Question:
How long after your surgery were you able to take care of yourself without help?

   — shelbabyrn (posted on June 13, 2002)

June 13, 2002
In what way do you define "Take care of yourself" As in doing bathroom things, or as in housework, cooking, cleaning, etc? I was able to do bathroom things from the get-go, Although I did ask my husband the first 2-3 days home to help me in the shower but that was mostly from being woozy from the pain meds. Housework? I didn't touch a thing for 6 weeks. After about 3 I cooked and my husband cleaned for me. At 6 weeks with the dr's ok I was doing everything. Those first 6 weeks when you're not allowed to lift anything heavy is the perfect time to adjust to putting yourself first for once. I've always taken care of my kids and husband but for once, I put myself first and learned that it's ok to not be Superwoman :p
   — Renee V.

June 13, 2002
I was shopping and up and around within seven days and back to work and a normal daily routine within two weeks. I had lap rny on May 9th.
   — Linda A.

June 13, 2002
Not me - although I took a shower on day one, it was with help. I also had to have help cleaning myself in places that I'd rather not talk about right now. :) I would say after about a week though, I started handling things better and on my own but it was a slow healing process. I got my drains out at day 9 and it made things much easier - I felt more secure in my wounds and wasn't as worried they were going to bust open. It seems like it took quite a while to get the energy that was zapped out of me during surgery but it's getting better each day. Some days are still a lot better than others and I'm 9-weeks+ out. Good luck to you and give yourself some time to heal.
   — Lisa J.

June 13, 2002
Healing time depends on what type of surgery you have. I had an open rny with a few problems and I was off work for 4 mos. I got an infection in my incision and had to have 4 minor surgeries and a lot of antibiotics to heal and feel better. I needed help for about 2 weeks after release from the hospital with everything and then needed help with a few things for a month more. I was taking a lot of pain meds and my mind wasn't really workin right!! On the other hand, my husband had the same kind of surgery and was up and on his own almost immediately. Everyone's body reacts differently. I hope you have a problem free recovery!!! Good luck to you.
   — RODEO CLOWNS S.

June 13, 2002
I took care of myself without help from day one. My mom drove me to the hospital but drove back down to the city we live in when I was settled in and ok. I went to the bathroom by myself, took a shower by myself. My mom picked me up when I was discharged and dropped me off in my empty house. It was lonely, and I could have stayed at my parents house and been taken care of, but that's just not me. It's definately do-able. =)
   — Nichole B.

June 13, 2002
I was alone basically from the hospital to the house. Financially, my husband could not miss a lot of work, he was there the day of surgery, though. Once I got home it was much easier to take care of myself. You can do it. Love, Donna in AL
   — Donna S. C.