Being alone post-op

[3in1wOL 17]

Hey Everyone. I just learned of this forum. Great to be here. I am having my sleeve surgery on Tuesday (Aug 5th). I am single, live alone, have a small dog. The doctor said there was no issue with my coming home alone after surgery, and that I could even walk the dog (only a short distance to start). My sisters are all up in arms and want me go to one of their homes for the first week after surgery. I really just want to be at my own home. Looking for some input to help alleviate my sisters' concerns.

[Inner Surfer Girl 12,015]

My surgeon said to make sure to have someone drive me home (nodriving for 10 days,) If your sisters are so worried maybe they could take turns coming to you!

[Jewells70 19]

I encourage you to spend the first 3 days to week with someone or have them stay with you. You will be on liquid pain meds, dealing with life after major surgery, and will need help keeping track of your Fluid intake. Though I am sure some have done it alone u wouldn't recommend it. I don't know how I would have made it without my mom & bff's checking on me! You'll understand what I mean soon! Best of luck!

[WhoKnows 288]

I agree with the above posters. I had a very easy and smooth recovery, but even I needed help from time to time and was glad to have my partner around. I can't imagine what I would have done if I'd been alone, especially with a dog. You might be up for short walks, but I know I was feeling way to weak to have been able to give a dog what she needs in the first two weeks or so.

[LaChasida 10]

Being single with no relatives living anywhere nearby, I traveled out of the country alone for surgery last month, and I've been alone at home since returning. I don't know what anybody could have done for me that I've been unable to do for myself? But everyone's experience may be different, of course... Best of luck to you!

[WhoKnows 288]

Again, I think the dog is the issue here. If I had had to be alone, I could have managed. But, like I said, if I'd had a little being depending on me for food, Water, attention, access to a toilet and exercise, there would have been problems.

[Bob2013 326]

You should be fine. The surgeons want you to be lightly active after surgery. Its too easy to let someone do the things you should be doing yourself, like fixing your own food, walking to the bathroom, ect. Being by yourself will force you to do those little things, making your overall recovery go alot faster.

[sdarst52 3]

You can do whatever you need for yourself, but I agree with the posters who think someone around for a day or two can be really helpful. I had to take blood thinners for 2 weeks via injection. I needed help giving them to myself. I had a friend and one family member come in once a day to administer the shot. Perhaps as the previous post suggested you could have your sisters take turns and check on you once a day or so.

[une nouvelle vie 327]

I think a lot of it will depend on how your surgery goes. We all have a different experience. I had no complications and only had to take a total of 3 pain pills so I felt great. Even still, I have two cats and there were times in the first 48 hours I felt too lightheaded to mess with their litterboxes so I can't imagine not feeling well and taking care of a dog, they're a touch harder than cats.

I agree with the members who said to have people check in on you. If you have a visitor 2 or 3 times a day they can help you do some of the things you can't do on your own if you need someone.

On my 3rd day post-op I sent my helpers home but that's only because I got very lucky with a smooth surgery and no complications. Keep your options open!

[Kindle 8,667]

I was with my sister in Mexico for the first 3 days, but all she really did for me was keep me company (and make me walk to Starbucks with her twice a day) I flew back by myself day 3, went grocery shopping and drove myself home 5 hours day 4, and came home to a driveway covered in snow that I had to plow. I have two 50 pound dogs, 2 cats and 2 horses that I was able to take care of just fine by myself. Of course I had friends I could have called for help, but I never needed to.

Edited August 3, 2014 by Kindle

[thesuse2000 698]

I was alone my first two weeks and it was fine. My husband is ill/disabled so I actually stayed somewhere else so I could just focus on my needs (he got the support he needed too). I had family and friends visit, but really didn't need any help. My peeps worried about me too, but it was just fine. As mentioned, you're supposed to be walking every day anyway, so not sure what the concern is. I made sure that I had everything I needed in the house before surgery so I wouldn't have to carry anything heavy afterwards. But I was perfectly able to get out every day once home from the hospital to get whatever I needed.

[blondebomb 580]

I didn't tell family I was having this particularly surgery but they did no I was having hernia an tummy fixed...I was alone during the days but had hubs in the evening but I more less did most things by myself. ..could not drive under docs orders if still on pain killers..so about a wk I was driving however I hot fatigue really fast..still do in afternoon. .so I'm careful. .where I go an how long I'm gone. If sister is worrying tell them to come to you..more comfortable in ur own surroundings. .. keep us posted..you will do great!

[LindafromFlorida 1,542]

Hey Everyone. I just learned of this forum. Great to be here. I am having my sleeve surgery on Tuesday (Aug 5th). I am single, live alone, have a small dog. The doctor said there was no issue with my coming home alone after surgery, and that I could even walk the dog (only a short distance to start). My sisters are all up in arms and want me go to one of their homes for the first week after surgery. I really just want to be at my own home. Looking for some input to help alleviate my sisters' concerns.

I would so hate to be somewhere besides home. I was sleeved Nov. 18, 2013. I drove to the store the 2nd day after surgery, a short distance (was not taking any meds). I took one dose of pain med when I got home from the hospital, and I was in the hospital less than 24 hours. I was walking the mall 5 days after surgery, slowly. You will be resting, can take the small dog out if you have no fenced yard, you can heat a bowl of FF Soup or broth in the microwave, get a popsicle, keep shakes, Water and Crystal Light in the fridge, and you are good to go. Watch movies with your dog all day. I am 67 years old and honestly I questioned that I even had surgery. Have a backup plan in case you have complications, and always call the surgeon if you think something is wrong. My husband was sleeved 2 weeks after me, and he had no pain and no problem with the sleeve. Good luck!

[reading mom 85]

I think you'll be fine alone. You'll rest better in your own home. The only issue I see is not driving for a week. If you have a volunteer to drive you around occasionally you'll do great!

[Kindle 8,667]

Just curious, but what's up with the not driving for a week? I was never told that with this surgery. I was told to not drive for 10 days after my neck fusion surgery, but that was beacuse I couldn't twist my head safely to look behind me.