Surgery is 1/30 - Do I need someone at the hospital with me?

Hi All, My surgery is scheduled for 1/30/04. I haven't thought about having someone there (at night while in the hospital) with me. Will I need someone? Also I was thinking that I wouldn't need someone at home with me as soon as I return. Am I crazy or will I be able to take care of myself? Angela

ANgela, Depending on your surgery, but I am sure that you will need someone the first few days at home if not the first week. You will be on pain meds and definitely not be able to drive yourself. With any surgery not to drive at least week to 10 days or more depending on surgery. Plus wouldn't it be great to have someone wait on you hand and foot. Good luck and wishing the best for you for a speedy recovery. Leslea

Angela, My surgery was Jan 7, 2004. My advice based on my experience is this; you probably won't need someone at the hospital with you because if you are like me, you will be sleeping most of the time. The pain meds they give you in the hospital just about knock you out. I couldn't keep my eyes open even when I had visitors. As for when you come home, I would say having someone with you for at least a week would be a really big help. You may still be hurting a little, or feel tired from the pain meds. They can help you make sure you take all your meds, and get enough to drink, remind you to walk and do breathing exercises, etc. Best of luck! Becky

My surgery was July,2003. And the hospital staff was great! And when visitors came. I was unable to visit with them. I couldn't keep my eyes open. But at home. That is another story. Yes, you will need someone there to help you. For at least a week. If not more. Be sure to take it easy! And don't over do it! I wish you lots of luck! You have taken the first step to a bright new future! Lots of Luck! Kim

Hi, my surgery was 1/8 and I didn't need anyone at the hospital, you are so sleepy all the time I did not even hear the phone ring . I slept the entire stay and the nurses are there for whatever you do need. However coming home was different, I had no one home except my 9 year old and 4 year old, my husband was working a lot of hours so I was on my own and that was rough, my 9 year old son my helped me so much but it would have been great to have an adult around to help and do things so that I could rest, I had to stay awake to watch the kids and do light housework no matter what, so if you can get someone to help you at home for a few days do it. It is not an easy first week, you feel tired and weak with no appetite, so even trying to get your liqids down is diffficult, now it's 2 weeks I can do light cleaning and some cooking but I am still tired by afternoon and I have no energy by the time dinner ends, it is rough staying awake until the kids go to bed, so try to get help.Good luck, I lost 12 lbs from my initial visit that was 2 months and 3 holidays before surgery, so I am sure I gained in between, Think positive!!!

Angela, my surgery was 1/6 and I had surgery out of state. My brother and his family live in the area but no other friends, family etc. Like most of your other replies, while in the hospital I was too sleepy or busy walking to have someone with me. I then stayed with my brothers family for 3 nights, then went to a suite at a nearby LaQuinta because of my brother and sister in law's work schedule and school. It was much quieter at the hotel, but boring. I was there by myself for 4 days, then I was able to come home. My mother stayed at my house for 2 or 3 days once home, and I have to admit, although I was able to get up and walk around on my own, it was wonderful to have Mom help with laundry and grocery shopping and putting lotion on my legs, it still hurt to bend way over! But it was more of a sleep over for fun, not because I had to have someone, except for driving. My suggestion, is to see how you feel at the time, have someone in "reserves" just in case you want someone with you. It may be that you would want company but I think at the hospital you are OK on your own. You won't believe the number of people that come in your room day and night to check on you and see what's up! I felt like I had a revolving door and that a light went on outside as soon as I felt sleepy! So someone would come in and need to do something! Good luck. My experience was MUCH better than most of what I read about. Sarah

Hi, my reply is about the same as everyone elses. No, you shouldn't need anyone with you at the hospital. Yes, you should have someone with you at home to keep an eye on you if nothing else. I had surgery 1/13 and always have someone with me. My husband had to go out of town for the last two days and his mom came to be with me. We have a wood stove that needs to be done often. Was -15 here last night. So I need help to lift the wood. I can do pretty much everything else except bend over too. I would definitely have someone with you, it will make you feel better.