Question:
Concerned about after surgery being by myself at night
My husband works graveyard, 20 miles away. I'm a little concerned if I should get ill while he is gone. I do have an 11 y/o daughter, but I don't want her to know unless it's so bad I need to go to the emergency room. I have no one else here.... — [Anonymous] (posted on February 27, 2002)
February 27, 2002
I will be mostly alone after my surgery (in May hopefully). I am prepared
to just call 911 should any major problem arise. From what I have read
here on the site, most problems (except blood clots) seem to take a while
to develop, and don't come on suddenly. But if anything major should
happen, I would follow what you would normally do while your husband is at
work...call 911 and let the experts take care of you. Hugs, Joy
— [Deactivated Member]
February 27, 2002
I understand your concern, my having two young daughter myself, but
children that age generally understand more than you thing and are able to
be very helpful when you feel ill. They will surprise you.
— dennis B.
February 27, 2002
I had surgery back in October and it worried me also that my husband works
afternoon shift as a supervisor in the coal mines....underground! Not that
is being totally unaccesible! It takes me an hour just to get a message to
him. Most of us are alone at least some time after our surgery. Be
prepared to call 911 if needed. You probably won't have any problems but
it is comforting to know they are always available. Does your husband
carry a cell phone with him? That is a comfort too. You could call him
even if he is 20 miles away. I can understand your worries but you will
probably not need emergency care. I called the emergency room once after
my first surgery because I had blood coming from my incision. I was
supposed to poke it with a long q tip because of drainage problem. This
kept it clean and open to drain. Well, apparently I poked too hard and it
bled. I panicked and called my doctor. The doctor on call was very
calming and told me what to do. The bleeding stopped and all was well. I
did call the mines to get my hubby home because it frightened me so. He
was home in about one hour. If it had been a true emergency, I would have
been at the hospital by then! Don't worry you will probably never require
emergency treatment. As for your little girl, 11 yr old daughters can be
remarkable when it comes to caring for our needs. They are little
caretakers at heart. She'll be a great little nurse for you! God bless
and don't worry.
— Marilyn C.
February 27, 2002
I am widowed and live alone. My daughter was planning to stay with me at
night for a few days after surgery. As fate would have it my granddaughter
was sick that week so Mom was needed at home. I was alone and did fine. I
had no problems and help was only a phone call away if needed. One side
benefit of the surgery that I found immediately after returning home was
that I did not have to go to the BR as frequently during the night. this
of course minimized my risk of falling or other BR problems. follow your
Dr's advice and you should do fine. Just listen to your body and don't over
do it. Kathy
— kathleen S.
February 27, 2002
I agree with the others that your daughter will be a great help to you. I
had surgery on 02/20/02 and my 13 year old and 9 year old are very helpful
and feel like a very important part of my recovery from surgery. You may
want to consider renting a hospital bed. One that raises the head up and
down etc... I rented one the morning after my first night home. Even with
help, it was a little rough getting out of my bed. The hospital bed is
worth every penny and you should be able to rent at any pharmacy. I know
the ones in my town provide this service. I feel better every day and
probably won't need the bed after next week. Don't worry and God
Bless!!!!!!!
— Billi B.
February 27, 2002
I am a single mom with 3 kids, 15, 14, and 11. All three were very helpful
to me and i'm sure your daughter will be too. Don't worry, if there were an
emergency, thats what hospitals and ambulances are for. You'll be fine.
— KarenB
February 27, 2002
I will be alone also. I have my mom if needed and I can "phone a
friend". But nights will be alone. Just knowing that the good Lord
will keep me safe through the night gives me peace of mind. Tell your
surgeon about your concerns and sometimes hewill give you assurance that
all will be OK. Mine gave me his pager if I needed him ASAP. That was cool.
It's like my own private 911. Good Luck and don't worry...too much. HUGGS
and Peace.
— Elizabeth P.
February 27, 2002
I will be alone also. I have my mom if needed and I can "phone a
friend". But nights will be alone. Just knowing that the good Lord
will keep me safe through the night gives me peace of mind. Tell your
surgeon about your concerns and sometimes hewill give you assurance that
all will be OK. Mine gave me his pager if I needed him ASAP. That was cool.
It's like my own private 911. Good Luck and don't worry...too much. HUGGS
and Peace.
— Elizabeth P.
February 27, 2002
I wasn't alone at night but I do know that I had the least amount of
problems then. I watched alot of good late night movies until I got tired
and went to sleep and slept the night away. Before your husband goes to
work, have him help you set up everything you might need next to your
bed.Like water, medications, tissues, walking cane, phone etc.... We also
bought two corbra walkie talkies since I was pretty much in bed the first 5
weeks the radios came in handy. Especially when I needed help with
something. I didn't have to yell at the top of my lungs for someone who is
on the other side of our house or outside. Best of Luck to you!!!!
— Laura G.
February 28, 2002
I am a couple weeks post op and have been alone. I came home after only one
day in the hospital. Being really prepared with what you need before hand
really helped! Don't count on being able to bend over to pick anything off
the floor! That was my biggest problem! I think you will do just fine!
— Joelle B.
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