Kids & surgery

My boyfriend has a 6 year old son, that I call my own. My concern is his reaction to seeing me in the hospital & all that comes with that. Then I have heard from many people to expect not to be able to wipe yourself the 1st day or so home. I'm fearful he will get scared/ freaked out by the whole process. We have discussed swapping time with his mother. ( surgery is March 22nd) I know I'm going to miss my little man though.  I would like feedback on what others have done during this.  Any suggestions?

 I've posted about this before. If you look up "What to tell my 7 year old" you will find some feedback. It is only from a couple of weeks ago, so shouldn't be too hard to find. I am right there with you, that is one of my biggest concerns.

Thank you!

if his mom is open to swapping time, i would... it will give u time to rest and heal and ur bf time to dote and spare lil man some of the immediate/gruff reality... i would deff still talk to him and explain all the changes going on tho... good luck!

He's totally inquisitive with everything so we have been talking some.  Although we haven't discussed the actual surgery yet. I thought after might be better. He has been intrigued with a lot of the new recipes I've tried & my shakes & has even tried them...lol!  

 I was completely exhausted and in pain for the first 5 days...so definitely take advantage of swapping out the time. I was in no mood to be good company for hubby or kids...and you really just need to rest and take your tiny walks around your home.

But I was able to wipe myself...no need to worry about that....LOL....the showering and dressing was a *****allenging, so hubby helped me there....the hardest thing about the whole surgery was the getting in and out of bed and sleeping on my back...I was so happy when I was able to resume side sleeping.

It's good to know I should be able to do that! lol  I haven't been told anything about side sleeping. I have been told it may be most comfortable to sleep in chair but nothing on side sleeping. Was it a comfort thing or a directive not to & if so why?

He's a ball of energy & extremely inquisitive with basically everything. So it sounds like it will be the better idea to swap time.

My 2 cents...   The hospital is no place for a 6 year old when you are newly post-op.  It is scary for kid.  They are so empathetic and worried that he may be upset if he sees that you are in pain.  Some hospitals see kids his age as an infection risk and will not allow such young visitors, so make sure you know your hospital's policy when makimg your plans.  I remember very little of my first 24 hours after surgery. I mostly slept, sipped and walked when they told me to.  One of the docs from the surgical team that I must have met on that first day came into my room early in the morning of day 2 to check on me and my response was "Who are you and what are you doing here?"  So if you are worried about missing your son, wait until you are feeling better and can enjoy the time more.  I was only in the hospital for two nights, so if he could be with his mom, I really think it would be easier for everyone.  He can talk with you on the phone or you can do face time or skype if you really need to see him.

These were some of my concerns. I also felt like I was being mean in some weird way by not, per say wanting him there. I really appreciate the input & hearing your experience.  Thank you!

You are welcome!  Good luck!