Question:
I live alone. Should I arrange for someone to help me for the first two weeks post-op

   — Cindy S. (posted on April 6, 2000)

April 6, 2000
Not to disagree with Mellie, but I think there are some variables. In Mellie's case, she absolutely needed help (two kids - yeesh!). On the other hand, I am single, fairly young (31), very mobile and pretty healthy. Help would have been <b>nice</b>, but I survived just fine without it. If help is easily attained, I say go for it. If it's not, I wouldn't sell your house to pay for it.
   — Kim H.

April 6, 2000
In my opinion, it would be much safer to have someone with you...any complications are likely to occur during your early post-op days, and having someone with you could make a critical difference in that case. If cost is a problem, check to see if your insurance will cover home-health care or sitters. Best wishes!
   — [Deactivated Member]

April 6, 2000
Carol, Denise and Mellie bring up good points. OK, I take it back - get help. :-)
   — Kim H.

April 6, 2000
Dear Cindy: I had open RNY and I live by myself. I don't know how I would have survived without the help I had - my mother and sister came to stay for a week and a half. I highly recommend that you have help.
   — Margaret M.

April 6, 2000
Hi Cindy - I also live alone. My doc won't perform surgery unless there are arrangements for family/friends to stay during the first week after discharge from the hospital. I actually stayed with my brother & family for 3 weeks (I really dragged out the recovery period - they were waiting on me hand and foot). It was very good to have someone around all the time - I probably could have survived - but why torture yourself if you don't have to? In the unlikely event that something is extremely uncomfortable or the unexpected occurs - you have someone right there with you. I hope you'll consider having someone stay with you.
   — Toni B.

April 6, 2000
Please take the advice of all the post-op people that said "get help"! I too could not wipe, wash, go to the bathroom, etc. without the assistance of my wonderful husband. I even tried to do some things on my own but it was impossible. It took about 3 weeks for me to do anything and even after that I needed his help for basic things. Also, be prepared to sleep in some type of chair (hopefully you have a recliner or something similar. It took a while before I was able to lie down in the bed. So please do yourself a favor and "GET HELP!"
   — Denise G.

April 6, 2000
Hello, I would suggest that a great deal to have someone their to be by your side to help you out. main thing make sure you get up & walk, walk walk OK Diana [email protected]
   — Diana B.

April 7, 2000
I am a 64 year old woman, live alone, and have 2 dogs to care for. I managed just fine on my own. The trick is to prepare...I had done all my shopping in advance, had house clean and laundry done. I slept in my recliner (easier to get up) and had no problems.
   — Jeannette S.

April 7, 2000
Jeanette, I am so glad you posted that! I was beginning to feel like a freak for having been alone post-op! I do want to clarify, though - I had friends who came over to help with little things, like running errands and filling prescriptions, stuff like that. Also, one dear friend drove an hour on Christmas Eve to help me wrap presents - now how cool is that? Anyway, yes, being alone is possible, but it's nice to have people to help out.
   — Kim H.

April 7, 2000
It seems that people who have an open operation may be in greater need for help than someone who had a lap. I went to stay with different sisters for a couple of weeks after my operation. To be honest with you, I was fine and abke to do whatever ia needed for myself (though sometimes it was a bit tough). I know that I would have been okay if I had come home and been alone, just prepare ahead of time with food in the house and other things, too, as mentioned by others. I think it is a good idea to have friends call and check in and maybe come by for a visit. See if they would be willing to pick something up for you from a store if necessary. But I wouldn't be afraid of being alone, especially if you're used to it. I found that I had to let my sisters help me because they wanted to, not because I needed their help. I'm not a hero, just telling my story. (Oh but the wooden spoons were helpful in the bathroom! And I never, ever thought I'd need them LOL was I wrong!)
   — Fran B.

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