My mother is going to stay with me while I'm in the hospital, and I'm planning to stay at her house to recover afterwards. However, I'm dreading it. I've recovered at her house for another surgery, and it was terrible. We don't get along and she's a cruel control freak, so if there is any way I can go back to my own house after surgery, I would like to.

Does anyone know how much care I will need afterwards? Will I need someone to stay with me after the first day, or is it okay to stay by myself? Will I need someone to help bathe me, etc? I have friends that can pick up prescriptions for me if needed.

Thanks for your advice.

I spent the night in the hospital but my husband stayed that night with me. I was happy he did since my nurses were crap.

The next day I was sleeping most of it so didn't do too mcuh. I had liquid tylenol and PM. Water, etc.

Hi,

I don't know what your starting weight is but you should be able to bathe yourself after surgery. It is my understanding that you will be very gassy after surgery, the best way to relieve the gas is to walk it off. (Check with your doctor.) My surgery is scheduled for April 8, 2008 so I can only tell you what my doctor has shared so far. My doctor said one of the most important aspects of this surgeries success is to try to keep your life as stress free as possible. If you and your mother don't get along, maybe a really close friend might stay with you at your house.

Good Luck!

Thanks for all of your suggestions, I appreciate it!

What about climbing stairs and driving? I'll have to drive myself to the hospital - nobody else to do it. My doctor likes to keep his patients overnight. I guess I could take a cab to and from surgery, but it'll be expensive.:thumbup:

It depends on how well you tolerate pain and discomfort. Also, what daily routines would you not be able to take care that still need to get done. You will not be able to lift more than 10 lbs. for about three weeks (to prevent band slippage and hernias), so if you have little children, then that could pose an issue. You will probably be on pain medication for the first week, so you will not be able to drive. Even after I was off pain medication, I was too sore to sit up straight and drive.

I would suggest planning to have someone help you the first week. They don't have to be there 24/7, but it will relieve stress. Less stress... means quicker and safer recovery.

What about climbing stairs and driving? I'll have to drive myself to the hospital - nobody else to do it. My doctor likes to keep his patients overnight. I guess I could take a cab to and from surgery, but it'll be expensive.:thumbup:

My hospital would not release me without a driver. You may need to check into that!

Good luck!

If you prepare in advance you will not need a caregiver. I would so much rather be alone than with someone whose company I don't enjoy when I'm not feeling 100%!! I agree with the prior posters you'll want to plan ahead to have your meds and the right stuff to drink, but if you do that you'll be fine on your own. I stayed at a friends home, but she was gone to work all day and it was great. Best wishes.

I'm planning to recover at home alone (with several people willing to help at a moment's notice) but my surgeon will not allow me to drive myself home, so I had to ask someone to do that part. I hate asking for help!

What about climbing stairs and driving? I'll have to drive myself to the hospital - nobody else to do it. My doctor likes to keep his patients overnight. I guess I could take a cab to and from surgery, but it'll be expensive.:thumbs_up:

I live in an upstairs unit, so I handled the stairs okay. I was sore, but I made sure to go for walks, which included going down and up the stairs to get outside. I did this every day after surgery. It really helped with gas pain.

As far as driving home after surgery. I thought I was going to be very clever and do just that. I thought I am strong enough to conquer driving after discharge from the hospital. But I could not. I felt like a wet noodle. I was soooooooo physically and mentally tried/drained and sore, I just could not drive upon discharge from the hospital. My brother ended up taking me home:smile2:

I did not start driving until day 7-post op.

Basically all you need is a ride there and back. You shouldn't need much care afterwords. I was driving in 2 days. Just some minor pain and groggyness when I got home, but definately check with your doc