Care after leaving the hospital

[keto_jo 9]

What kind of care will I need once I leave the hospital? Do I absolutely need someone at home with me, can I drive myself around?

(When I had my child, I didn't have any friends or family to help me so I had someone from work come pick me and my newborn up and drive us around the corner so I could drive myself home. So this wouldn't be anything new to me.)

My husband is currently in Afghanistan and the nearest family I have is my Mom but she is 2.5 hours away and she will be taking care of my child til I am healed. We have a farm/animals so her staying with me is not an option. At best she could drive up, take me home and stay the night but she would have to leave the next day.

Is this something I can do myself? Or do I need to be monitored in any way?

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[becomingmandikaye 262]

The only reason you wouldn't be able to drive is if you're taking the narcotic pain meds to manage your pain.

I was lucky and had my mom with me, but I didn't *need* her. The only other thing I can think of that may be an issue or inconvenience is the weight restriction. If there's something on the floor you need and it's too heavy, you may not be able to pick it up!

[Inner Surfer Girl 12,015]

You will need someone to drive you home. You won't be able to drive until you are off of pain meds.

I stayed home mostly by myself. I live near my mom and she checked on me throughout the day.

If you don't have any complications you shouldn't need anyone. It would be nice to have someone check in on you though.

[magoosmom 115]

They have already posted about not driving on pain meds. The only other thing is that you cannot lift anything over ten pounds. That was a limitation for me. My son is old enough to help so I was set on that.

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[suzzzzz 1,005]

I live alone and had a friend bring me home from hospital. I didn't need anyone once at home but had friends lined up to help in case I had a complication.

I would have your mom bring you home and stay the first night. Not sure if you are planning on taking care of the farm animals, but if so, that may prove difficult.

[UCLA man 101]

I live alone and didn't need any help. My greatest concern was if something happened to my 15 lb dog I wouldn't be able to pick him up. I wouldn't recommend driving until pain meds have been stopped. It was only 2 days for me. I also used a 'grabber' at home to pick up anything that fell to the floor

[moniquea 15]

I was in pain two days after I needed help to get up and go walk but mainly I couldn't get up by myself for a few days .

[KristenLe 5,979]

@@keto_jo You need to have someone drive you home (please don't just have them drive around corner to satisfy hospital. Who will be caring for the farm animals? Do you have any neighbors that could help you?