Question:
After surgery what kind of help will I need?

I've read through the similar questions in the library but would like your input. I actually live in NC but will be having my surgery in PA at the BTC in Langhorne. I'll be staying with my aunt and uncle. My aunt has been asking what type of help I will need when I come home from the hospital and I'm really not sure what to tell her. Any suggestions or tips would be greatly appreciated. For example...will bathing or wiping be a problem? What won't I be able to do? Thanks!!    — Rebekah A. (posted on August 17, 2002)

August 17, 2002
Hi....check out the beginning of my profile for my helpful hints for pre-surgery members...good luck! Diane
   — Diane Z.

August 17, 2002
I have a two year old and very little help. I stayed with mom for one week. After that I am on my own...my husband does do laundry with much nagging. The other stuff has all been up to me. I do not recommend it. While I feel better than i thought I would, I am beginning to get sore, and very tired. I lift my son, take out the trash. All things I know I should not do, but no one else will and it needs to be done...I tried to follow the advise of others and let it be, the work would be there when I healed...wet towels in the hamper got musty, gnats swarmed the trash can and I knew I had to do it. I certainly recommending having someone to help you.
   — MF

August 17, 2002
Well this is how i suriveved my first 2 wks home, my mom stayed overnite with me for the first 4 nights. I really didnt need her after I went to bed, since I took the pain medication and sleep VERY well. But both my parents where her everyday for 2 wks. doing dishes, laundry, cut grass, clean out my cupboards (im a pack rat), shop for any extra food I needed. My mom made sure I took my vitamins,drank my water, eat what I should, and kept me moving. She was also in charge of the potty problems, make sure you bring home disposable gloves from the hospital, made life a lot easier. They also had a stool that fit into the shower, and that was great, made me feel like I was in a spa (lol). Get as much help as you can, although I lost a lot of my privacy, I would have never been able to do this alone.
   — paulsgirl

August 18, 2002
I didnt need help to get around or anything at all... except for driving - you arent supposed to drive for 2 weeks after the surgery. I also needed help with housework - laundry, cleaning, cooking, etc.
   — Valerie H.