Therefore anyone who lives within 4 hours drive from Columbia is typically discharged after only one night in the hospital. Your Caregiver can then drive you home. I recommend that you sit in the passenger seat of a mid sized or larger sedan with the seat reclined for the ride. This is no different than sitting in a recliner at home. You will be on oral blood thinner and should do your ankle pump exercises every hour. Getting out to walk periodically is optional. If you purchase a car charger, you can use your ice machine while riding.

People that live eight or more hours away may opt to fly instead. Most airlines will give you the bulkhead seat if you are handicapped and arrive early. You do not need a slip; they will take your word for it when you arrive on crutches. Be sure to pack your ice machine in your check-in luggage, but bring your medications on board with you. Carts are always available to transfer you at airports.

People who live more than 4 hours drive away are usually kept in the hospital a second night for their convenience. That way they can get an early start on their travels the following morning. If you are flying, I would recommend booking one night after hospital discharge at the Marriott Courtyard or Residence Inn close to the hospital or near the airport. That way, you will have some leeway in case your stay is prolonged due to some minor medical issue.

The Columbia Airport is small, attractive and efficient and is about 40 minutes from the hospital and 30 minutes from our office. But often only small planes fly out of here. You will often have to climb steps to get into the plane, but you will be capable of this. The other option is to fly out of the major Charlotte airport. It is about 1 hour and 15 minutes drive from the hospital and 1-½ hours from our office.