Post Op help at home

Hello sisters! I've started to worry about how much help I'll need at home post op. I have a wonderful husband and two boys 14 and 10, but they have work and school. My DH will take a few days off, but understandably can't take weeks off. I'm having abdominal surgery. Realistically, and I know it varies from person to person, how long before I'll be able to function on my own during the day? Thanks!

Hi Mary Sue

I had a TAH/Bladder repair on 9/17. I was released from the castle on 9/20. My mom came down from MI to help. She left on 9/23. So, on 9/24 (7 days post op), my DH and kids were gone for work/school. I did fine by myself. I just had my DH get everything i would need at my reach (remember no lifting, bending, etc).

Hope this helps ! Best of luck to you !

I had a TAH, and had my husband home with me for 3 days post op. After that, I was on my own while he was at work, and I did just fine! Some tips that may help:

VERY IMPORTANT: have anything you might need at waist-level. This includes toilet paper, pads, clothing, cups, food, plates, etc. Believe me, you will NOT want to bend or reach for anything! The house may look cluttered for awhile with everything sitting out on counter tops, but it's worth it!

It would be great if someone nearby has a key to your house. That way, if you have to call on the phone for help, and can't get up or get to the door, they can let themselves in.

If you have to take a shower while you're home alone, I would recommend (at least the first week or so) calling someone nearby (neighbor, friend, husband if work is too far away) and telling them you're about to get in the shower, and you'll call them in 15 minutes or so when you're out. That way, if they don't hear from you, they know to come to the house and see if you're ok!

Have a tummy pillow handy at all times! This would be a small pillow that you hold against your abdomen when you have to sneeze or cough. Keep it where you can grab it with only a second’s notice! I had a sneeze sneak up on me once when I couldn’t grab my pillow – ouch! It felt like my insides exploded.

Have plenty of no-preparation foods on hand, like fruit, soup, cereal, snack bars, etc. I had absolutely no appetite for a couple of weeks, and my frantic husband finally convinced me to drink some Ensure, which went down ok. You may want to have some of that in the fridge for times you just don’t feel like eating, but need nourishment.

Also, buy PLENTY of juice! You will need to drink LOTS of liquids when you get home to help with the gas. I got bored with the same type of juice, so my husband bought lots of different types, and put them in small containers for me (I found it difficult to lift and pour large containers for awhile). Don't drink anything carbonated, and don't use a straw (makes the gas worse).

I also found a shower chair very helpful. Standing up long enough to shower wore me out! You could also use any plastic chair that will fit in your shower.

** Make sure the phone is where you can reach it at ALL times! Several of us have gotten “stuck” (couldn’t get off the couch without help, problems in the bathroom, etc.), and have needed to call for assistance.

Once you’re feeling a bit better, you might start getting a bit bored. Unfortunately, you will be very limited in what you will be able to do. These are some things I did to pass the time, along with some suggestions from other hystersisters:

Reading LOTS of books
Writing long letters to friends and family (real letters, not e-mail!)
Organizing photo albums
Drew out plans for the garden
Bought a tape to improve Spanish skills
Watching lots of movies
Crafts, quilting, etc.
HYSTERSISTERS site!

Wow - thanks for all the great suggestions! You've both put my mind at ease. I'd been hearing horror stories of needing someone with me for like two weeks - and that seemed like an awful imposition on family or friends. Thanks so much!