Question:
I am a single mom preparing for surgery...... how long should I expect to need help

caring for my daughter after I am home?    — Renee C. (posted on April 29, 2002)

April 29, 2002
I think that answer depends alot on how old your children are. I had surgery 4 weeks ago and needed help for about the first 3 weeks but my kids are 2 and 5. Mostly because I couldn't lift them and/or pick up alot from the floor. You may have trouble doing household chores like laundry, vacuuming ect...Good Luck with your decision and may God Bless you.
   — Leah H.

April 29, 2002
Hi. I am 13 days post-op and my sister comes in about 5-8 hrs a day. She helps me with laundry and my youngest who is 4 yrs. old in June. If your daughter is very young then I would agree with the Leah. You should try for 3 weeks with a helper. Once you have your first check-up with the Dr. at 2 weeks you will know by then how much more help you will need. I am aloud to do the laundry,but, I won't lift the baskets of clothes yet. I am aloud to drive after 9 days post-op ,but, don't feel comfortable doing it. Alot of what you do will depend on the Dr.'s orders. I'm not allowed to use the vaccum because of the back and forth motion. So, you see, 3 weeks seems ideal for you. If your daughter is older she may be able to help also. I have 3 older sons 11, 11, and 10. They are a constant help to me when my sister leaves for the day. Good luck and God Bless.
   — Jennifer F.