What would you do? Am alone (update: will have help now)

I am scheduled for TAH/BSO 8/31. I assume I will be in hosp for 2-3 nts max.
I am worried about discharge as I have no-one to take me home or stay with me, be with me at any time. I will be completely alone the whole time pre/post surgery, etc....will I be ok? (I won't tell the dr/ hospital staff that...) what do you suggest, anything I need to plan ahead with etc? Of course I will clean the house, shop etc before hand....any advise would be great!

They may not discharge you unless you have someone competent to spend 24 hours after discharge with.

Thats what I am worried about, so I will have to just say there will be someone with me....I don't have a choice, I truly do not have a single person to help me and be with me.

shamrock, I'm not sure the hospital will be satisfied with your just saying you'll have someone with you, usually they want someone to physically take you home at the very least. Are you sure you have explored absolutely every single option in terms of potential caregivers??/ Co-workers, acquaintances, distant relatives or friends who might be willing to make the trip to be with you a few days, volunteers from local churches, etc., etc.? I know that sometimes it's hard to ask people for favors, but most people, once they realize the seriousness of the matter, might be willing to help or may know of someone who might.

I realise that could be an issue, but just don't know what else to do...I have no friends, co-workers, neighbours or anyone that can help me out. All my family live overseas...I am just hoping they will accept my (dishonesty) that I have someone to help me...I may be able to get one of my staff to visit me one day for a couple of hours maybe, but thats about it.

Shamrock -
I was in a similar position when I had my hyst and I called a nursing agency to hire a nurses assistant/caregiver. She brought me home and stayed with me the first night. After that she worked 5 hours a day for about 3 weeks until I was released to drive. In hindsight it was a very well-spent expense. I truly believe having someone to prepare meals. grocery shop, do laundry and housework as well as be company, helped in my recovery.

Your doctor's office might be able to recommend an agency or check with the hospital.

Best wishes for a complete recovery.
Susan

I thought I was going to be in the same situation you are looking at and searched everywhere for a solution. Luckily I am not going to have to use it but you might be able to.

Personal Assistant for hire.

I found one in my local weekly paper but you can probably find someone on Craigs List etc able to fill the need. You pay by the hour but with a little luck you should be able to find a decent rate. Arrange ahead of time for this person to come to pick you up at the hospital, "play the role" for the doctors and to get you home safely. They will also be useful for emergency errands during recovery and post op visits until you are ready to do it all on your own again.

GOOD LUCK! I know how it feels to be looking at going into this alone. Hopefully this will help you at least put the logistical concerns behind you!

Thanks for the advises so far. I am not in a position to hire carers etc, and havig been alone and very independent for years, I would expect to manage somehow....I have to.
Just frustrating being in this position and so am wondering what is the worst I could expect really...there must be others ithat have been in a similar situation, that have dealt with this alone? or maybe I am one of the few.....

Shamrock - I COMPLETELY understand being an independent soul and then finding out that you actually may have to depend on someone for a few. It's a tough pill to swallow. I was in the same boat you are in until my mother called me last week and said that she is coming out here, something I did not think would be possible. I did LOTS of checking in to different possibilities since not only do I not have any friends or family in the area, I am 70+ miles from the hospital where I will be having surgery.

If you are not in a position to hire someone (check - you would be surprised. You can often find a college student willing do things like this for $20 an hour or so), try posting something on Craigslist in your area in "friend to friend" type section to see if maybe there is someone in your area that has been in a similar position. Also talk to your doctor or community services office. There may be a medical transport service that can get you home similar to the services that help dialysis patients get back and forth to appointments.

Last ditch, there is also an eBay type website where you can list a service you need performed and people bid to get the task - of course unlike eBay, everyone there underbids each other ; ). It was just highlighted on one of the major networks shows in the past week but my Sometimerz is acting up and I can't remember which one

I am so sorry you don't have anyone. If you lived close I would love to help you out. It's nice to have someone the first few days, but if you can't just make sure you are close to a bathroom and the kitchen if at all possible. I was super sore the first 3 to 4 days, but that pain (from the incision) amazingly was so much better after that. Those are the days you will need to take your pain pills. Whatever you do, don't overdo it!!! Good Luck