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Tips for those living alone post op?
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04-08-2005, 11:31 AM
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Guest
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Posts: 29
Hysterectomy:
Surgery Type: SAH
Ovaries: Undecided
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Tips for those living alone post op?
Hello Sistas!
I'm living alone with two big dogs and a cat & scheduled for TAH BSO this Monday. I bought a picker-upper. Still trying to figure out how to get the dog food bowls down on the floor with food without making a mess. I only have one arm that I can use for getting out of bed (other has torn tendon).
I'd appreciate any suggestions for those who live alone.
Thanks much ladies!
Linda
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04-08-2005, 11:43 AM
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Guest
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Posts: 260
Hysterectomy: May 3rd, 2005
Ovaries: Undecided
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Tips for those living alone post op?
I am not sure about the getting in & out of bed, but will contribute to the dog ?.
Considering you are speaking of dry food, I would get a very large bowl/pail fill it with enough food to last a week or so. You could either leave it out for self feeding or keep in a room where you can let the dogs in & out of to feed. This way you don't have to worry about bending over for their bowls.
Hope that helps!
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04-08-2005, 12:00 PM
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Guest
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Posts: 624
Hysterectomy: May 10th, 2005
Ovaries: Kept 1 or both
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Tips for those living alone post op?
Hi Linda! I have some ideas to help you feed those big puppies of yours. There are dog dish stands that actually hold the food bowels a good 2 or 3 feet off the floor. You can buy them at most pet stores. They are for tall dogs. If you had little ones, I would
think using the "ramp" technique would also come in handy. This
way your pet does the work. There's also the "cheat" technique
which is where you actually drop the food straight onto the linoleum or tile floor and use some spray cleaner and a towel to clean up afterward. You can just use your foot to wipe the towel
on the floor. This works well only if your pets really lickup everything anyway. (I learned this one from a senior friend of mine) Most of these ideas work well with the canned food.
And last but not least is the "tube" method. If your big dogs are
eating dry food and you are using heavy bowls so they can't scoot them all over the place you can do this. Use a long tube like
an empty wrapping paper roll or something similar. Pre-measure your food into a container and pour the food down the tube and into the bowl. Pour slowly. Then let the dogs in to eat.
I hope one of these works for you!
Best Wishes for a great recovery.
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04-08-2005, 12:33 PM
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Guest
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Posts: 727
Hysterectomy: October 25th, 2004
Surgery Type: TAH
Ovaries: Kept 1 or both
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Tips for those living alone post op?
Hi Flamingo
I'm solo, and have two large dogs. I normally have 3 water bowls going for them at the same time, but post-op that became one, and it was the outside bowl placed on my back porch (3 steps up from ground) I would fill it at the outside hydrant (waist high) and then just put it on the step - hardly had to bend over. And for the first few days, that was 1/2 a bowl....easier to refill than carry a full one!
I feed dry, and have a big container for it that I put on the kitchen counter, so I wouldn't have to bend. I have tried several kinds of stands over the years, but never found one they couldn't knock over, so I've always sat down in a chair and held the bowls while they inhaled their food. Only takes ~2 minutes at most, and keeps the floors alot cleaner. For the rest, the yard is fenced - and it's just a matter of opening the door. You'll hear the sisters say....'take little walks' lol! if they only knew how many little walks I was taking! Good for your recovery though!
For how to get out of bed - scoot over to the edge of your bed as far as possible. Think of a see-saw, with your posterior as the pivot point. Then slowwwwly start to lower your legs and at the same time, raise your upper body using your elbows. It's much easier that way - and practice it a little pre-op so you can get the hang of it.
Replace any burned out lightbulbs and batteries for your remote (etc) before hand, because it is Murphy's law that they will all expire as soon as you can't do anything about it. Set up a command station around your bed (sounds like you're doing that anyway - I'm self employed too) and always protect yourself with your pillow when your dogs are around! There are a million more things - hopefully some other sisters will be along too - keep the questions coming!
joano
___________________________________________
"A door is what a dog is perpetually on the wrong side of."
Ogden Nash (1902 - 1971)
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04-08-2005, 12:50 PM
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Guest
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Posts: 95
Hysterectomy: July 6th, 2005
Surgery Type: TAH
Ovaries: Removed both
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Tips for those living alone post op?
These are great ideas. I am wondering this myself. My DH will be here at night, but will be gone till evening, and my old golden is a tad spoiled, as in barking to be fed at 4:50... no kidding, you would think he had a built in alarm. I also have been "practicing" with the grabber thingie, but something tells me it won't be half as much fun when actually needed. Now I am wondering about a 3 foot section of PVC pipe... with a funnel... then can pick up the bowl to wash with the grabber if needed. Watering can be done the same way.. If I don't wash the bowls out he gets the runs, so a large water container is out. Maybe several just for insurance. I also have a parrot, but his bowls are small and easy to reach. I have added extra feeders in my yard for the flocks of birds I have spoiled out there, too. In the mornings I throw food for the squirrels and doves.. Will just have the containers on a counter some where. Will be a pleasant diversion as I recoup.
Best of luck to you. We are never alone as long as we have our fur ( or feathered ) friends.. unconditional love...
As for getting up and around with the one good arm.. you might want to consider a rope tied to the foot of your bed, or a sturdy dining chair by your bed to use as a rail.. I did this after my lap and it was a help. Also had more surface for "stuff" by the bed. Of course have them in place before you go to the castle, ready for your return.
W/B
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04-08-2005, 12:50 PM
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HysterSister
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Posts: 318
Hysterectomy: January 14th, 2005
Surgery Type: TVH
Ovaries: Removed both
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Tips for those living alone post op?
Don't have dogs, but sounds as if there's some good advice already. I was glad I moved any heavy pots or pans to the counter so I wouldn't have to bend and lift. Did dishes by hand or used paper plates. Had a neighbor take trash out. Made sure I had enough towels and clean undies, nighties and drawstring pants folded on top of dresser. If you have prescribed meds make sure you get them filled before you leave the castle. My son taught me to roll to side of bed, then swing legs and lift upright with your arm just as Joano said. Good luck to you!!
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04-08-2005, 01:53 PM
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Guest
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Posts: 295
Hysterectomy: February 28th, 2005
Surgery Type: TAH/SAH
Ovaries: Kept 1 or both
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Going it alone
Hi Flamingos,
I also live alone and was by myself much of the time when I was recovering from a TAH/vertical incision. I also have two small dogs and one cat. Here are some ideas...
1. Stock up on dog and cat food and kitty litter. Those bags are HEAVY and you won't be able to get new ones without help for some weeks post-op.
2. Put the dog and cat food bags where you can reach them easily. Use a long-handled soup ladle to scoop out food and drop it into the bowls. Use a pitcher to pour water into bowls from a distance -- you may spill a bit but most of the wet gets where it is needed.
3. You WILL need some help, especially during the first week home from the hospital. I was fortunate in that my sister was able to get a few days off work and spend some time with me.
However, on days when I didn't have a live-in retainer, I found that having a friend willing to drop by for an hour or two was a huge benefit. It meant that stuff which *had* to be moved could be moved, or I could get fresh milk, or the kitty litter could be changed and the garbage set out for pick-up.
It also helped combat cabin fever. I became very, very bored, despite stocking up with books/videos/crafts ahead of time.
4. Make sure ALL your laundry is done in advance, bowls and pots/pans are out on the counter or kitchen table and the fridge/freezer is stocked with food which you can easily prepare.
I was able to cook for myself within a week of the surgery, although I was moving slowly and sometimes holding a small cushion against my incision. I also picked up a swelly belly band which was helpful for the first 2 - 3 weeks.
5. I ran a thick drapery cord from the head of the bed to the foot and pulled on it with one hand to help me get out of bed. Lots of pillows are a great help.
Overall, I found I was not as bedridden or disabled as I had feared. By the time I was released from hospital, I was walking for up to 10 minutes (or longer) at a time, my internal plumbing was all working, I could take a shower on my own and was eating solid food -- despite having a very invasive surgery three days earlier.
Your mileage may vary -- but I was AMAZED by my body's recuperative ability. A week after the surgery, I took both my small dogs for a half-hour walk around the neighbourhood.
That said, I also learned to listen to my body and to give it lots and lots of rest between bouts of activity. (The one day I got over-enthusiastic and stayed on my feet too long, my body was not happy with me and I had a very uncomfortable evening.)
Best wishes for a successful surgery and a smooth recovery.
Keep well,
IslandScribe
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04-08-2005, 05:45 PM
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Guest
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Posts: 60
Hysterectomy: May 16th, 2005
Surgery Type: TAH/SAH
Ovaries: Undecided
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Tips for those living alone post op?
ok guys.....I have 13 cats. This has been my biggest concern. I talked to the neighbor girl and I'm going to pay her $20 a week to scoop the litter boxes. I also have a cat that requires meds 3 times a day. I'm going to have to get him either up on the bed or on the countertop to give him these. He's a smart boy and I'm hoping for the best there.
I've also planned on making a trip to get my stock on food too. I've rearanged my bedroom so that the cats won't be able to jump from there cat trees to my bed. That could be disasterous. I have a fountain for water that has a huge capacity and will put down an extra dish for dry food. Not sure how I will do the wet food that they get in the evening. My surgery is about a month away and I've been planning since the day we set my surgery date.
If you have anymore pointers.....PLEASE post them.
thanks a ton
Kat
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04-09-2005, 12:48 AM
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Guest
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Posts: 29
Hysterectomy:
Surgery Type: SAH
Ovaries: Undecided
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Tips for those living alone post op?
Ladies, I'm speechless! Thank you all so much for all the wonderful tips. What great ideas! Glad I asked!
THANK YOU ALL!!!
Linda
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04-09-2005, 06:08 AM
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HysterSister
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Posts: 34
Hysterectomy: March 11th, 2005
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Tips for those living alone post op?
Probably the single best thing I did to make my life easier post-op was I found a very small tote bag. Mine was a free one given out by Earthfare. I put Kleenex, my cell phone, my pain meds, a notepad and pencil and saline nasal spray (makes blowing your nose easier) in there. I carried that tote bag around for 2 weeks.
Each time I needed to blow my nose, I used the nasal spray first. Each time I took a pain med, I wrote it on the notepad. That way, no matter how loopy I was I knew when to take the next pain med.
I forwarded the land line to my cell and never had to worry about getting to the phone to answer it.
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