Question:
Anyone have young children at the time of surgery?

I won't be having surgery for a while, but when I do my children will be 1 and 3. I would like to hear from anyone who had young children to take care of post-op and how you handled it.    — Gretchen T. (posted on September 3, 2000)

September 4, 2000
Yes, I have a three year old and He is quite busy. I was able to get a lot of help from my family. His Uncle kept him for the first week that I was in the hospital, then my brother kept him for 2 weeks and my sister took week 4 which was the week he slowly came back home. You will need the help especially with both little ones. My son knew the doctor had done surgery and that mommie was getting better. He did really well and we had visits and talked alot on the phone and a couple of nights he came home just to sleep with me because he missed me and I missed him. My people were my saving grace. I felt a little guilty at first because this was something I elected to do and he was having to suffer being away, but now that I know he is okay and things have gotten better for me physically the guilt subsided. Good Luck and I will be praying for you..Peace, Trina
   — Courtrina Amur W.

October 19, 2000
My youngest was 14 months old and I had just weaned her. She did very well! I showed her my tummy and she learned her first word..."Ow!" She was very careful not to jostle me or jump on me. Her older sisters (8 and 10) took care of the two of us, while my husband was at work. I think as long as you are honest and open with your kids, you will have no problem. I explained what I wanted to have done, and my family made a choice, that everyone was going to be a part of this, and everyone did. My 10 year old stayed in the hospital with me during the day, and then my husband would come and the two of them would help me clean myself up, and then I would walk the halls. When I was home, gosh, I am still in awe! My husband had gone out and bought the little 2oz cups and lids, and had mixed up two days of my "meals" and I got one every 4 hours, and always had a cup with ice water. I could not ask for a better family, or more support!!!
   — [Anonymous]