live alone

[Margaret 4]

I'm getting mixed answers on how much help I might need once I get home following the procedure? I have friends lined up who can stay here, but would like to hear from others who might live alone as well. I will have one night in the hospital, virtually no travel, and friends who can stay over. But if all goes well, would I really need that? I do have stairs in my house, but I think I'll be okay.

[Eureka-C 20]

Having someone at least come and check on you a few times is nice. If not, make sure you have a comfy chair. Recliners are awesome. Have a tv tray or small table where you can easily reach. Buy everything before you go in the hospital. Get your pain meds pre-filled. My doc did this on request. I personally wouldn't plan on going upstairs the first day home.

[Rootman 1,101]

Well I flew to TJ MX all by myself, went through surgery on Monday and flew back all by myself Thursday, went back to work Friday. I really didn't need any help but boy it sure was nice to have my loving wife there ready to do anything for me.

Like Eureka said have someone at least pop in and check on you. Take your temp and see if you're in any pain.

We all wish you the best!

[Margaret 4]

OK----that is just amazing! I don't have a downstairs bedroom but I still think I'll be ok. My doctor said stairs wouldn't be a problem. Thanks!

Well I flew to TJ MX all by myself, went through surgery on Monday and flew back all by myself Thursday, went back to work Friday. I really didn't need any help but boy it sure was nice to have my loving wife there ready to do anything for me.

Like Eureka said have someone at least pop in and check on you. Take your temp and see if you're in any pain.

We all wish you the best!

[lucill35 73]

I flew to San Diego on my own and met my mom at the airport so she was in Mexicali with me. Dr. Aceves keeps his patients for 3 nights in the hospital so it was nice to have her there but I think I would have been okay on my own. I flew back to Indiana on my own and it took me two days to get home due to the weather. Once I got home, my car was buried under an inch + of ice. I was home by myself and did fine. Each person heals differently and to my own surprise I have done amazingly well, so I would say keep your people lined up to check on you and then if you are doing okay, you can cancel them as needed.

Sue

[camille01 2]

It is easier said than done,,if you can make sure that you have everything you need down stairs even a recliner chair that you can sleep in,or at least get comfortable in and have someone that you can trust to have a key to your house that would be the Idea,,,you dont want to put your self in a position where you are stuck and cant call or get anyone there when you need then....it is good to have someone there when you need them and keep your cell phone in your pocket incase you cant get to the house phone....everyone heals at a different pace and no one can tell you how you are gonna feel...so have a friend on call,stay down stairs and make your self comfortable,and have your pain meds.handy.....Ill Pray for you ,,,,please keep us posted......

[Margaret 4]

Thank you! I might go recliner shopping or move a twin bed downstairs for a few weeks. I get the nicest advice here------many thanks!

It is easier said than done,,if you can make sure that you have everything you need down stairs even a recliner chair that you can sleep in,or at least get comfortable in and have someone that you can trust to have a key to your house that would be the Idea,,,you dont want to put your self in a position where you are stuck and cant call or get anyone there when you need then....it is good to have someone there when you need them and keep your cell phone in your pocket incase you cant get to the house phone....everyone heals at a different pace and no one can tell you how you are gonna feel...so have a friend on call,stay down stairs and make your self comfortable,and have your pain meds.handy.....Ill Pray for you ,,,,please keep us posted......

[Billy363627 15]

I really don't think you will have very much trouble..Granted I am not on my own . I have used my wife very little since surgery.. A good recliner a must for a couple of days. a tv tray and someone who could check on ya once in a while should be sufficent..Stairs only going to affect you if you have to have an open procedure. You wont be able to drive to you are off your pain meds soo stock up on the stufff you will need while your out(crystallight,powerade zero,protein powder, bottlewater..etc. I think you will do fine. Maybe you can have someone stay with you a night or two so you will be sure that you are comfortable alone without anyone.. I really think you will do fine

[Stacy160 201]

You might want to plan on having someone stay at least that first day/night home with you. Personally, I had a very easy recovery with very little pain, and was out shopping by myself on Day 4, BUT... what pain I did have occurred when moving from lying to sitting, sitting to standing, etc... it was not unbearable by any means, but I sure was grateful to have my hubby and son there to toss me a blanket, grab a bottle of Water, or a book, stuff like that. I could have managed by myself, but it was so much nicer those first couple of days not having to.

[Middlesister57 14]

I had my mom one night, my sister one night, and my niece one night. I just felt better having someone there. I really didn't need any help but just the company was really nice. It was actually good that I had my mom there the first night, because the next morning I couldn't breath and ended up in the ER with fluids in my lungs. So I was back in the hospital for 2 more nights. All is good now, and I really had an easy recovery except for my Fluid set back. If your people are willing to stay, have them stay. It's nice to have someone there just to talk to and lean on.

Lisa

[Margaret 4]

Thanks, Stacy----my BMI is "lower" as well and because I'm on 2 flights of stairs plus I'm a yard person by hobby, I'm not exactly a sit still type of person! My Dr. advised me to get a step stool since I have a very high bed but he didn't think stairs would be the problem either. I think I worry about feeling faint the most, having done that after a few different surgeries in the past. Apple juice for a pick-me-up if I'm in bed and feel faintish? Thanks--M

You might want to plan on having someone stay at least that first day/night home with you. Personally, I had a very easy recovery with very little pain, and was out shopping by myself on Day 4, BUT... what pain I did have occurred when moving from lying to sitting, sitting to standing, etc... it was not unbearable by any means, but I sure was grateful to have my hubby and son there to toss me a blanket, grab a bottle of Water, or a book, stuff like that. I could have managed by myself, but it was so much nicer those first couple of days not having to.

[feedyoureye 3,087]

I put the phone by where ever I was landed. Nothing like having to get up and down to answer the phone the first couple of days!