Hello,

I need some advice regarding having someone help me the first few weeks of recovery versus not having anyone to help me and doing recovery on my own alone.

So here is the thing, I live alone in DC and my entire family is in FL. I chose to do it in DC because I really like my surgeon. I am planning on having no help during recovery and I will be taking 4-6 weeks off from work (depends how I feel). My mom thinks I am crazy (maybe she is right) and she says she wants to take the whole month off also to be with me. I feel bad because I don't want to jeopardize her job and I am not really sure that she need to be present. She suffers and worries when she sees me sick. Now, has anyone done the recovery with no help from anyone at home? Do you regret it? Those that help from others at home, were you glad someone was available or keeping you company? Or did you think you could've done this alone? Do you think maybe only the first week is needed?

Also, I haven't asked my surgeon but I was thinking of doing recovery in FL, but I am afraid if there are complications that my surgeon won't be readily available. Also, I still don't know how often I will be seeing him post-surgery. My next appointment is this Thursday, so I will ask him all these questions as well, but I wanted to get your opinion or thoughts on all of this.

Any advice is much appreciated. Thank you!!

Edited August 31, 201411 yr by bluedreams86

I did very well with my recovery, but did not feel good about driving for about 4 days. I was very tired and had severe headaches. I was off narcotic pain meds after first day home. I suggest getting liquid Tylenol (Drug Mart carries their own brand) for pain if you don't need the heavy stuff. It helped me a lot and not many side effects. I took it about 3-4 times after I got home for pain and headaches. I think the headaches were from the drugs at the hospital and also to the food withdrawal (like an addict). They were debilitating and rest helped.

I am raising my 3 and 9 yr old granddaughters by myself and have surgery scheduled for Oct 7th I have just bought a ticket for my daughter who lives in another state to come for 1 week hope that is enough time.

I would think if you aren't on painkillers it is fine. I didn't need any after the first 24 hours. I bet the docs don't want you to if you are still medicating.. IMO

That is exactly what they told me at my follow-up. :-)

I am raising my 3 and 9 yr old granddaughters by myself and have surgery scheduled for Oct 7th I have just bought a ticket for my daughter who lives in another state to come for 1 week hope that is enough time.

As long as you don't have any complications or have underlying health issues, a week should be long enough. Best of luck to you! :-)

I had gastric bypass laparoscopic and my husband works at home He was available for me but I really didn't need him much. I could've had someone come over once a day I think. Good luck

I'm pretty sure one week would give you enough time to recover while she's there.

I am glad I have been reading this thread. I kept going back and fourth about bringing her here away from her family but decided for peace of mind one week would be best for the kids.

Thank you everyone for the wonderful advice and for sharing!

I know I can probably do this alone, but my mother is so stubborn.....sigh.... there is no stopping that woman!! We made a pact that she can stay for a week and if I am in the clear, she can go back home on time or earlier. Quite truthfully, I am looking forward to spending some alone time after surgery. Two weeks of my mother, I would probably go crazy or check myself into the hospital lol

I know a few people who have recovered by themselves and done fine. But there is always that off chance that there will be complications, or that you just won't feel as well as someone else did. Everyone's experience is different. I understand not wanting your mom to jeopardize her job, but remember that it can also give her peace of mind to be with you and see for a fact that you are ok. My parents live in town (my husband took care of me) and dad called every day for over a month. They worry. Maybe let her come for a week?

It's good to have someone with you for at least the first few days. You won't be able to drive until you are off pain meds and your energy level will likely be zapped fairly quickly. I'm sure it's possible to manage on your own, but I felt better having my Mom with me. In my case, my husband is a Type 1 diabetic with lots of complications and it was very reassuring to have extra help not only for me, but for him as well.

I didn't need any help. If you have small children, though, you may need help because there's no lifting or heavy cleaning.