Overnight at the Hospital??

I had my pre op appointments today with my doctor and the hospital. Everything is a go. My surgery is December 5 @1:00. I am going to have a TAH/BSO.

I am divorced and live with my two sons 15 and 11. I was talking with someone that had a hysterectomy in July. She said that I needed someone with me 24 hours at the hospital or at least at night. Is that really needed? My parents are going to help out with the kids and I really don't have anyone. Any opinions?



Trish

:santa:

Trish - My dh came by after surgery...but he only stayed a little while...then brought kids up later to see me. He didn't spend the night. The nurses checked on me frequently and I did just fine.

I did great with even limited visitation from hub. I wanted to rest and possibly sleep thru it, and I would have done just that if the nurses had not been in and out all night and day. I got to leave the next aftn, and got some rest at home. I think just the opposite, that anyone there would have been a hindrance more than an asset. But that is just my opinion, I did well with the surgery.

HI Trish,
I dont see why you would need someone to stay with you the night , unless you wanted someone too. The nurses will take good care of you .. sometimes too much so.. there will prob be times you just want them to let you sleep...:-) Sounds like you have the help at home covered.. Your boys are also old enough to be a big help to you too... good luck with your surgery and wishing a speedy recovery for you .. just remember to abide by the drs instructions about taking it easy once you get home... that is so very important... once again... good luck...Sondra

My hubby didnt stay with me at the hospital. The nurses and doctors will come check on you. Plus if you need anything, all you have to do is buzz. My nurses were WONDERFUL! They were so nice and caring. I rated them very high on the survey I was sent after I got home. You should be fine.
Good luck.
MB

PS. Im glad your parents will be able to help once you get home!

I also didn't have anyone stay overnight with me. The nurses took great care of me. I also had a great roommate, and we kinda kept an eye on each other, which was nice. I was happy to see friends and my DH when I was awake, but it was nice to just be left alone to rest when they left, too.

I have heard a few stories about Sisters who had problems getting pain meds or other help, and either had someone to intervene on their behalf, or wished they had. Maybe have a friend check up on you in the evening, and make sure the phone is within reach (like, on the bed, not *way* over there on the nightstand). Keep a few phone numbers with you (written down, don't trust your foggy brain) - like the hospital patient care advocate, a couple of friends, and your doctor. Then if you really get in a spot, you can call someone who can kick some b*tt on your behalf.

I think the notion of needing a private nurse or someone to stay with you overnight is kind of old-fashioned. When I had a big surgery 12 years ago, I had a private nurse, whose main function was to give me my pain shots instead of having the nurse do it!

With the huge advances in pain management now (including the wonderful PCA pump!!), there's just less need for someone to be with you constantly. I agree with the other sisters here...my nurses were wonderful and just a buzz away.

I wouldn't worry too much about that idea. You'll hear many "helpful" suggestions and other ideas from people, but 99% of them really have no idea what they're talking about. Your bottom line should always be to discuss it with your doctor, and then bring it here! If your doctor felt you needed round the clock supervision, I'm sure s/he'd tell you.

You're gonna be fine!!!

Karen

Hi Trish,

I, like the other sisters, did not have anyone spend the night with me. I saw my dh for about 5 min after surgery, then I was in and out of sleep the rest of the night. I really don't think I would have wanted anyone there anyway...I would have been worried about keeping them company! The nurses checked me frequently (maybe why I didn't get much sleep ) and anytime I needed anything, I just pressed the buzzer and they were there! Don't worry, they will take good care of you!

Thank you all for your responses. I prefer being by myself, especially at night. I am glad to hear that it is okay to stay by myself. I have had people offer to come by once I am home and "stay" with me. I don't want to have to worry about them being bored etc. I also do not like to pass gas around anyone and would feel inhibited.
My 15 year old son was the one that suggested that I ask the question here. He feels better with the answers also.

Trish

Dear Trish,

I did not have anyone stay with me either. I did not feel like socializing....just wanted to sleep it off. I had a spinal and a tvh.....I am doing exceptionally well at the 3 week ost-op, however I am very TIRED AS i TOOK a trip to Lake Tahoe 2 weeks post-op. Now I am paying the price. Granted I had alot of fun, but I should have been resting a little more rather than going to the casinos ! I don't regret having surgery though, I am happy and doing well.

Your sons are old enough to fend for themsleves (mess in the kitchen, etc. can be dealt with later.)

I wish you luck with your recovery..........


Take Care,
TerriP