I have just a quick question. Did everyone need someone to be with them the first few nights out of the hospital to take care of them or were they able to do things on their own. My mom will be taking me too and from the hospital and only lives 8 blocks from where I live, but I was wondering if I need her to spend the night or if I would be ok on my own at home. I live alone. My kid is in college. I would be interested in knowing people's thoughts and experiences. Thanks

Having someone around the first night is a good idea. My first night home was really rough - definitely the hardest part of the recovery, by far. I couldn't even get out of bed on my own until the next day. You don't know how much you use your stomach muscles for *everything* until you can't.

If your mom can stay with you that night, you should ask her. You'll be able to muddle through if necessary (I did manage to get to the bathroom once on my own when my husband conked out on the couch downstairs and couldn't be raised, but it wasn't fun), but it'd be better to have someone there if you can.

Hope this helps!

I've always fared better after a big surgery, with someone staying with me. One of my sister's has volunteered to stay with me when I get home from my surgery, for a week or until I feel OK on my own, whichever comes first. Sometimes it's just nice having the company.