Question:
Live alone, having surgery on Nov 13, 02.
I will be in the hospital for about4 days. After that I CAN stay with a friend if need be, but I would rather be home. Would I be ok at home alone? I don't have the option of anyone staying with me, and the friend I could stay with works. Has anyone NOT had help at home? — Temeron (posted on October 20, 2002)
October 20, 2002
You never said whether you were having open surgery or lap?
I think you will be okay by yourself though, as long as you have someone
coming to check on you every so often,, good luck with your surgery!!!!
— bikerchic
October 20, 2002
I stayed alone during the day(hubby works) I only needed help getting in
& Out of bed and the shower(I have a whirlpool which is about 24 inches
high) Otherwise I did fine on my own..Best of luck to you....
— Sharon1964
October 20, 2002
Hi Rose,
I also live alone with my two cats, but my sister did stay with me for two
days when I came home. It was more for comfort than anything else. For the
few things that I cannot do right now, I have a neighbor and my sister come
over to help. (Like taking out the garbage, driving me to my appointments,
and emptying the cat litter box!) Do you have some friends or family who
could stop by each day to help with the physical tasks till you are
healed?
Take care,
Phyllis (Open RNY Proximal Oct 7,2002)
— Phyllis M.
October 20, 2002
Hi Rose Mary.. everyone is differnt, some. like me, had a breeze through
surgery and recovery.. I had help out the ear at home that I likely could
have done without. Conversely, there are others who really need the added
support. For your comfort you might plan on going home, and have your
friend check in with you a couple of times a day, or be able to call them
if you need anything. Then just do as much as you can before surgery, such
as house cleaning, laundry and such and have things on hand that you'll be
able to eat and drink. Just my 2 cents. Best of luck. ~Peace
— Joscelin
October 20, 2002
I had Lap RnY and my friend stayed with me for about an hour after we got
back from the hospital. I didn't need any additional help. I was able to
take care of myself just fine and I prefered not having anyone be around
me. I also started driving and going back to work part-time 5 days
post-op. Good Luck!
— Rachel M.
October 20, 2002
Rose Mary, everyone is different. I, too, live alone, with my cat -
however, I was happy to stay with a good friend for a few days. I didn't
have to worry about having to do anything around the house, and I also knew
that if I needed any special attention in those first few days, someone
would be around to take me to the hospital. If I didn't want company, I
stayed in the guest room and slept. But mostly, I was glad to have the
company.... I was home 7 days after surgery, me and the cat, and I was
fine.....
— Marjorie B.
October 20, 2002
Rose Mary although I don't live alone I wish I did. My children ran me
crazy. They still wanted all my attention, but you know what... I refused.
I told them that I was on sick leave and that means from them and they
better do for themselve for a while. After I laid down the law They were
wonderful, never gave me a hard time, got themselves ready for school,
prepared there own meals, (one is 16 the other one is 10 years old) I was
catered to left and right. They was just glad to have their mother back. I
had friends and family call and see how I was doing, I told them I never
had it so good, Honestly I could have survive on my own because all I did
was sleep, walk and lay around. Boy that was the best vacation I ever had.
You'll do fine.
— Rebe W.
October 20, 2002
My Husband pretty much moved out after I had the surgery. My son brought
me home, but had to go back to the Marines the next day. I did fine -
slept on the couch and took my pain meds. I could move around and do
everything I needed to do. Actually, I think it was better that way - I
had no choice but to fend for myself, and I think I bounced back much
quicker. I went back to work (computer job) at 2 weeks post op. I'm now 5
weeks out and doing great!!
— Janelle G.
October 21, 2002
Rose--I too am alone. I had lap rny on 6/4/02 and though I did have a
friend to take me home from the hospital, I fended for myself from that
time out (she and her hubby did take care of my dog so I was blessed in
that way). I had no trouble at all. I was sore but able to drive to the
store the next morning. Just have a pillow to clutch against your tummy
for when you move about or have to cough/sneeze--it does help. Should you
have any questions or just need a friendly word--please feel free to email
me. [email protected]
— Bambi C.
October 21, 2002
Greetings,
I too am alone and will have to fend for myself. My surgery date is
12/05/02 and I have booked a car service to take me to the hospital and
back home. Also as far as house duties I asked around and got a house
keeper to come in once a week and twicw the week of surgery and the week
after to take care of small chores -if she's good I'll keep her in the long
run- I hate house work :)
Feel free to email me maybe we can chat
What state are you in?
— ACOTTMAN
October 21, 2002
Well I was alone a lot right after surgery, jen had to work. The biggies
were showering and getting out of bed. I put extra pillows under my upper
body, they moved somehow and I woke up calling out whale on the beach. Jen
helped me get up, if she wasnt home I would of been stranded. I would try
to have someone around for a couple days till your more mobile. Barb
thompsons great book suggests getting your surgeon to perscribe a rehab
hospital for a couple days after discharge if you live alone.
— bob-haller
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