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What sort of help will I need after the op?
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09-01-2001, 04:51 AM
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What sort of help will I need after the op?
Hi. I'm Annie, age 36, from England. I'm divorced, and live alone. I have a boyfriend but he lives several hundred miles away. I have friends locally who have offered to help after the op, but I'd like some ideas on what sort of help will be most necessary. I'm on the waiting list for the op, and it could be anytime in the next 6-8 months, so I've got plenty of time to make preparations. I'm having a TAH and BSO by the way. I've already thought of stocking up on household essentials and non-perishable foods before hand, but does anyone have any ideas as to what I will need help with for the first few weeks after the op? Thanks, Annie
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09-01-2001, 05:38 AM
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What sort of help will I need after the op?
Dear Annie, I was alone for my operation of a tah/bso. I think in England they keep you in the hospital a little longer then in the US. I was released 2 days after the surgery. Which was fine I prefer my own bed The first week home I had friends bring me by some home cooked goodies which was very helpful. For some reason someone elses cooking taste so good. I was able to get around very well by myself but it was a slow process. I would just ask your friends to be available for doctor appts for followups and if you need prescriptions filled. Most of the time you are not allowed to drive for the first 2 weeks. The things I needed my friends to help me out with were changing sheets, and vacumming the floor and cleaning the bathroom and taking trash out. After about 3 weeks I was able to shop by myself for food in small quanities, no large bags or heavy items. It just takes time to heal and certain movements will hurt so just take it easy and rest after every activity you undertake. Best wishes, Diane
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09-01-2001, 05:52 AM
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Guest
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Posts: 19
Hysterectomy: August 27th, 2001
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What sort of help will I need after the op?
Hi Annie!
First of all, you should have someone stay with you 24/7 for at least the first week home from the hospital. You may need some help just getting out of bed at first, and just a small boost can really help save on pain! Also, what if you were to get dizzy and pass out?
Stock up on nutritious meals you can pop in the microwave and throw the container out (plastic utensils are great too, no dishes!) Put everything waist high so you don't have to bend over or kneel to reach it. So what if things look cluttered? Make sure you have a friend on call to do light housework and run any errands or just to keep your spirits up or a shoulder to cry on if necessary!
And rest, rest, rest and drink PLENTY of fluids!
Christy
(6 days post-op)
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09-01-2001, 06:52 AM
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Pep Squad Captain
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Posts: 724
Hysterectomy: August 21st, 2001
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What sort of help will I need after the op?
Hi Annie! Welcome to HS...I also am a newbie & I think since you are a "Pooter nerd" (my affectionate term!) & you already found HS...you are well on your way to a good recovery! I have to admit that HS is what has helped me most...through my post-op...& I am less than two weeks! (Thanks Princesses!!)
I agree with Crystl's & Diane's advice, so I will add a little of my own. I too, am "alone"...though I do have live-in teeneagers...I am not sure how much help they have really been? I mean, great for the smaller things like those little nudges to help you get up, grabbing a fresh drink or munchie, etc...but I agree that you really should have someone w/ you the first few days, at least. If this is just not possible, ask a neighbor & friends to check in on you...hide a key for the trusted ones.
I think pre-cooking is a great idea...wish I had! Freeze some single portion meals and buy a lot of convenience foods like jello, pudding,ice cream & fruit cups; one portion soups & stews; etc...
Stock up on books, magazines, and videos to keep you occupied...as the hardest thing for me was to stay down and rest! I have "SuperWoman Syndrome" and I just find it almost impossible to allow myself to rest! Move your PC to the area that you will be using mostly to recuperate...sitting up for long periods of time is supposed to be hard on internal stitches. I feel great when I am behind my PC...but then when I get up...ouch! I suggest moving it to where you can use it from your bed or couch! Turn your bedroom into a multi-tasking room...with everything you will need! Oh...& buy lots of TP, paper plates, plastic utensils, tissues, ES Gas-X, Chapstick, a WORKING thermometer, & HS Princess package and their belly pillow! (I am waiting on mine!) Keep a LOT of pillows around your bed...you will find you may need to prop yourself to get in a comfy position.
I looked at some of your sites...am impressed! I would like to add that if Dean CAN take some time out...this is the time for him to do it. (I met my sweetie online, too!) Having a great hugger and some moral support is very important! I kept my ovaries, yet I still had crying bouts! So if he can drive up for even a few days...do it! Also, please make sure that prior to your surgery, any of your current meds are balanced and you will be able to continue to take them. Remind the Castle Staff of any meds that you are on...every day...as you would be suprised at how many do not refer to your chart! (That is why they ask so many times! I was almost given a drug that I am severely allergic to!) I would love to keep in touch w/ you...U sound like a beautiful person...feel free to email me or look for me online w/ ICQ, AIM, or MSN! Keep all of us HS's up-to-date on you...and post your surgery date when you get it!
Love to you!
OH...just saw my Doc yesterday...he says "LISTEN TO YOUR BODY!" If it hurts, STOP! If you're feeling well and rested, WALK! Each person heals at their own individual pace...and HS is just women-to-women support...not medical advice.
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09-01-2001, 10:46 AM
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Guest
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Posts: 153
Hysterectomy: November 6th, 2001
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What sort of help will I need after the op?
I posted on the post op board a message stating something about what little things can we do to make it all easier, what would you do different, etc and got tons of great responses. I have started my list from that and some more ideas on the pull downs from the home page. Find that post and read all that and you will find....#1 thing to bring to the hosp, your own PILLOW
and #1 thing not to do, is to do too much too soon, and try to still be a super mom or wife. There is alot of info that came with that post, go check it out.....
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09-01-2001, 07:44 PM
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Guest
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Posts: 64
Hysterectomy: August 27th, 2001
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What sort of help will I need after the op?
I had my surgery last Monday and was sent home on Wednesday. I'm very comfortable and moving around ok. My mother has spent the last 3 nights here and it has been a big help. 2 daughters (19 and 22) have not stepped up to the plate and I am disappointed. (absolutely had to go to the Penn State football game and leave grandma home to take care of mom!)
Anyway, it has been very helpful to have her here in the morning to help me get out of bed. Today is day 5 and I am almost able to do it myself. Other than that she has been bringing my breakfast up to me in the morning. I have been eating breakfast in my bedroom, showering then going downstairs to spend the day and coming back up after dinner. Have been resting a lot. She has also been cleaning up a lot which is nice because it reduces the stress for me.
One thing I would suggest iyou do before your surgery is to find a very comfortable upholstered chair with a high back and an ottoman. I have one in my bedroom and another downstairs (recliner). I have been spending most of my up time comfortably slouched in these chairs with my feet up. It is more comfortable than bed because when I am in bed too long my back really hurts. A chair with arms also helps to hoist yourself from a sitting to a standing position. Someone suggested a rocker is good for this too.
Anyway, hope this helps. If someone is available to spend the first 3 or 4 nights with you go for it. Otherwise get yourself set up really well.
Good luck,
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