How tired will I be?

Today in church there was an announcement about a tutoring camp that they're doing this summer, focusing on reading. Teaching reading is basically the only thing that I am good at. It's the one thing that I know how to do So I would really like to help!

Here's the thing - it's the week after my surgery. I'm having surgery on a Wednesday, so I should come home that Friday. And the camp is the next week Mon. - Fri. It's only for 2 hours a day, though (2-4 in the afternoon) How tired were you the week after your surgery? Do you think you would have been able to do it? (And, actually - were you allowed to drive? That's important, too) I actually have a call in to my surgeon's office anyway, so I'll ask them as well when I talk to them, but I wanted to hear from people who have been there!

If I don't think I can do it, I may email her anyway and offer to let her use my reading games, CDs, etc. if they would like them. I just feel like I do so little and this is something that I could actually do to help - but at the same time it's no good for me to say I'll help and then be too exhausted (or hopped up on meds!) to do any good.

Thanks for sharing your experiences with me!
Sarah

Wow. I don't think I could have done it. Everybody is different, I'm sure. I was told not to drive until I was off the pain medicine and I could make a quick decision.  So if I'm reading this right, that Monday would be 5 days from your surgery. I really think it would be tough. I'm curious as to what others say though. Best wishes, Penny

Hi Sara!  I had surgery last Weds, home Fri and would no way be ready for something like that come tommorow.  Like Penny says, everyone is different but I would stick to your other way of helping by offering your games.  As far as being tired, its only when I take my pain meds when I actually sleep/nap other than at night.  I am still in pain and wonder how your pain is Penny at 3 weeks out?  When were you able to start eating your cottage cheese, applesauce?  I am so looking forward to eating some minced chicken and gravy.  Although he has released me to do so I feel I am not hungry enough for that yet. Sara, good luck toward your decision.  I know you want to help but perhaps like you said offereing your games and doing some pre-preperations for camp would be more your speed.   Hugs, Susan  :)

Susan, I really don't have pain any more. My stomach is slightly sore at times, usually only if I bend over. The gas pains started going away about 4-5 days after I was at home. 1 week after I came home from the hospital (so 9 days from surgery) I went to Wal Mart with my husband. It was really hard, but after that I started feeling so much better. My only complaint now is that I'm tired, but continue to push myself.  I haven't tried cottage cheese or applesauce. I have been eating alot of mashed potatos, refried beans, sugar free pudding, and pureed soups. My favorite food idea came from Courtney...93% hamburger in a blender. Take it out and put a piece of lowfat or fatfree cheese and microwave until melted. This is so good. My appetite has started to increase the last week or so. Take care, Penny

Good pm Sarah, How kind of you to want to volunteer for the tutoring camp. However, in my honest opinion I think you might consider lending the reading games, CD's etc as you've mentioned in your post. I think you'll be tired and will want to focus on your recovery at that time. As for driving that  was not an option at the point post-op. I believe its your kindness and willingness to support this camp but at the same time you've got to take care of yourself. Hugs..............

Speaking as comeone who signed for her new house and moved house the week after surgery - I was an idiot!!  I took 4 weeks off from work but never really rested like I should have. I felt alright but it is tiring to have commitments you HAVE to do when you do not really feel like doing them. Having said that we had lots of help and it was the easiest unpacking I ever did considering I never did any of it (I highly recommend it lololol!) Sarah - you are so sweet to want to help but seriously you should just rest until you are off all pain meds and not feeling like napping so much. Your body also has to get used to less nutrients for a while and then you have a whole routine to get used to of sipping water, taking vitamins and changing your way of eating, exercising and rest. There will be other summer camps when you will be so energized.... And please don't say teaching is the ONLY thing you can do as if it is nothing special - those who can pass knowledge on and teach our children should be honored!  Hope this helps Jackie

Sarah, I have to agree with the lovely ladies above. I certainly did not want to have any external commitments at that time. At 5 days post-op you can expect to be tired, not just because of the surgery but because you will not be eating much for a while. You may be totally focused on how you can take all your protein and water. You will be wearing a big "compression" thingy and you may be a little spooked that someone might bump into your stomach. You may be in a little pain, and may find that you want to be very cautious when you sit down or stand up. It is also possible that you may be somewhat emotional and wondering what in the world you did to yourself. (Don't worry, this may not occur, and even if it does, it is generally a temporary thing.) All in all, this would be a good time for you to be resting, reading a good book, and taking care of yourself and your new body. There will be other opportunities. I love your spirt, however. Joe

Sarah, hey girl, I think that is sweet that you want to help out but in all honestly I think you should take that time for yourself. Even its only for two hours a day it might be alot. I think you sending so things in to help would be nice, or maybe at the end of the week you can help out. Dr. E discharge instructions are no driving for 1 week, trust me after the ride home form the hospital your not going to want to drive ( I will tell you about that later). But talk to Dr. E and his staff  see what they think, also it depends on how you feel so maybe you should see how you feel then and go from there.  See Ya!!!

Ok Miss Sarah...everyone's already said what I WAS gonna say so now I'll just throw in my 2 cents worth in my own way.  STAY HOME!!!    Girlie, we gotta work on your self worth a tad...as Jackie said, you give a lot more than you recognize.  You chose this surgery for you & planned it so that it would not interfere with regular school days.  So please don't be pulled in to do for others when this is supposed to be YOUR TIME!  It is not being selfish & you aren't letting anyone down by not being there.  And there's still the whole summer ahead of you.  Once you're back on your feet, you'll find other ways to help.  Or, if you don't, that's ok too.  You have so many wow moments coming up that I want you to enjoy every single one of them as they come.  This is all about YOU!  Strange concept, huh?  So stop trying to do too much & just concentrate on YOU...little ol you!

Thanks guys - you all are too sweet

I really just had no idea how I would feel at that point, but it sounds like I'll have to pass this time. I am sure that once I am feeling better kids will still need help learning to read

Thanks again!
S