blondiebabs

I'll be pretty much on my own... my 20 year old son breezes in and out of the house all the time and he'll probably run to the store for me if I need something but I wouldn't exactly consider him a lot of "help".
Funny you mentioned the dog -- when the insurance nurse called to tell me my surgery was approved my dog was barking in the background and she asked me if I was going to have help with him or what I would do with him. He's big and she said she would worry if he would jump up or if I had to walk him where he might pull. He is a jumper and he does pull but I have a backyard to let him out in so I don't have to walk him. He'll probably just have to have some crate time until I feel strong enough to get out of his way if he tries to jump on me. So, it might be good to try to have someone to walk the dog for you at least for a few days. You never know when they might see a squirrel or something and yank you around.

My boyfriend left me and moved out a month before my surgery, so I was alone through the whole thing. Sadly he was my emergency contact at the hospital, and I really didnt even have one. My daughter is 20, so she drove me but she works and doesnt live me me. Luckily the surgery and recovery was easier than I thought. But I did it alone. Physically, it was easy, emotionally not so easy.

I had no help. My family isn't here and I didn't tell friends. I started feeling like I really could have used their help that 3rd and 4th day. I think I still had the morphine in my system that second day. It wasn't great, but you get through it; there's no other choice! And frankly, you can do what you need to do without assistance. By the 7th day, I felt so much better.

I'm not allowed to lift anything over 25 lbs. for 6 weeks. (I asked my doc. and this included walking my dog because he pulls.) If your dog doesn't pull, it should be fine. I don't have a lot of help either. My suggestions would be to have at least 1 freind you can call to vent. Also, before surgery, get your things in order: Pay the bills that need to be paid for 2 weeks after surgery, get the house and laundry in order, and have all of your grocery shopping done ahead of time. It'll be rough but not too bad. Best of luck to you!!!!

I'm married, but my husband was at work most of the entire week I was at home. So essentially I was on my own. I did not have problems doing normal things like showering or going out on walks. I did easy stuff like laundry, but no heavy duty chores. Going up and down stairs took more effort than anyting else, really. I will say put out there that my first four weeks post op have been really easy - really pain free and textbook. You can't assume your recovery is going to be the same way. If you are worried, ask a good friend to check in on you - either by calling or stopping by.

For the dog, you might look into a dog walking service. Another possibility, depending on how your house is set up is to install a flap door to the backyard so the dog can go in and out on their own. You can have a Lixit installed on a faucet *inside* of the house (so you don't have to deal with freezing issues in the winter). The dog licks it, a valve goes up and the dog gets fresh Water any time it wants. That way you don't have to lift Water bowls. I can't remember the name of it offhand, Gentle Leader?, but there is a leash that fits around the dog's face/jaw that makes it easier to handle the dog without being pulled too hard.
The surgeon will instruct you on what you need to eat and drink and when to do that. For example, for "Clear liquids," you can choose water, diluted fruit or veggie juices, broth-based Soups, flavored water, unsweetened tea, coffee, Crystal Light, sugar free beverages, Jello, popsicles and applesauce. For "full liquids" you might have hot cereals (i.e., oatmeal, grits, cream of wheat), creamed Soups, yogurt, pudding, milk, custard and sherbet. Some people drink read-to-drink Protein shakes or add Protein powder to up their intake.
I've been told no caffeine after surgery because it stimulates your body to produce more stomach acid. Also, it's best not to drink anything carbonated.
Those are the basics. On this site, you'll find many suggestions on what Protein Powder tastes best and how to make what you're eating taste better.
Best luck to you and your pooch!

LOL @@Roo101769 TGIF for sure! I'm determined to do what it takes, and everyone's comments have definately helped my anxiety about it. I kept thinking I know other people have done this alone, I'm not reinventing the wheel here.

Oh my gosh @@dariablah, that is rough. I'm sorry that happened, but I'm glad the physical part wasn't too bad. I hope you are doing better emotionally now. I know those things can take the longest to heal from.

Thank you ladies! That is very helpful. That is the main thing I've kind of had some anxiety about, not knowing how hard it is to get around and do stuff. =) Lucky I live in a 1 story building, have a dog park about 30 ft or so away from me, and my dog is old and slow enough that he doesn't typically pull. I really appreciate the great tips too =D