dVH/RALH: Trying not to stress out....only 8 more days(kids mentioned)

I thought I had everything planned out. My bf was supposed to take me to the castle and be there when I come out of recovery. But looks like I may have to drive myself & just have him come pick me up. I have mixed emotions about not having anyone there w/me. We can't afford for him to miss any work w/him being the only income we have. I've been trying to stay busy and just clean as much as I can. I'll be fine one min & crying the next. I'm also trying to quit smoking so its really hard. When I went for my pre op appt the nurses told me that if I need to smoke now & then til my surgery to get me through wouldn't be a problem. I'm down to 2-3 cigarettes a day. Just worried about who is going to help me when I come home. I also have 4 kids, 10, 8, 6,& 6. I don't have any family or friends where I live. I'm just ready to get it done I've been waiting for 4 months. I'm ready to be pain free!

Mags..

Had a daVinci almost 3 wks ago. I have a very hard time asking for help and am very self sufficient.

The robotic assist does speed up recovery but you still should work really hard to have someone with you to be your advocate at the hospital as well as for any kind of support you might need...

Also, do you belong to a church or have neighbors that can help for a few weeks?a

What about family medial leave act? You could look into that for your husband for maybe some paid time off???

You will need someone to help for at least a week or two..

I have young kiddos as well and it's actually been really good to see them learn that they have to help me or I won't get better....i hope this helps a little bit....

Can anyone in your family come into town for a little bit?

Unfortunately, I too had to take myself to the hospital and then my sister picked me up afterward. It really sucked, but if you let the nurses know they will try to give you more attention and check on you more often since no one is there for you. Be sure to speak up instantly if you are in pain or feeling sick. Don't let anyone try to make you do anything you aren't ready for. They tried to get me up before I was ready to, I was shaking still and flat out refused. Said I would call them if I had to pee. Actually took 2 times before I did pee, but only after the pain meds kicked in and I had drank about a pitcher of water. Don't let anyone rush you and be honest about the pain, if the meds they try at first aren't doing it for you, say something. Unfortunately, you will have to be your own advocate since your bf can't be there for you. Maybe he can come to the hospital as soon as work is done. Hopefully in time to meet you at your room or even in recovery, you'd be surprised at the delays that can happen. Good Luck and (((great BIG hugs)))

Thanks ladies, hearing your advice really helps a bunch! I'm trying to have my cousin here when I get to recovery, if not her than my mom's friend maybe. She was there when I had my oldest. Either one would be great! But I'm also trying to prepare myself just in case I have no one. My surgery is scheduled for 8am & my bf gets off work @ 2:30, the earliest he could make it to the hospital is 3:45pm. He gets very dirty @ work & would need to go home & shower. He works on trains & playing in coal dust all day lol. But like Jen6669 said I will just let the nurses know what is going on if I'll be alone. I love this site & all the sisters