question about home care

My hubby is taking off work to help me out. My surgery is on a Wed, and they say one day, maybe two at the hospital. How long do you think I will need hubby's help at home? I have a bad back, knees, am pretty disabled, so it's harder for me on a daily basis as it is.

He was considering taking a week off, but can take more time off if I need it.

Hi there. My husband was off for about 10 days after my vaginal hysterectomy & I was really glad he was here. I was super tired & really wasn't up to doing much by myself for about the first 5-7 days after surgery, and was grateful for all the help.

I would say your husband should take off as much time as possible after your surgery... Good Luck!

I would count on a couple of weeks if your hubby can manage it. You won't be able to lift much no matter what kind of surgery you are having and if you already have difficulty moving, it will be a bonus to have him around longer. I was lucky as my hubby is retired and looked after me for the entire recovery period (8+ weeks). What am I saying???? He is still looking after me!!!! He he he! I wish you an uneventful recovery.

He may not be able to take off more than that week and weekend, he said everyone is asking off now, figures. Hopefully I won't have to reschedule. I won't need much help really, he will cook or bring home food. I have a rope above my side of the bed, like a waterski handle to help me out of bed. I'm not totally crippled, but some days are worse than others. I'm thinking if he takes off Wed, Thur, Fri, the weekend, maybe I will be ok alone that next Mon or Tue? I will lay around and not do anything anyway.

It is hard to say. Only you will know when you get there. You will need to get out of bed and walk as much as possible to help with gas and help prevent other complications. There are ladies who manage on their own but it really isn't recommended. If something happens, there is no one there to help. As I already said, if he can take more than a week, it would really help with your recovery.

	Quote:
Originally Posted by blossom1464 He may not be able to take off more than that week and weekend, he said everyone is asking off now, figures. Hopefully I won't have to reschedule. I won't need much help really, he will cook or bring home food. I have a rope above my side of the bed, like a waterski handle to help me out of bed. I'm not totally crippled, but some days are worse than others. I'm thinking if he takes off Wed, Thur, Fri, the weekend, maybe I will be ok alone that next Mon or Tue? I will lay around and not do anything anyway.

Do you have friends, family or church members who could help you out . . . if nothing else to just check in and be there. Given your other issues, how about talking to the gynecologist about a home health care worker for a couple of weeks? Many hospitals have home care.

Alternatively, you could hire someone to do basic things around the house for you. The goal is to not make your recovery challenging by pushing.

Good luck to you.

My hubby took off 2 weeks,before he went back to work he got me a little fridge to put my snacks, waters in so I wouldn't have to walk up the steps.set a little table up next to my couch for my meds, lotion ect, they really helped me alot

My DH took off 2 weeks, was with me every minute the first week, the second played hookie! >wink<

Hi,

I'm three weeks post-op from a TAH. My experience was that I was unable to do much of anything the first week. I needed food brought, help getting out of bed, etc. The second week, I was a bit better, but still really needed help. My doc told me no steps for two weeks (that was tough). The discharge nusre gave me great advice...the second you feel tired, put down whatever you're doing and go to sleep. My husband was around for most of the first two weeks and I'm so thankful. Expect to be absolutely exhausted for a long time. Even now, three weeks in, I sleep about half of the day. Lots of women say they are tired for many weeks or even a couple of months after surgery. Other than the tiredness, I can tell you that my experience wasn't nearly as bad as I expected.
My husband made some calls and was able to borrow a mini-fridge, extra microwave and a water cooler! All three were put in my bedroom so I could get what I needed without going down stairs. Do what ever you can to make this convenient and comfortable for you. Remember...this time is all about YOU!!!
Best of luck,
Lisa

I think a log depends upon your surgery (TAH, TVH, etc), the reason for it, and your personal healing. If you have small children, you'll undoubtedly need more help. Listen to your body and don't push it. Best of luck to you.