5 Most Important Things....

OK all you ladies who have already been to the castle...I need your input here! I'm going in for my hyst on Wednesday, and am trying to get all my ducks in a row first....Here's my question for you...

I have four kids all living at home...their ages are 18, 16, 5 (turning six a week after my surgery), and 3. I'd like to give my older kids and hubby a bit of a heads up on what to expect from me post-op, and what I will need from them....soooo ladies, what are the 5 most important things I should tell them to insure I get the help and support I need from them during recovery?

Thanks in advance for all the GREAT answers I know you'll have for me!
s,
Janice

1) You are going to need to nap; a lot.
2) Although the little ones can cuddle with you, they can not be picked up or climb on you. Neither can animals.
3) A gallon of milk weighs about 8.4 lbs, that is a little less then what you are allowed to pick up at all.
4) Bending to pick something up off the floor is not an option.
5)To constantly urge you to drink more water.

Good Morning Janice....I found several things I needed, which was definate help with housework, including vaccumming, cooking and laundry. Those I definately could not do, for several days. My energy was gone. Oh, and someone to wash the tub out, as I still need help with that. But other than that, you will need a pillow for your belly. DH bought me a book that i've wanted (Robin McGraws), and that has helped my sanity esp. in the bathroom. I enjoy crocheting, so I boughts tons and tons of yarn, to make blankets, because I new I wouldn't be able to do that much. If you have a hobby, something you totally enjoy, that you can do while sitting, I would make sure you have the supplies ahead of time. Make sure you have stool softeners, gasx, plenty of fruit and veggies. I don't know if your back will hurt after surgery, but mine did very much so. I was at wits end. Hubby ended up going to the store, and buying one of those massagers you put on a chair. That helped me immensily. Everybody is differant, but I've read alot of posts, where woman say their backs hurt. Most of all, your gonna need lots of TLC. One thing I remember I couldn't wait for, was to get home and hubby washed my hair over the sink. It felt sooooo good. If you have a couple of meals prepared and frozen for after surgery, you'll be so grateful, if your family isn't good about cooking. Seeing how you have small children, your definately going to need help from your older kids, to keep them occupied so mommy can take lots and lots of cat naps. Good luck Janice, hope this has helped somewhat. I hope your surgery goes as well as mine did. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers!

1. ditto on the naps
2. doing dishes isn't strenuous, but it puts the tender belly against the counter. Someone should step up on that chore for awhile
3. they need to tell you when they think you are doing too much, because you will, but not say "I told you so," when you spend the next day on the couch.
4. They should not be alarmed if you start crying for no discernable reason or you just need some alone time.
5. "Don't worry about that, I'll take care of it. You rest," are some of the finest words in the human language.

I agree on the crying for no reason. I didn't know that I'd be so emotional & have burst out in tears for no apparent reason several times this week and my poor boys don't know what to do. I just explained to them that my medicine is making me act a little silly & they seemed fine with that answer. My sons have all I think enjoyed pampering Mom this week, the littlest ones (8 & 9) are in charge of fluffing my pillows and reminding me to drink my milk and they get the cutest smiles on their faces when they feel they have helped me.

Everyone so far has covered just about everything. Here's my input...if your teenagers are like mine...and I hope they're not....make a chore list, assign them chores and post it on the fridge where everyone can see. You won't be doing dishes, taking out trash, vacuuming, moping, sweeping, etc for awhile, so take full advantage of your down time and rest. You're going to do just great!

What type of surgery are you having?

I had mine done laparoscopically and feel pretty good. It is amazing how good I feel. The most important thing for me is for my kids to get along and not be rambuctious because that makes me nervous.

Sherri

Sherri, The plan is to do a LSH...but there is a 25-50 percent chance it will change to an abdominal if my adhesions are to severe....I will also have to be extra careful post-op to minimize the reoccurance of adhesions...I just want my family to have an idea what to expect ahead of time so they have a realistic expectation of what I can do, and when I can do it....

I really appreciate all the input so far! Good thing someone mentioned the unpredictable emotions...that will be easier to talk about ahead of time rather than in the moment! Fortuantely, my hubby and older kids are very supportive and willing to do whatever is needed....Especially my 18 year old DD...she loves the chance to mother ME! They've already done so much since October when things got drastically worse for me! They are all as relieved for me as I am that I'm getting this taken care of so I can be well again! (ok now I'm getting all weepy over how great my family is... LOL)

Keep the great advice coming gals...(I'm turning into an info junkie! )
s to all
Janice

Hopefully all will go well with the LSH. It is scary how well you will feel. I can see where we can get in trouble real easy by doing too much. I can bend over, reach up, cough, roll over, sleep on side, etc with very little pain. I had more pain with my gallbladder surgery that with this TLH. I will keep you in my prayers. Please let me know how everything goes for you. Make sure you do not over do it. That is what I am trying not to do.

Sherri

Thanks for the prayers Sherri....I really appreciate it. Here's hoping I have results like yours! I've had more than enough pain thank you very much!