Will I need help?

Hi folks,
The countdown is on! In one week (July 13)  I'll be having my lower body lift and medial thigh lift. I went to my pre-op appointments yesterday, paid my bills and now it feels frighteningly real. I can't believe it's happening so quickly! Much as I want to do this, I can't help but be nervous about the outcome. One of the hardest parts is not knowing what to expect, since everyone's experiences are so different.

With that said, I was hoping to tap into your collective wisdom regarding help after surgery. I will be in the hospital for 1-2 nights (depending on my status). Assuming I have to stay for the second night, what kind of help will I need at home on day 3? When my husband leaves for work at the crack of dawn (4:30 am- yuck), will I be able to get myself in and out of bed? Will I be able to make it down the stairs and into my recliner? I am sure that's where I'll be for most of the day, but I wonder if I am going to need a pair of hands on that first day (or longer)?

If anyone had the same procedures and would be willing to share your experience/advice, I'd be most appreciative.

Thanks in advance

I only had TT but if you are going to be "alone" I would have someone else around if possible for up to a week for either sleep-over or arranged pop-in visits throughout the days. I guess I'm a wimp as I live alone and I always seem to have some funky weird things happen to me.
Good luck on this next stage on your journey!
Mikimi in Israel

I had a LBL last fall, and from what I remember day 3 was when everything started to get easier or more normal.  I would think it may take an extra day or 2 though with having your thighs done at the same time. 

I will say though that getting down the stairs to the recliner won't be much of an issue, because if your experience is anything like mine, you won't be able to lay in your bed until a couple weeks after surgery.  I've had other abdominal surgeries and was fine laying in bed right away after both, but after the LBL it was extremely uncomfortable for a while so I just slept in the recliner.

good luck to you!  I had a TT with full back lipo. ...stayed 1 night in the hospital.  My husband was home with me for 4 days before he went back to work and it was a big help.  I think you will need someone at home with you for a few more days if at all possible.

best of luck..it is so worth it

Patty

Hi!
I'm glad you posted this because I'll be just a few days behind you -- anchor TT and thigh lift on July 16 -- and am in the process of lining up my care now.

I live alone and my surgeon does this on an outpatient basis, but I've hired his OR nurse to come spend the first 48 hours with me. After that I've got a team of friends taking shifts for another few days (and two more overnights)... Then I'm hoping I'll be okay to be alone with periodic visits from friends to help out.

One of my biggest challenges has been that my 71-year-old mom, who is VERY unhealthy and unable to care for herself let alone me, really wants to come from FL to NC to take care of "her little girl." (age 47) I know enought from previous visits that she is much more of a hinderence than a help, and will become a second patient -- but it has been a real test of my boundary-setting abilities to take care of myself by asking her not to come for several weeks. (I can picture her falling here and needing to go to the hospital, and then my support system will need to focus on her and not me, when I really need their help for myself.) even though I am very clear that this is the right thing for me, I feel guilty about disappointing my mom.

Best wishes for a smooth and successful surgery this week. I look forward to hearing how it goes for you!


Laura

 I'm a couple of days behind you -- July 19th.  I'm scared and happy all at once.  I wanted to tell you not to feel bad about your mother.  My mother recently broke her hip and had to stay with me for a while.  It had disrupted my life with my family (hubby and two children) that I had to get her to go to my brother's house instead (he's married with no children).  She acted very hurt and mad and tried to lay the guilt trip on me for weeks.  Of course, I do feel guilty, but I had to take care of me.  We need to make sure we take care of ourselves.  I believe that the reason I remained huge for so long was because I didn't take any time or effort to take care of me.  I felt I didn't deserve it, and I still do at times.  
Just wanted to let you know that you are doing the right thing to help you recover the best way for you.  

Thank you! Moms and daughters -- can be a challenging relationship sometimes, but also a wonderful one at times!

What are you having done PS-wise? Good luck!

Best,
Laura

Thank you all for your advice, encouragement and support. It's such a help!

I am a total "planner" by nature and it is SO hard not knowing exactly what to expect. I am amazed at the range of experiences that people have. Some seem to bouce right back, others describe healing as a long, agonizing mess of complications and many people fall somewhere in between. I guess this is a good life lesson for me- you can't plan for everything and you just have to trust your insticts.

Only 4 days to go.... Ohhhmmmmmmm

I just had a number of surgeries (see sig) four weeks ago. If your recliner is downstairs, live in it for the first few days. Make sure you have plenty of pillows around you. Your medicine,food and drinks are within reach and you should be good to go. If you have friends that can stop by for a few hours for the first week that might help.

 

Edit to add: Good luck! 

Thanks so much. How are you feeling? Are the drains a hassle?