Hi! A couple of months post surgery with Dr Avenessian here. Congrats on your appt!
Would take the recommended 6 in-house laser sessions that Mt. Sinai schedules for you. It is generally covered with insurance. After that, I would plan on a few sessions of electrolysis. I've only heard 12 months with even the most conservative Electrologists. I actually did it in less time, but I think that's a bit risky so not recommended
I believe you only need a letter from 1 psychologist and 1 from your primary care dr. The other psychologist letter is the one Mt. Sinai will write for you after your first consult.
I can't imagine taking a cab for longer than 30 minutes for at least 2 weeks. The first time you leave the hospital (4 days?) you have a catheter and a wound vac. You then go back to the office with that still in 5 days later. You get all that removed go home and then come back again the next week. After the second office appt, you start spacing out the appts a little more which would make it easier to make the 2 hour commute. As always, YMMV with recovery
Sadly, yes. The office is always swamped, so you have to stay on top of everything. The good thing is that they are generally responsive, but it's definitely on you to stay on top of everything.
Recovery is mentally and physically exhausting. I actually had the common problem of post surgery nerve pain in my arm which was the worst part for me. I wasn't able to use my left hand for a month and a half due to the discomfort/pain. My hand is still not fully back, but at least theirs not any pain anymore. Other than that, for me, it was just being stuck on your back for a few weeks which actually gets really uncomfortable. But as recoveries go, mine has been about average which is a relief.