Can I handle kids alone after surgery?

[should_be_working 0]

My husband has scheduled a business trip 5 days after my surgery. My kids are 6 and 7 years old so I don't need to worry about lifting them but I will have to be able to prepare their meals, get them off to school, help with baths and homework, etc. I've had two c-sections and I think I could have done all of that 5 days later but I'm not sure how this will compare and I am six years older and more overweight than I was then. I'll get a break while the kids are in school from 8:40 to 4. Any thoughts?

[tgilley 0]

I just had my surgery on the 20th of July... I have 7 and 8 year old boys. I felt like this recovery wasn't as bad as a c-section at all (also had two) and I felt pretty good on day 5. The boys were also aware that mommy was a little extra tired and couldn't help with everything.. they pitched in and helped!

[RestlessMonkey 7]

As long as you don't "cheat" your lifting restrictions when helping them out, I'd say yes, especially since you have already had surgery and know how you handle pain etc...and because they will be in school part of the time. DURING that time...NAP if you need to, though, ok? Or chill out. Rest yourself if you need it. Then yes, you'll be good!

(Have a back up plan just in case this surgery hits you harder than you think, though. It is lap surgery, many recover fast, but this is life and sometimes poo happens!)

[should_be_working 0]

Thanks tgilley. I hope you're doing well after your own surgery. I love hearing that it's not as bad as a c-section recovery. That will help keep any last minute nervousness in check.

[jodonnell 0]

I was back to work (getting my classroom ready for this year) on day 3. You probably won't feel like jogging a mile, but you should be fine.

[comtemplating 0]

I agree that you should have a back up plan just in case. I didn't think I was going to need any help with my kids but I felt pretty poor for almost a week after my surgery. Get something lined up just in case and get everything done and planned ahead of time- the little things that you can get done before will really help. Prep your children that you might be a little slow and would appreciate their best behavior . The good news is that if you are struggling in the am prior to school you know you will have time to rest while they are away. And don't feel one little bit guilty for resting and sleeping while they are in school- the housework can wait another week until your husband returns. The kids can survive off of frozen dinners or fast food for a couple days as well. You can do it- again, think ahead and get stuff wrapped up and ready and have someone on stand-by if you can. The naseuasness (spelling?) was most difficult for me and it is hard to accomplish much when you feel like that. Only the best to you and your family- everything will work out just fine.

[keithf 2]

+1 on having help on standby, especially if you discover that minding the kids is distracting you from what you're supposed to be doing for your own recovery, such as not injuring yourself if they get rowdy.

[LindaD 3]

I was REALLY sleepy those first few days, which may have to do with the pain meds more than anything. I stopped taking those after Day 3 and I was fine. Depending on the ages and the need to lift them, I would imagine it might be OK... my youngest is 5 and I had no problems. If your kids are not babies/toddlers, I would imagine you'd be just FINE.

[Ready4a2ndChance 0]

I was told that if you have to lift any children over 15lbs then to try and have someone there to help you a few days. I just got approved on Friday (YAY!!!) and I have a 4yr old and a 15month old that weighs 19lbs.......so my grandma and aunt are coming to help me for the week after. The 4yr old will be in preschool most of the day though.