When can I be alone after surgery?

I am 33 and will be having a TVH with cystocele and rectocele repair in a few weeks. I would like to know how long I can expect to need help getting around. Please share with me how long you had someone staying with you "around the clock", and when were you able to start staying alone.

Also, I have two young children, 18 mo and 4 years, and I am nervous about being able to care for them. Can anyone give me an idea of the types of activities that are ok and not ok (bathing, diapering, rocking, etc)? My DH is wonderful and very capable, but it upsets me to think that I might not be involved in their care at all.

Thanks so much!

Depending on the type of surgery you are having, and your personal pain threshold, it could be several days before you feel like crawling out of bed. Typical restrictions include lifting, bending, reaching overhead. . .you get the idea.

I know it's hard when you have little ones running around, but you need to allow yourself time to heal physically, so don't worry about having to ask for help.

Remember, you're going to be a princess!!!

I live alone and had TAH/BSO (no other complications/repair work) 3 weeks ago. My mom stayed with me for a week. I took care of my own self-care (showering, dressing, getting my water, going to the bathroom, and getting up off the couch by myself) from the moment I got home, but my mom did the cooking, laundry and house upkeep. I could have done that all myself, but it would have been tiring. You will have a lifting restriction (5-10 lbs depending on your doctor). You WILL need help caring for your children. Please remember that lifting causes scar tissue to form, which can cause life-long pain. Find someone to help you so you can heal properly, which will better enable you to care for your family later on.

Best of luck to you, and you will look beautiful in your new crown!
Rene

I'm 44 and had a TVH (but no repairs) in May. My husband stayed home with me for 2 days. After that I was on my own. I felt really good after my Hysterectomy, I did not have any pain or discharge. I was back to my normal self within 2 weeks. My sister also had a TVH with repairs and did not have anyone stay with her. I guess it depends on how you recover - plus you have little ones so you may need a little extra help. I think you will find with a TVH you'll be able to get around pretty good soon after. Good Luck and Take Care.

I had a tvh with repairs and came home from the hospital on a Wed and my dd left for school on Sat. It varies from person to person and I think with having young children, I would definitely line up some child care if your dh won't be there during the day. I didn't have young children to worry about which makes a big difference. You might check with your dr as far as what limits he puts on his patients concerning child care. Lifting will be a no-no for a while so that's going to limit your involvement for possibly a several weeks. But one thing you should consider....this is really an important time for you to do all you can to insure your recovery is a success. As we say here: "you only get one chance to heal properly" so try to do all you can to make that happen. It will definitely be worth doing all you can in the beginning to avoid problems that could pop up down the road.

Perhaps a family member could come in and help during the day with naps, feeding, etc. You could have them place the little one next to you and I'm sure the older one would love just to sit a cuddle while you read a book, etc.
You can still be active in their care, just slightly more limited for a while. But it's well worth it and before long, you'll be running and playing with them just like before.

Sending s and and prayers that all goes well for you. Do keep us posted!

Blessings

I have a 4 yr old and I needed help with her for 3 weeks. It is very hard with the constant getting up and down. I didn't give her a bath for 6 weeks, it would have been to hard leaning over the tub and lifting her up. I think you can do diapering just have your little one crawl up on the couch so you don't have to try and get up off the floor. I found that there are lots of activities to do with my dd while I was in bed. I bought 2 bedtrays and set her up to do Crayola No Mess Magic finger paints and magic markers (they only get on the special paper so no mess) videos, puzzles. I even bought her a Dr.'s kit so she felt like she was doing something very important and taking good care of mommy. Good luck to you and I hope recovery goes well for you!!!!
Michelle