Hi,
sorry you are facing these challenges, which the lack of support make them even more frustrating.
I couldn't help but chuckle at the "puddle jumper" characterization for the local airport - this is a good analogy for the airport in my city too.
Are you flying to the House? I think that the time frames that Clarice mentioned are a very good guideline. This is exactly what I did too (flying out of our own puddle jumper airport). I wouldn't worry too much about rescheduling.
I did fly business class on the way back home (if you can afford this it is so much easier - and it does provide more flexibility in rescheduling). Since I was recovering so well, I did reschedule my flight back home earlier, without any additional charge.
The weather is indeed a concern. Is there anyway that you can postpone your surgery for the spring, where the weather would be more reasonable? A couple of months wait may not be a big deal, unless your doctors say otherwise. Or, could you drive to Minneapolis (I have no idea how far it is from Sioux Falls), leave the car at the airport and take the flight from there? You may want to avoid flying on one of these little scary planes in winter weather, especially when you are post-op.
What is more of a concern to me though is the total lack of support and understanding from your husband. Does he really understand the severity of the situation, and that this is not a tonsil removal procedure?
Marianna