Preparing for hermit-style post-op.

I'm scheduled for a TAH/RSO on 7/10/03. My pre-op is next week. I'm not really that scared about the surgery yet, but I suppose that'll come! ;-)

My big huge fear now is that I live alone, my fiance and I just broke up, and my friends and family are really busy. I'm uber-worried about how I'm going to take care of myself all alone. I don't have kids or anything, but I have a naughty little dog and two naughty little cats.

Anyway, I'm wondering if anybody has any suggestions for preparing to be alone quite a bit through my recovery. I know I'm supposed to be pampered and everything, but I'm a little worried that I'm going to have to do most of the pampering myself. And I'm afraid I'm going to be too tired or achey to pamper myeslf adequately.

I know people will stop by and check in, but for the most part, I'm going to be on my own.

I'm also kinda curious if I should notify my clients that I'm out of commission for at least a month. I'm a lawyer and I operate my own law firm. I usually pick up calls at home when I'm not in the office. How long do you guys think I should wait before I can start taking a few calls, etc? since I'm self-employed, I don't really have a lot of latitude to take sick-time or vacation. I've rescheduled all of my court appearances and stuff, but I feel uncomfortable being totally out of the loop for a whole month.

Anybody else out there planning on recovering alone? Is that an impossible goal?

(Oh, by the way: I'm not sad or upset about the alone thing. I'm kind of looking forward to have some time to myself. I feel really uncomfortable having people see me really sick or in pain, so I'm actually kinda glad that I'm going to be able to be alone...unless it's going to be impossible.)

Sorry. Longwinded post. Oops.

Any input?

Best,
Jen

(((((((((Jen)))))))))),

It is preferrable to have full time help for the first couple weeks at least, if no children, longer with kids. If that isn't possible have people come by.

I would suggest before surgery to stock up on microwave tv dinners. I know, yuk ,but easy. Disposable plates and cups .

Place items you will need at waist level toilet paper, towels , jsut everything you need on a daily basis so you don't have to reach up, stoop , or bend to get them.

Buy small servings of juices , water ,etc. you won't be able to lift a gallon for weeks.

Carry a cordless phone with you at all times,bathroom and all, in case you need help. Try to have somebody in your home at least when you shower the first few times.

Ask a friend to set you up each a.m. with drinks etc. ,and have them feed your pets. No changing the litter for weeks either, ask a friend.

Now about you work, You can use the phone easily, if that's all you do. No toting heavy lawbooks until your Dr. says.

Here is the link to what is allowed and not allowed during recovery.

https://www.hystersisters.com/vb2/hsa...hp?s=&id=97123

Best wishes,

Pamcat

[[bunahabain]] Sorry to hear you'll be alone. I'm going to stay with my Mom for my first 2 weeks of recovery. Don't you have "anyone" that can come and check on you before they go to work, at lunch time and after work??? Is there any home health care professionals that can come by that your insurance will pay for. Ask your doctor to recommend someone. I'm worried about you.

Good ideas. Thanks to both of you.

Re: work, I really only need to be able to get on the phone. If something needs to be taken care of, I just want to be able to delay it or delegate it. I've been on Dilaudid on and off for the past few weeks, and it has made me quite stupid. I'm a little reluctant to be on phone-duty if I'm going to sound like a moron. :-) I'm praying that post-op my pain will be less than it is now, and I can be on normal painkillers rather than this Schedule I narcotic stuff!

I have very useless health insurance, so I'd be surprised if they anything like a home-health care nurse. But I like being surprised, so I'll check.

I could stay with my parents, who live about a 1/2 hour away, but they're remodeling right now -- both of their spare bedrooms into an office and a den. I don't know where I'd stay! And frankly, if I really like MY bed and MY couch and MY cable. I'm most comfy at home, so I don't wanna have to give that up.

I have friends and family who will stop by. I guess I just feel uncomfortable requesting that they do it regularly, or on a set schedule. But if that's what I need, I'll have to buck up and ask for it.

I'm kinda worried about me too. I guess the gravity of the "situation" is starting to dawn on me, and I just want to plan ahead as much as possible.

thanks for your input gals!

Best,
Jen

Hi Jen
Pamcat has some really good hints. I would definitely tell the castle that you are going home by yourself, your insurance may be able to provide someone to come in for a short time each day. I was alone during the day but did have help at night. I did need help getting in and out of the shower. Again ditto on Pamcat post regarding food and things at a level you can reach so you won't have to bend. Telephone should be okay by second week but allow yourself to nap and rest often.
Mariann

I am still preop but we have discussed things at my house if hubby needs to go back to work earlier than expected.

I suggest a responsible teen to just hang out with ya maybe the first week they can watch TV and have an easy job. I have a 14 yr old who is awsome so she is gonn ahelp me and then I have a 12 yr old neice who is great. She volunteered since daughter does have summer dance and band camps. They at least will be there to get meals and drinks for you and be there while you shower. It may be worth a shot. Friends may have some one that would be perfect. Good Luck!!!!!

Any kids in your neighborhood?? Maybe you could hire a neighbor kid to feed the pets and change the litter box once a day for a few weeks then you don't have to feel uncomfortable asking friends to do such things. The friends should however help you with food, a few showers, etc like the other ladies here suggested. Especially now that school is out should be a perfect time. I know my daughter has done these type of things in the past. She actually got jobs like this through Girl Scouts. You can call your neighborhood girl scout chairperson and see if she knows someone who would like to earn a little cash if you don't know anyone. Otherwise, just be really careful and take it slow. Remember, you won't have someone nagging you to not do things so you will have to nag yourself.

As a single woman who lives alone except for my two cats, I understand your concern. I was supposed to go home to stay with my folks, but after a "very lively discussion" (WW III) with my Mom, I opted to stay by myself.

The hardest thing for me to do was ask for help from friends for things like cleaning litter boxes and taking out the trash. I'm usually the one helping everyone else, so it was hard for me to ask. What I found out, though, was that people like to be helpful. So I did the stuff I could, and asked for help for the rest.

I planned ahead and did what others have suggested regarding paper plates and microwave food. I also made sure I had plenty of comfort food around, anything I thought I MIGHT want to eat, since your appetite may be finicky after the surgery.

Make sure you have a variety of delivery menus around, too. I found a place that delivers grilled chicken and steak dinners. Its a great treat when you want real food!

My doc cleared me to drive after 2 weeks, so I had a friend take me to the grovery store at the end of the first week. Then I made short trips for a small number of items. I'm still not doing full blown trips like I used to, but I'm able to carry more things as time progresses.

Good luck and let us know how you're doing!

s

Gina