What kind of help needed after surgery

[mjs6172 2]

Hi...I'm scheduled for surgery June 7th and am excited, nervous, anxious........

I was set up to stay with some friends for the first 4 days home from the hospital, but that has fallen through.

I haven't lived in this area very long, so I don't know that many people. My question is this.....how much help do you think I'll need for the first week? I'm just trying to understand if I can do most of it by myself, and what I need to set up with others.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions & insight!!

[kellyw74 258]

I did really well. I didn't have much pain, except for gas (that gas pain is NO JOKE!!). Then when the gas went away about 3 days later, I was just sore, like an exteme ab workout. My obliques and abs hurt really good for about a week. I didn't even take any pain meds after leaving the hospital. My dr. sent me home with a HUGE bottle of liquid Vicoden and I never used it.

I am married, but I didn't ask my husband to do anything for me. I got all my drinks and took a shower by myself. Heck, I even went back to work on day 7. I was totally fine!

I have a good tolerance to pain. Everyone is differnt tho!

Good Luck!!

Kelly

[mjs6172 2]

Thanks Kelly! I'm hoping to do the same.....I have a pretty high tolerance as well, and I've always seemed to bounce back pretty quickly after any illness.....so I'm hoping! Thanks for sharing your experience.

[Foxbins 625]

I was fine alone. I slept a lot, watched TV, drank my sips of Water, walked around the house. I could dress myself and drive (didn't need any pain meds) so about day 5 when I was going stir-crazy I went to the movies.

[mjs6172 2]

You've both made me feel better!

[susnl 17]

Same story here as Kelly. The only thing I asked my husband to do for me was to help me up out of the recliner a few times (slept in it the first few nights).

Good luck.

[kellyw74 258]

I know that I am "ONE TOUGH COOKIE", but I really don't think this surgery is a big deal! Now, I will say this!!

My case manager said to me "This surgery is as serious as open heart surgery" and she was dead serious!! She told me that even though you feel fine, you really need to rest and let your body heal! This is how we all get into trouble becaue we feel so darn good and think we can be up sweeping the floors and stuff!

So, even though you may feel fine, take your time and take naps and get your rest!

Hugs,

Kelly

[mjs6172 2]

Thanks Susan, & Kelly----good reminder.....I think I'm ready for some "forced relaxation" I'll keep you posted!

[1-4-Many 2]

The only suggestion is to make sure you have the supplies you will need as you probably won't be able to drive for the week. If you can afford to do it, overbuy a little bit. Otherwise, I would have had no trouble either. As a matter of fact, I think the most irritating event of the week was my SO going to the grocery store for me with a very specific list and coming back with the "man" version....absolutely nothing exact to what I'd asked him to get. I couldn't believe that he didn't even get the milk right. I asked for skim, he bought 2%. So now I know it would have just been better for me to have made sure I had what I needed and enjoyed the peace and quiet of being alone.... and control of the TV remote. You'll be fine.

[sarsar 824]

One week out and I am doing really well. I tire easily but that is to be expected. The only thing I have asked for help with is carrying laundry around. I was told not to lift for 6 weeks. If I go to the grocery store I will ask for help with bringing in the bags also. Although, I could carry in a couple things at a time, that would be good exercise!

[twoboysandagirl 109]

As long as you are not responsible for taking care of some one else I think you will be fine on your own. I took pain meds until day 4 but I took care of myself during that time. I just slept a lot. I do agree you can not drive on pain meds!

[mjs6172 2]

Thanks......I can't believe it's tomorrow!!! Ready or not!! AAAAHHHHH!

[kellyw74 258]

GOOD LUCK!!

Kelly

Thanks......I can't believe it's tomorrow!!! Ready or not!! AAAAHHHHH!

[Hubie 1]

We share our surgery date. I have to be at the Hospital at 0600. I'll be praying for you. From all that I have read and watched.....we will be fine. See ya on the other side!

[mjs6172 2]

Thanks so much, I'll keep you in my thoughts as well... 0530 for me...surgery at 0730. Good luck!!! Can't wait to touch base after.

We share our surgery date. I have to be at the Hospital at 0600. I'll be praying for you. From all that I have read and watched.....we will be fine. See ya on the other side!