Tomorrow and I am weirding out

Just when I thought I had it all decided - keep the ovaries - I got a call for a dog rescue (not even my breed) and when I asked why she was having to give up her dog, she said that she had ovarian cancer and could no longer care for the dog. Talk about a sucker punch. Now I am back to square 1 for the 33rd time. But I am weirding out over general principles too... to have the husband stay with me overnight, to send him home. I read the post about buying big ol' underwear and I am delighted.. never even thought of that... must run out now and get some. I don't know if I could possibly get more on edge if I tried... have been looking at the Rescue Remedy and thinking I should fix some for myself. And one more thing... what about driving? My dh is blind so I am the sole driver in the house - how long before you can reasonably expect to drive - I have a 5 speed Miata (which I don't think I'll be plopping down into right away) and a 5 speed truck. I don't want to kill anyone out there, but that is a concern of mine. Reading everyone's posts has helped so much.

Everyone gets to the on edge as their castle date approaches. I think u will be pleasantly surprised how easily all goes post op. At 7 weeks post tah/bso I have had a very uneventful and smooth recovery, much more so than I could have hoped for!! I too struggled a little with ovary issue,but decided to have it all gone in the end. It is a very personal decision and one only u can make. I made it because I am 47, close to menopause anyway and I did not want to risk more surgery in the future. Whatever you decide it will be right for u and that is all that matters. As far as the driving goes that too is individual. I drove at 9 days post op but not a stick shift, OUCH.
The main reason for not driving is u have to be able to react very quickly if need be. You can not do that if you are hurting, therefor when u can drive may be different than for others. Stop in chat and talk a while as the ladies there are a great source of info as well as support.

I was told not to drive for 2 weeks. It is something you need to ASK YOUR DR. also, don't depend on feeling up to doing any driving right away. I didn't feel up to it until 3 weeks post, and then only short distances added alot to my discomfort . Riding when someone else drove was much easier on me. I think it is the way you have to use your hands and feet affects your tummy. I'm not sure the meds. are the only reason not to drive immediately. They are the most obvious one, though,. Concentration is a problem until the anesthesia works out of your system,. which takes at least 2 weeks.

I hope you have friends, neighbors, relatives, church members, or others who can step in and help. Ask for and take all the help you can get. A taxi might even be good.

The hospital I stayed in had sort of recliner chair in the room, so, in theory my dh could have stayed overnight. It was by no means comfortable. Make sure there is something for your husband before you decide what to do on that issue.

Be sure to stock up on the things you will need ( food, drinks, etc) so as to minimize trips. Even when you feel more like driving.it will tire you out for a few weeks.

I hope you have an uneventful and quick recovery.

My DH went home at night, and I was fine with that. I had a nice roommate, and we kept an eye on each other, plus the nurses were wonderful. But if I had it to do again I think I might ask him (or someone) to stay. I've heard so many stories about sister who could not get the help they needed... I'm sure the majority do fine, I'd just hate to be one of the few who have problems. Maybe he could just stay until the night shift comes on, and see if they seem nice and helpful - then go if it's OK.

As for driving, I started back at 4 weeks. I took my big truck to my post-op checkup because it's an automatic. I thought the clutch on my little car would be hard to deal with.

Do you have a relative or friend with a nice, comfy, automatic car. A Buick? Maybe you could trade for a while - they'd have fun with your Miata.

Check your insurance. I didn't check mine, but some have a restriction on driving for 30 days after surgery. At least look into it, 'cause you don't want to get into an accident then find out you aren't covered.

Be very careful about brain fog when you start driving. After a pre-hyst laparoscopy I tried driving ("just to the store") at one week, and very nearly got in a wreck when I pulled out in front of someone. I waited another week before driving again, and was OK then.