I have a question? How much help from others such as family did you need after surgery? I am an only child, only grandchild on both sides, my parents have both passed away, no husband and no children and my circle of friends is very very small and most of them, live far away from me

We are your support now! You will never be alone in this. I look forward to keeping in touch with others who are going through this at the same time. When is your surgery scheduled?

Edited April 25, 201511 yr by SueZQ1965

Ditto SueZQ!!!!!!! You can always message me, click on my logo. And take some time and read the hundreds of posts on here, so you are truly prepared for the adventure ahead! Hugs to you.....

Ms Spiritfilled we got your back, anything you want to know ask and we can help. This is a great support system.

Donna

If you mean physically, none. Just a lifting restriction which wasn't hard to work around.

yep...you'd only need help with lifting. I'd just not lift until you are released to lift. My husband wants to do for me...anything. But, I don't need help. I would love it if he would do the laundry, but really....I did it the night before surgery, and we both have enough undies and socks to make it till I can lift 15 pounds again. You can definitely do this by yourself.

I live alone and didn't need any help. I made sure that the heavier chores (laundry, changing kitty litter, raking leaves) were done before surgery. My family all lives on the other side of the country from me, and I told my friends here to stay away. No offense to them but I didn't want them hanging around staring at me, or me feeling like I had to entertain them or something. I did just fine. It was nice to have time for myself and not have to worry about anyone else.

You do not physically or emotionally NEED any support. I imagine it would be nice to have, but you will be just fine doing it entirely on your own. As the others have mentioned, this is a great place to ask questions, find new friends, and get emotional support. In terms of physically caring for yourself, you do not need anyone once you have been sent home. I drove myself to the hospital and home and I had no one at home with me for the entirety of my recovery. If you want it, you can have it, and you don't need anyone!

Good luck!

None! Don't vacuum, don't lift stuff. I was outpatient, and drove the next day. Walk as much as possible to get the gas bubbles out and get as much rest as you can. If you do all your laundry and clean the house before surgery, you shouldn't need to do anything at all right after.

The only caveat is if you have a dog. My dog loves to chase an occasional squirrel so I was afraid to walk her for a few weeks post op. Other than that, there's nothing you shouldn't be able to do.

I am not planned for surgery yet. My first appt. is May 4th. I live on the 3rd floor too, so I lug a bunch of stuff upstairs. I guess more trips and lighter loads. No dogs, but 3 kitties. No vacuuming.???? You ladies are awesome so thank you

Physically, I felt good on the stairs as soon as I was off the pain meds. When I was taking them, i wanted someone around for the stairs and when I showered. Other than that, I didn't really need help from anyone else. I only even made sure my husband was around for my stairs and shower the first day I was home.

You won't have much to lug upstairs, because you won't be eating much. I would just make sure you have the basics before you go in for surgery. Have Protein shakes, SF popsicles and Jello, broth and tylenol on hand.

You will need someone to drive you home from the hospital when you get discharged and probably to get your prescriptions that day as well.

Thank you. I will have trouble,finding someone to drive me home. There are options in Houston for about $75. If I have to do that I have to do that. I am scheduled for colonoscopy and endoscopic thingy May 19 and have some to take me home for that. Just not sure about surgery, but then I have to get approved first

Do you belong to a church? Other community/social group?

Oftentimes there are people in our lives who would love to help if only they knew what we needed.

The only help I needed was getting the kids to school because I was on Tylenol with codeine.

Other than that I had all the "food" I needed and Water and I was good.

You could/should also check with your doc and hospital about having visiting nurses assoc (VNA) on standby just in case.