believe we're getting more than $1000.00 worth of travel not counting the meals and wine tasting.
Joe--
Did you have your meals in the PPC? On our last trip with Nanette we did and really enjoyed it. It was a much more relaxed experience than the diner.
Frank in sunny and warm SBA
ColdRain&Snow Member # 15381
posted
Here's the consist for our fair lady the Coast Starlight...
I actually did not eat any meals in the Parlour Car. I find one of the most enjoyable aspects of rail travel is breaking bread with strangers in the dining car. However, the quiet ambiance of the PPC is almost irresistible for meals, and if I had wanted a quiet meal with my wife (or had a bad run of poor table companions), I surely would have done it. Plus, the menu in the diner I find more appealing, especially with the cycle menu that is on the Starlight right now northbound.
smitty195 Member # 5102
posted
I love eating my meals in the PPC, away from the diner. Since I travel solo (usually), I don't really enjoy being the 4th wheel at the table. It's usually a family of three, and I'm the one outsider. So when I travel on the Starlight, I take every meal in the PPC. Much more casual, table to myself, and the menu is different and usually pretty good. Sometimes I'll run to the lounge car and grab my own "meal" there so that I can have a cheeseburger.
I'm jealous of the trip you've got coming up, Frank. I had a trip that was almost all planned out----AGR points for free in a two zone trip in a sleeper, Virgin America free with points, and hotel free with my UAL points---the whole trip was going to be el freebo!!! However, I haven't been feeling well for the last 4 months and it has been getting progressively worse. I made 5 visits to my doctor, where we did a different test each time. I don't think he was taking me seriously enough, so I insisted upon some "serious" testing at my latest appointment two weeks ago. So he sent me for an ultrasound of my abdomen, and they found that my gall bladder needs to come out. Yay, lucky me. At least it explains why I've been so sick and feeling so rotten for several months now. But on Tuesday, I go into the hospital for surgery. I am a nervous patient--not looking forward to this at all. If anybody thinks of it and cares to do so, please send me positive vibes and thoughts on Tuesday morning at 10:30AM CA time. That's when I go under....So, so nervous....
Henry Kisor Member # 4776
posted
My good thoughts are already heading through the cosmos to you, Smitty
ColdRain&Snow Member # 15381
posted
Thoughts and prayers are with you Mr. Smitty195. I had surgery several years ago where I was put under. The anesthesiologist gave me the initial shot and asked me to count backwards from 10. I was out by 7, and woke up in post-surgery with everything behind me.
You will go to sleep quickly and wake up with a new lease on life.
HopefulRailUser Member # 4513
posted
You will do fine Smitty. My husband, much older and less healthy than you, had this done in February. No problems, very quick recovery. And you will indeed feel much better after the surgery.
Then you will be able to do your free trip and enjoy it!
Geoff Mayo Member # 153
posted
Having had 3 "unders" in the last 3 years for eye issues, I can understand how you feel! Good luck, you'll be in good hands.
sbalax Member # 2801
posted
Smitty--
Best to you for a successful surgery and a speedy recovery!
Frank in sunny and warm SBA
Ocala Mike Member # 4657
posted
Good vibes and prayers on their way for smitty195. You won't be out of service for long after they cut that gall bladder out of your "consist."
Gilbert B Norman Member # 1541
posted
Andy--
I've shared with you privately the wonderful 'angels' who were there to support me through my February eye surgery. I'm looking at it again likely during October for the other eye. 'Angel Meg', a Social Worker who knows her way around hospitals, has offered to be there for me again.
I'm not as scared this time, for even if someone messes up, I have one eye that now is 20/40, and for reading corrected 20/20. Last time, I was more scared than when I was shot at over in Viet Nam.
So lots of thoughts and prayers to you, Smitty, and from one, with lots of love and support from my Angels, made it through A-OK.
GBN
Vincent206 Member # 15447
posted
Best wishes for a full and speedy recovery.
yukon11 Member # 2997
posted
Best wishes, Smitty. I think that everything will turn out ok.
Richard
smitty195 Member # 5102
posted
GBN---Message received. Replying now.
smitty195 Member # 5102
posted
Thank you, everybody, for the kind wishes. Makes me feel much better, though the apprehension is still here. I have been told by some that have had this surgery that all of the sickness you've been going through is almost instantly just "poof" gone once the gall bladder is removed. I am very much looking forward to this. I never knew a person could be THIS sick THIS long.
Tomorrow is the app with the pre-op nurse and the usual testing that they do beforehand. Once that's done, it's just a matter of clock-watching until Tuesday morning.
sbalax Member # 2801
posted
Smitty--
I have my clock set for five weeks from Tuesday morning. I'm going in for a "valve job". That's what the cardio-thoracic surgeon calls it -- his hobby is restoring vintage Corvettes.
We cleverly planned this to be after my 50 year Peace Corps Reunion in Tacoma and our Coastal Cruise on Celebrity Solstice. Depending on my recovery we are looking at a late November transatlantic.
Frank in sunny and warm SBA
smitty195 Member # 5102
posted
Frank---Are you nervous at all? Or do you anticipate "smooth sailing" (like the pun???).
I'm curious---how did your Peace Corps Reunion folks select Tacoma as the location for the reunion? I don't associate the Peace Corps with Tacoma....
sbalax Member # 2801
posted
Smitty--
Of course I'm a bit nervous. Mine is a pretty invasive procedure but I have great confidence in my surgeon, my cardiologist and my primary care guy. Our friend/tenant next door is also a nurse at Cottage so that helps.
I've had both hips done and a couple of other procedures so know the routine at the hospital. Really, once you are under it's bliss.
I trained at University of Oklahoma in Norman in June, July and August 1963. We were two groups -- one going to El Salvador and one to Costa Rica. We also had 25 Salvadorans who were the first domestic volunteers in their country. Fifty years later we have over 40 people attending the reunion. "The Toughest Job You'll Ever Love".
We arrived in country in September, 1963. John Kennedy had just been there as the first American President to visit Costa Rica. We were also, of course, there on 22 November 1963.
I've gone on too long. Shoot me an e-mail at the address that I think you know (my screen name @ cox.net) if you need some more support or just someone to talk to about your big adventure!
Frank in dark and cool SBA.
RRRICH Member # 1418
posted
Smitty -- good luck with your gall bladder sugery! I'm sure you will feel much better after it's over. My wife, who is world's worst dental patient, just had all her teeth pulled and upper and lower dentures put in over the last few weeks, and she did fine -- we decided on the laughing gas only, although her first choice would have been to have been put under completely, but our dentist talked her out of that.
DonNadeau Member # 61606
posted
All the best to you both.
My brother had his gall bladder removed, with no problems. He was very sick beforehand. I had my prostate removed (super invasive because mine was so large, but happily no cancer) and was glad to be rid of it after all the discomfort. These experiences are appreciated when you feel so much better afterwards.
PullmanCo Member # 1138
posted
Prayers indeed to all.
Good health is a blessing.
smitty195 Member # 5102
posted
Thank you all SO MUCH for your kind words. Today is "the day after" and I am home. I was released this afternoon from the hospital. I am extremely worn out and my abdomen is so sore. But the gall bladder is gone and I don't feel sick any more---whew. This was quite an ordeal for me, and I was absolutely terrified yesterday being wheeled into the OR. But I was in excellent hands, with the BEST hospital, BEST surgeon, and BEST nursing staff I've ever witnessed. I felt like I was staying at the Ritz. The hospital is up on a hill, and I was overlooking the gorgeous Tri-Vally and foothills from my room---absolute five star view which was so nice (and it was a single room!). Super clean hospital, nice big HD TV with tons of channels, and very attentive service. I have no desire to go through this again, but if I ever need a hospital again, I know where to go.
Thank you again for your thoughts and prayers. Now I have a rough week or so ahead of me, and about 6 weeks to full recovery. I just wish I wasn't so darn sore right now, but it will eventually pass.
To keep this Amtrak related, now that this is done, I will be free to re-plan my free AmTrip for this winter or next summer! Not sure which yet. Maybe La Plata in the winter? Or Seattle?
Henry Kisor Member # 4776
posted
Let me be the first to say Welcome Back!
DonNadeau Member # 61606
posted
" . . . with the . . . BEST nursing staff I've ever witnessed. "
We'll check your opinion after they're awakened you at 5:00 in the morning to ask how you are doing two days in a row! :-)
Am really glad that all is going well.
HopefulRailUser Member # 4513
posted
Nurses are terrific, aren't we?
My husband had this procedure last February. He tells me one to two weeks and no more pain from the operative sites.
Glad to hear it went well.
Henry Kisor Member # 4776
posted
Nurses are wonderful. They are saints. We male patients want to marry them all and live happily ever after.
Until it comes time to remove the catheter.
sbalax Member # 2801
posted
Good to hear all went well, Smitty! Take it easy and follow the doctor's instructions during your recovery.
Frank in sunny and going to be very warm SBA
smitty195 Member # 5102
posted
Funny nurse comments, but YES, nurses are the best! They took such great care of me. And I almost had to have a catheter installed on Tuesday evening---nothing would "happen". Fortunately right before the deadline, things started working again. Whew! They said it would be painful if they had to do it.
Vicki: Thanks for the info on the pain. I am just so incredibly sore. Looking forward to it subsiding. Feeling kinda helpless at home---I can't drive anywhere, and can't really do anything except walk around my house, lay on the couch, and breathe into that machine to make sure my lungs are good after anesthesia. That's the highlight of my day right now.
Geoff Mayo Member # 153
posted
quote:Originally posted by Henry Kisor: We male patients want to marry them all
Which is what I did, although I wasn't sick at the time. You would think that having a nurse at home would be great but everyone I know who married a nurse agree that it's not all it's cracked up to be! From their point of view, they go to work to look after sick patients - so when they get home and have another sick patient it's a bit of a busman's holiday.
Glad you're doing better, Smitty. Do take it really easy now so your body has a chance to recover: patience now pays dividends later. I don't know if there is a Mrs Smitty but if there is, use her and don't be ashamed to ask for help!
Ocala Mike Member # 4657
posted
Shortly after our marriage, the Air Force separated us. I went to Korea, and my wife took a job as a nurse's aide at Archbishop Bergen Hospital in Omaha.
When I get sick now, I mostly keep it to myself because of horror stories she never fails to bring up about what she had to do to (for?) male patients when there were no male staff around.
smitty195 Member # 5102
posted
Thanks, Geoff. Nope, no Mrs. Smitty but my sister flew up here from Burbank and left yesterday, and my parents took over and just left today. I am now solo, except for my cat Zephyr, but I can ambulate around the house okay but I'm still slow. I can't lift more than 10 pounds for six weeks, and I can't drive yet until the pain is under control. So I will be stuck here at home for a while it seems. I'm so glad to have this behind me, but I just wasn't prepared for all of this because of what people had told me as to how easy it was and it was no biggee. I would have to disagree with that---however, laproscopic surgery certainly is better than the way they used to do it with a big six inch incision! It's amazing how they did this whole procedure--really hi-tech. It's kinda weird to know that they pulled out my gall bladder through the belly button. Wow, that's just so strange to think about.
Geoff Mayo Member # 153
posted
My wife's cousin had most of his stomach removed through a one-inch incision in his belly. Amazing what they can do.
At the other end of the scale, I had two cataract surgeries - *very* routine mostly, except I was a mid-30s patient with rare eye issues so I was under both times (majority stay awake). Anyway, the 2nd one later developed complications and I had to have the lens extracted and replaced by a new one, along with a tiny filter. A two-hour operation operating on an area that is both small and very thin. That takes some skill and a very steady hand! Virtually no pain though: so much so that I didn't even bother with tylenol, let along anything stronger. Fortunately things are *looking good*, if you pardon the pun.
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