housework - changing bed linen

Hi - I am 13 days post op LAVH and finding it really difficult to take it easy. I am trying but I live on my own with my 2 kids 15 (boy) 10 (girl) so I still have to do laundry, cook meals etc. I had to change my bed today - it was ok stripping it , I did it slowly piece by piece. Now I just put on the pillowcases and bottom sheet but had to lift the corners of the mattress - managed that. Not attempting the duvet cover - son will have to help me with that. I guess my question is .. how much is too much? How do I know if I am doing myself any damage?? Thanks

Please go by the instructions the hospital gave you before leaving. I was told no housework for 2 weeks. I did cook and walk but did nothing as far as lifting, bending, etc. It's hard because we feel fine sometimes but it's not worth the risk of causing damage.

Sounds like your kids are at ages where they can do almost any housework so ask for their help. It's good for them to learn to take part in what it takes to run a household.

Good luck and take it easy! You only get one chance to recover.

i remember the first time i changed the bed linens after surgery -- i climbed in bed as soon as I finished so I could a nap!

Talk to your doctor, or the doctor's office/nurses, and listen to your body.
Happy healing!

kat

Please be careful doing any household chores like that. Even lifting the end of the bed you could pull some stitches. You may not know right away if you cause adhesions. You know you did damage if you start bleeding. I was not cleared to do anything like that until after my 4 week check up. Your kids should be able to help you. You are not lifting the laundry basket are you? Have one of them carry it. Please be careful.

Notcosi -

Please check out the Post-Op checkpoints it will give you an idea of what you should be doing at various points in your recovery. Be careful, especially with laproscpic surgeries it is very, very easy to overdo things because you don't have the abdominal incision.

You still had major surgery! Remember, pamper the princess.



G.

I echo the above! I leaned over to tie my shoes a couple weeks post-op and pulled something - it hurt like heck and I wore slip on shoes for a few more weeks. It's so easy to create scar tissue, and that stays with you forever. Please be careful - I know it's tough, especially where things like sheets and laundry are concerned, but it's not long until you can do these things again and you will thank yourself later if you take it easy now.

Thanks all for your replies. I have been overdoing it, I will take it easy from now on and try not to do those things!

No lifting! As for the bed cover, put it over the top like a bedspread, there is no need to put the duvet inside......I live alone and did it for years, until I worked in a 5 star motel and learnt to just put it over the top, it's much more sensible....