Post Op Care Question

[Dar200 285]

I will be having RNY soon, probably in November. I live alone with my valiant dog, Roger the Sheltie. My question, do you think I will need to have someone staying overnight with me after I get home from the hospital? If so, for how many nights? I'm very independent and hadn't even considered it because I've had some serious surgeries (hysterectomy, kidney surgery) without anyone staying with me. Today my sister is insisting that I come stay with her for a week? I know I will want my own bed and quiet. So I'm asking for your experiences along these lines. I have two neighbors who can be here in minutes, I have a safe alert necklace in case I need help but can't get to a phone and I will have all fluids, meds, etc set up before I go to the hospital. Any feedback? Btw, my sister had surgery recently for the first time in her life and I think she really really was scared to be by herself, which is fine, that's just not me. Thanks!

[Sajijoma 1,324]

I know what you are saying. I'm kind of a person who wants to be home and left alone while I recover. The surgery could be rough though. You'll probably leave the hospital with a drain from what I understand, and there's medication and sometimes it hurts pretty bad getting up and down after surgery. My biggest fear would be that something go wrong in those first day or two and either you sleep too long without proper hydration and end up in the hospital, or God forbid, something leaks and you end up really sick. You might not have there wherewithal to know you are in bad shape and call 911 or your neighbor or push the button or whatever. If your sister wants to stay the first night or two it wouldn't hurt to let her. It'll ease her mind and give you some extra protection against a catastrophic event that could have been prevented.

[Dar200 285]

That would be nice if she wanted to stay the first night or two. She wants me at her place. I think I will hire a caregiver instead.

[red37 116]

I live alone too, though my sister came to stay with me for the first few nights. I had been planning on doing it alone. I also ended up spending three nights in the hospital. The hardest part would have been transportation as the hospital was an hour and a half from my house! I probably would have been ok by myself. But there were a few times I was in a lot of pain and a little scared because of it-it was nice to have her there to help me, bring me Tylenol and just reassure me.

[Daisee68 2,493]

At least one night after you are home then you should be fine after that. My mom stayed with me the one night in the hospital then 1 night at home and ideas ready for her to go! ????

[Dar200 285]

I'll be in the hospital for at least two nights so maybe I could convince her to stay here for one night. I really do not like her idea of taking me from the hospital to her one bedroom apartment for a week. I know she is trying to help but I think, well it just won't work.

[Daisee68 2,493]

Agree. No place better than your own bed!

[James Marusek 5,244]

There is a good chance you will be fine by yourself. I didn't have a drain. I believe most individuals do not have to have them. You will need some way of getting home. Don't expect to drive for a few days.

On the other hand, if someone volunteered to help, I wouldn't turn them down. At the least, it is a bonding experience.

[Dar200 285]

Thanks for your feedback. I now have friends and relatives lining up to come help me. Best friend is going to stay with me the first night home so no time way from my bed! And my dog. I really need him close by during my recovery.

[Sajijoma 1,324]

@Dar300 that is great! I really worried about the idea of you being home alone, but I understand wanting to be home too. I recover better in my own home with my own messes and my own critters around(cat, dog, kids) ???? I'm so glad you have both safety and comfort!

[Madtownsunshine17 42]

I went home alone after RNY after spending 2 nights in the hospital. I was able to get around fine, and did try to have my shakes and vitamins/meds all ready to go on the kitchen table. I think the hardest was trying to fit everything in (water mostly), when I was sleepy. I didn't have complications and had a routine surgical experience, so I think it may depend on the person. Good luck!!

[The Candidate 3,215]

I made arrangements to stay with family for the first week after surgery, as I live alone. I also had someone take care of my two dogs outside of the house. I was concerned that they might jump on my stomach as they are very affectionate.

My RNY was complication free and much easier than I ever expected it to be. By the time I left the hospital I was virtually pain free. The first night I slept comfortably in a bed with no issues. The next morning I drove myself home as I felt so good. A day later I asked for my dogs to come home too.

I think it's best if you make arrangements for help, just in case, and then you can always change them later based on how well you feel. Good luck!

[Dar200 285]

Wow! You did great! Luckily my dog has never jumped on me. I can't believe you drove yourself home so quickly! It's so good to hear that you had such a good experience. I live in an apartment. I have great neighbors. The one directly across from me is my age and wants to look after me. And a younger lady upstairs wants to come walk my dog. I think I'm going to do all right! Best friend will stay over night as many nights as she needs to.