Has anyone recovered at home alone???

Hi Alice.  Everyone has said most everthing I would say.  Just to let you know, this afternoon I will be one week out.  I had surgery last Monday afternoon, went home Wednesday around noon, and live alone with 4 parrots.  I did have a friend come by and do the parrot feeding on Thursday morning just because I wasn't sure how I would be feeling but could have gotten by without him.  I just enjoyed not having to do it for one morning.  With friends checking in, I had no problems what-so-ever.  Did some light va******* the second day home and actually did some shopping yesterday.  I was amazed how smooth this recovery has been.  I slept in my own bed from night one - the only area that has been really tender and caused me to be careful with turning and getting comfortable is the lower left side where my largest little incision is.  That is still tender but better every day.  The last two night nights I've even been able to sleep on my stomach and on my left side.  That has helped as I am pretty much a close to being on my stomach sleeper.  I am a nurse as well so I know you have the knowledge to recognize any warning signs.  They will go over all of those with you before discharge.   I'ts great being on the loser's bench.  Can't wait to have you join us. Pam

Ah I know that lower left side pain very well!!!!! My husband took the day of my surgery off, and then the next day to bring me home, etc...but after that I was alone at home all day until my husband came home from work around 8pm every day.  I have 2 dogs but we just did it slow and easy with the potty walks.   So, it was ok...

Alice, the only thing I can think of is..... don't take a cab home. Have someone you know be with you... just in case. Maybe even hospice could help in that area. I had my older sister and mother here for about a week. I was ready to go back to the hospital. They were trying to out do each other as to how best to care for me. I was going batty BEST WISHES Millie

As long as you are having the Lap NY ...you will be good....it is the opeon that is sooo much more difficult as you have a huge incision to heal and it is sooo tender. You will do well. I am amazed that Eileen did it alone with her knee surgery as that is soo very painful and I did need help just moving my leg....but the lap RNY you will be good ...just stay safe. Hugs, Marti

I came home from the hospital, and the next day husband went to work.  I had pre-made broth before having surgery so that all I had to do was take a serving out of the freezer and microwave. Plus, all I wanted was the sugar free popsicles. 

Hi Alice, For both my GBS and panni/hernia I had to come home to my own self-care.  My sister checked in on me daily but I preferred to be alone.  I did wait a week before I let the dog come home.  The cats were really good girls during that time. Please have someone check in on you daily just in case you do need help. Good luck to you. Jeanne

I think you can do it.  The only two things you may need help with is it was hard for me to clean litter boxes as it hurt to bend over.  Also I had a friend come and tale my garbage out on trash day as it was to heavy to lift.  I also developed a seroma under one incision 2 days after I came home and had to have someone go for a prescription and some forgitten items.  I could drive as soon as I was off my pain meds and did so 1 week after surgery. 

Thank you All for you ending support!! You are the BEST!! Going to ask more ??'s next nut visit about possible month for this surgery. I have a new labor contract to negotiate this Oct and I'm hoping it's before that cuz I could recover during those mtgs...no lifting, etc and I'd be on vacation/sick leave so I'd be paid during that time then. I'll set up a cooler next to my chair and sip, sip, sip while negotiating. Thanks again Everyone!!! Alice

 I agree with the others.  I live alone and prefer to recover on my own.  Even after my knee replacement.. my G daughter only stayed with me at nite for 3 days.. only because the therapist came at 8:o00A.M.  and would have reported me if there was no one there.   It is nice to have your phone near you and to know  that some one is at the other end if needed.    Good luck to you.   Alice