[fuzzy]

The travel companion is important. There are many times when its very helpful. I did have a fusion with my own bone there and that hip was very bothersome for a while so having someone to hold on to if need be was very good. I understand about airline transfers and would limit that to 1 transfer on the same airline, no fancy back and forth. Usually that can be had for not that much more. But maybe you have to fly with a particular airline (free, miles)?

The food would be another reason for the companion to scout arround and find things to make you feel more comfortable. I chased my wife to those awesome grocery stores to buy me my favorite foods. If you were my friend and were close by I would do it for you but you are a little far and I am actually in a similar situation, facing another surgery myself.