And here we go.....

[binalyn]

Hi,

I have finally gotten scheduled for surgery. It's on 8/27.

I wasn't nervous until my sister who's a nurse started sharing stories about some one else's story - two of her co-workers.

How much help do I need after surgery?
How long will it be before I can expect to drive or even resume normal activity?

I'm single and I live alone. Any and all information would be helpful and much appreciated.

Thanks,
B

[ILoveMyBoutique]

Congrats and Good luck! Things will be ok I'm sure!

[binalyn]

Thanks for the encouragement. I'm working on getting my "head" right...lol.

[ILoveMyBoutique]

Me and you both! lol

[Rox]

You said that your sister is a nurse and she has "stories". You may need a little help after surgery, what about your sister, the nurse. I have read stories on here about people that have no pain, other people that had excruciating pain, you just never know. The hardest part after, just may be sipping enough water to keep dehydration at bay. But, then again, some people have no problem....

[binalyn]

Thanks for the suggestions Rox, but my sister is...well, it's complicated. She suggested I hire someone to come in and help me. I think that says it all. I am praying to have the type of recovery that isn't a horror story. I see that you are very closed to your surgery date. I wish you well and I will be watching for your post-op posts. Thanks, again.

[katente]

Can one of your friends help you? I hate to see you all alone. May be a relative. If not get as much done as you can before surgery. Like clean your house, laundry. Make some broth and freeze it, do some of your shopping for things you will need after surgery. I pray you will be ok.

[tesleenmitchell]

Im not sure if you need to hire someone. Although someone there to pat your back, almost like burp you like a baby was SO helpful! Im not sure if you have a close friend that may be able to come spend a few nights at your house?
I have heard of people powering through it alone. I didn't have much stomach pain but my back was killing me! I had upper back pain before and the surgery table and hospital beds put me into crying pain. All of the other patience that had the surgery the same day about 7 were walking and doing great. One lady did have issues with gas pain. She was walking around then on about the 3rd day it was the worst for her.
I would suggest you have someone around for the first couple days. And if you hire someone to come check in on you. Make sure you set yourself up nicely. Keep things near by, clean your house nicely before you go. Make sure you have bandages, proper wound wash, gas x, juice, freezies, everything under the sun so you don't have to leave the house.
I was in crying back pain couldn't move, once I had gotten a muscle relaxer and pain medication that worked for me on my 4th day I was doing fine. Even with my back pain so bad I was still able to slowly walk around a bit the 2nd and 3rd day. By the 5th day I was walking around stores getting out of the house for a hour or two. If your pain medication isn't working let the doctor know before you leave the hospital. I was really surprized at how well I felt so soon after the surgery and how well everyone else had seem to be doing.
I wish you an easy recovery!

[Denise56]

I am single and live alone, I did just fine. I only took my pain meds once at home, otherwise I just used children's Tylenol. I had myself all stocked up with liquids etc . I only had to wait 48 hours from last dose of pain meds to drive. Otherwise I did just fine! Good luck to you.

[AmyInOrlando]

I'm going to Mexico alone. Once I get home my Boyfriend will stay with me the first night. He has to work, so I'll be alone during the day. If I need him he'll stay here or I'll just stay at his house. The only work i'll be doing is taking care of the dog. Feeding and walking her, and keeping her off my tummy. I plan on giving the Kaity a bath and getting my house cleaned the day before I leave for Mexico. Making my list .... water the plants, plenty of RTD shakes and Isopure in the fridge, bottled water, liquid Tylenol, gas x strips......

[Rox]

I'm sorry about your sister, but i've got a brother - so you don't need to say more. Hopefully, you'll be one of the ones who fly through it. But, the other ladies are right, just get as prepared as you can - the medical personnel will want you up and walking around ASAP, so you won't be bedridden. Get your house prepared and get everything you might need for the next 7 days. I'll let you know what I am stocking up on, when I buy the rest and put it in the fridge tonight or tomorrow. Oh, I just thought of GasX and a heating pad for the gas.

[binalyn]

Thank you, Denise. I am so glad to hear that it is possible to do this alone - if I have too. Continued good luck on your recovery.

[binalyn]

Hi Amy,

Thank you for the suggestions. Would you be willing to share your list? I am worried about missing something? And I wish you a speedy and easy recovery....

[binalyn]

Rox,

I am still at the floundering stage of what I will need and/or want. The items you get for your recovery would be helpful and so appreciated.

Thank you!

[Town976]

I am 4 days post op and I am one of the lucky ones. I would have been fine without any help. I have been living on water, Premier Protein that I bought at Sam's, and soups. If the soups have anything chunky in them, I run it through the blender. I have 1/2 cup of soup twice a day. The only discomfort I have experienced is with spasms (the doctor gave me medicine before the surgery) and a little nausea (the doctor immediately called me in a prescription).

I sip, sip, sip ALL day.

Good luck!