worried about stairs post op

anyone know how long after surgery it will take me to get up 18 stairs..... My bedroom/washroom and computer are all on 2nd floor ... having a TAH on Monday

Thanks

I have 12 just to get to my front door, and about another 15 to get to the second floor -- bedroom, bathroom, etc. I talked with my Dr that NOT doing stairs was not an option.... she said to limit it to one trip each way a day for the first few, and to do it one step at a time--ie: both feet on the stair before you go to the next. By day 3 I was doing them 2-3 times a day, as needed, and felt fine ... just now at 2 weeks I'm not doing them "normal".

Good luck--wish you a great recovery!

I had my TAH on 4/3 and my first visit upstairs was on 4/9. If you must go upstairs, then take it slowly. It shoudn't matter about the washer and dryer being upstairs because you shouldn't be doing laundry anyway. It is however, hard to stay away from the computer. Check with your dr. about the stairs and make sure someone is with you.

Sandy,

I just got home , and was worried about this same thing. Although my bedroom, bathroom, TV, etc., are all on the second floor, and I have wireless connection with my laptop, I still want to be moving around, maybe sitting outside, etc.

This has worked well for me....FACE the stairs while taking them. It looks funky, but you are using an entirely different muscle set. I have had NO trouble. I'm not very fast, but I can do this. Yes, it's best to have someone with you if possible, and, in my case, I'm also trying NOT to trip over my dog, who is VERY glad to see me.

Cheers, Melissa

I don't think you're going to feel like going up and down those stairs too many times right away. But you shouldn't need to, because a good only needs her bed, her washroom and her computer!!

Hi Sandy

I found going up the stairs sideways and coming down backwards didn't seem to pull on my stomach muscles so much. My doctor said it's the tilt of the pelvis that causes the discomfort. It looked a bit stupid but I definitely found it easier than front on in the early days postop. I also stepped up with one leg followed by the other with them both on the one step before I proceeded to the next one. Try and limit yourself to only one or two trips a day for the first week or two.

Hi Sandy,

I have 9 outside steps to get to my front door, and another 15 steep steps from my downstairs to my upstairs. Doing the steps was a bit painful and very slow for the first 2 weeks or so, and I limited my trips up and down to once a day during that time.

If you only have a bathroom upstairs, then consider setting up your recovery area up there. You can keep a little cooler with ice to keep things cold, such as drinks, snacks and food items. This may help for at least the first few days, until you are able to navigate the steps comfortably and steadily.

We'll look forward to seeing you on Post-Op as a new once you get back home and feel up to it!

Best wishes and s