Post op question

Hello.  I am a new member, but I have been to this site everyday for almost a year.  Thank you for all the wonderful information.  I am scheduled for rny surgery at Toronto Western on April 24th with Dr. Penner.  My mother is coming to town to take care of me as I live alone.  My question is how much care will she need to provide?  I know the first few days she will want to stick by my side.  But she doesn't come here very often and I don't want to cause her to not be able to visit friends, etc.  We are staying in a hotel near the hospital for a week after my surgery.  Because I live about 3 hours away, they asked me to stay nearby just to be safe.  I figure I will be mostly sleeping or resting, but she is thinking she should be in the room at all times in case I need anything.  I should say I have no health issues, but this will be my first major surgery.  I am 42 years old.  Sorry if this doesn't make much sense.  I am getting more anxious/excited as the date gets closer.

Welcome to the board!  Yes it does make sense. 

The first day you are out, you both may be comfortable with her around the hotel.  Then go by how you feel.  As long as you stay in the room, nothing is really that far.  Just make sure that you are able to call her if you need her to come back.  As you said, you'll be resting and walking within the room.

Cathy

I breezed through surgery! Had surgery at 12 noon on Thursday, went home at 12 noon on Saturday and was alone and caring for my 4 children as of Sunday morning. Did not take one pain pill after leaving the hospital. 

You just never know how your recovery will be. I may be the minority...lol

Id say as long as you can call your Mom, you should be OK. Maybe have her stick close by the first day. Good Luck you are almost there!

My mom came to stay with me for 4 days.  It was probably two days too many. LOL

However, I was happy to have her there, that way I could nap or rest whenever I needed and she took care of cooking, cleaning, answering the phone, etc.

Thank you all for your responses!  This is great! 

I love this answer!  Years ago I had surgery on my nose and they wanted me to have someone stay with me the first night.  I ended up staying at my parent's place. I could not wait to get home and be on my own!!! I'm not a great patient. 

Incredibly sweet (and mom-like) to come stay with you.  RNY was my first surgery, major or otherwise, too. After a couple of days in the hospital I went to my parents' home and stayed with them for a couple of days. I can honestly say, by the end of those couple of days I was beyond ready to go home and fend for myself. In fact, I had my bags packed and waiting at the door and couldn't get out of there fast enough. LOL  Too much "togetherness" for me.

Of course, it depends on your recovery but really I can't see your mom having to stick around the room to be with you at all. You should be able to care for yourself just fine. Yes, you'll have some pain/discomfort at first, but you'll get used to it and power through it. It shouldn't be anything you can't handle. You will rest a lot, sleep a lot, and spend the rest of your time walking around the room and sipping water and trying to pass gas.

LOL Karen.  Thanks for the reply.  Now I can focus my worry on my relationship with my mom and stop thinking about the surgery.  heheh  Glad to hear from someone who has never had surgery before. 

I had surgery tuesday, was home thursday and driving on my own Saturday.  My mom came in the house to drop me off and get me settled, but I was on my own after that.  My sister came around for a few hours in the evenings and it was more for company and to take my dog for a walk. Otherwise I was good on my own.  I was 40 when I had my surgery.  

You're in the home stretch now! After surgery, the real fun starts!

Sonja