Restrictions post op

My husband and both sons will be going out of town on my 5th post op day. They will be gone a week. I am ok with it, as I know I will have other help. I don't think they really realize the kind of restrictions I will have after the surgery.

We have 2 guinea pigs and a hamster inside. I told hubby that if he put them up on a counter or table before he left, I could take care of feeding them. I mentioned though, that I would not be able to feed our outside dog. "Why not?" was his response. He thought I was just afraid he would jump on me. I told him that this was much bigger than getting his gall bladder out or a hernia repair...he is always back at work within a week, even crawling under houses (exterminator).

I'm not supposed to bend over, right?

I have a VERY sweet and loving husband, but I don't want him to think I am milking this for all its worth! His mother had a hysterectomy a year or so ago, and she works in his office. I think she was back within at least 2 weeks, if not sooner. Sure set a bad example for me. I dont' know if I can live up to her...she is one who can never say no to anyone.

HELP!

s

It's not so much that you shouldn't bend, it would be more lifting the dog food and bowl. How big a dog is it and how much would the bowl weigh? Bending over and lifting at the same time can be uncomfortable. You may want to print out the "FAQ's for Families" which you will find under checkpoints, then click on <PreOp> and it's down under more answers.

A list of do's and don'ts compiled by Toonces:
- Picking up pillows and repositioning them...allowed
- Turning on dishwasher AFTER SOMEONE ELSE HAS LOADED IT.... allowed
- Changing roll of toilet paper...allowed
- Flipping on light switch...allowed
- Taking short easy walks...allowed
- Folding laundry.... allowed

X Vacuuming...NOT allowed
X Sweeping...NOT allowed
X Carrying laundry across house to washer...NOT allowed
X Running, Bending, Lifting...NOT allowed
X Laying around doing nothing all day.... not what is meant by 'pampering'
X Doing ANYTHING your DR has told you not to do....NOT allowed

Oh crap, I was soooo hoping that my husband would finally have to learn how to change the toilet paper roll.

HI Swank,

Not only would I like that which he does occasionally, I'd also like him to make his way to the bin and deposit the empty roll in it. I don't really think the floors the bin!

LOL.................Karen

I agree with Mary Lou, I'd be concerned about the lifting and bending. My DR said nothing heavier than a gal. of milk, which is 8 lbs., for at least 4 weeks. And you know how excited dogs get when you are feeding them, they like to jump up. I would be afraid if the dog jumped up into your abdomen he could injure you. I have an idea. Have your mother-in-law come over and feed the dog and while she's at it, she could bring supper over for you too! You must take care of yourself. YOU ONLY GET ONE CHANCE TO HEAL CORRECTLY. Rest, short walks, plenty of water, more rest. I am 4 days post-op and still very weak and tired. No need to be superwoman right now, there will be plenty of time for that later. Listen to your body!

Take Care

Pam

If the dog's not a jumper, or if you can figure out how to get the food to it without him/her coming close to you, I'd think you can do it.

My doc never said a word about bending over. I did it right off the bat in the hospital....kept dropping my book on the floor.

I'd be more concerned about being jumped on or bumped. Can you somehow stay on the other side of the fence and feed it? Spray new water with a hose and maybe drop the food into the dish over the fence or something? Maybe there's a neighborhood kid who'd help.