What Can I do?

[livingstone 137]

I've scheduled for surgery on 1 March. It was a bit tricky finding a surgery date that worked since there always seemed to be something - work, personal life, study etc that coincided with it, and finding a two week window to be able to recover was really difficult.

So I plumped for 1st March as the least worst option.

But I do have some events in the two weeks afterwards -

So my surgery is on the Sunday, and on the Friday, I have tickets to the Opera and I really, really don't want to miss it.

On the same night, my best friend is having a party at his house for his birthday.

Do you think I should be able to attend both - I know I won't be eating of drinking much, and might feel a bit tender and have to take things slower - but otherwise, should I be OK to get out of the house?

The other thing I have is an exam on 14th March - I am hoping that I can use two weeks of being housebound to do some study - so I'm just curious if I will be well enough in the two weeks after surgery to do some study at home?

[JamieLogical 8,701]

Studying shouldn't be an issue and neither should taking your exam. As for the opera and the party, it really is hard to guess. Three days post-op I was running a mile through the Chicago airport to catch a plane (DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS). I would think you'd be fine sitting through the Opera, as that's not very physically taxing. And with the party, maybe just plan to make an appearance, but not stay long if you aren't feeling up to it?

The main issue I faced in the early weeks when it came to DOING anything was fatigue. I just got tired very easily and quickly. When I returned to work 15 days post-op, it was rough just trying to make it through an 8 hour work day sitting at a desk. Not because I was sick or uncomfortable, just because I got really tired. If you rest well during the day before your Opera and party, you might be able to string together a few good hours of high energy, but be prepared to sleep a lot the following weekend!

Now, if you are having issues with vomiting or anything post-op (I didn't), then it might be a lot more challenging to go out and about for any length of time.

[BLERDgirl 6,417]

It depends on how much you want this surgery. Scheduling around work or school is one thing, but scheduling around a party and the opera sound very minor to me. You may feel up to it if you are one of those who has a relatively easy time of it post-op. I was fine. I woke up sore but not in pain. However there are many who need pain meds & rest for at least that first week and don't really feel back to normal until 2 weeks post -op.

Honestly if you're ready to post pone surgery due to a party and a trip to the opera, I'd say you aren't really ready to commit to this surgery. I cleared my schedule for 2 weeks post -op. I ended up not needing the time, but my first priority was having a positive surgical outcome.

Edited February 13, 2015 by BLERDgirl

[livingstone 137]

Thanks - just to clarify, I'm not considering postponing - I'm considering whether I will need to cancel these and sell my tickets to the opera.

Also, it's really not just opera and just a party - the opera was my Christmas present to my partner, and the party is my best friend's birthday, so it's not just a case of wanting to go but also not wanting to let this surgery interfere with being a good partner and good friend.

[BLERDgirl 6,417]

There simply is no guarantee on how you will feel. You should be prepared to sell the Opera tix if necessary and I'm sure a bestie would understand if you aren't up for a party. Hopefully you'll have an easy time and can make it, there's just no way to say yes or no either way.

Edited February 13, 2015 by BLERDgirl

[alwaysvegas 702]

As @@BLERDgirl said, you may or may not be up to both the opera and party, but you must put your recovery before everything. I also had a fairly quick recovery, but did nap quite a bit and energy came and went. I did several hours of clothes shopping 5 days after my surgery.

Just make sure you take it very easy when you're out and about. The recovery can be very fast, but it is a major surgery and you should allow yourself time to heal.

Best of luck on your surgery and recovery!

[heav85 123]

I too have a simular situation. I have my final Dr apt on Feb 19 that's when I get my date. If it's two weeks from then it will be around the 5. But we were planning our daughters 2nd bday for the 7th. And we have to take her to a Dr apt that is an hour away on the 11 and the 12. Will I be able to do those things and have surgery too

[BLERDgirl 6,417]

I too have a simular situation. I have my final Dr apt on Feb 19 that's when I get my date. If it's two weeks from then it will be around the 5. But we were planning our daughters 2nd bday for the 7th. And we have to take her to a Dr apt that is an hour away on the 11 and the 12. Will I be able to do those things and have surgery too

It's a complete crap shoot. There is simply no guarantee. You may be fine or you may be wiped out. I would make the B-day a low key family affair and make a back up plan for the doctor's visit.

If these are must for you at your final appointment tell your surgeon you need a date after the 12th. Then clear your calendar for at least 2 weeks post-op.

Edited February 15, 2015 by BLERDgirl