Freaking out...what's recovery like?????

So I'm not a puss...I actually have a really good tolerance of pain BUT. I have been planning on a friend of mine from NC to come down for the week following my surgery. She is a juvenile diabetic. She has several medical problems. Diabetic naropethy (sp?) is one big one and OF COURSE 2 weeks and some change from my surgery she get's sick. She cant keep any food down, so they have her on cancer medicine to keep her from vomiting since not holding down food is spiking her insulin and sugar levels...so on and so fourth. She may not be well enough to come down and she was supposed to take care of the house and my kids while I was in the hospital and then the week or so following, along with helping me out after coming home. Now if that wasnt enough my husband is leaving for a mission the day after my surgery!!!!! I do NOT want to delay my surgery, I dont even know what kind of issue that would cause but Im in that ending strech now where Im just ready to get it over with..... Im freaking out! What is recovery like physically???? Brandi~

Ok....BREATHE!  Deep breath in and deep breath out........ We will get through this one way or another.  Are you sure that she cannot make it down?  Is there anyone who can help you with the kids? A relative? Great friend? Anyone???? You will be sore, but mainly tired and weak.  This is major surgery and you will need to recover from it.  For me (now, I am a fast healer, mind you), I was very tired the first couple of days.  Not enough to nap (I'm not a napper anyways), but felt weak and very uncomfortable.  But, importantly, you really need someone with you the first couple of days in case you have a complication and need medical attention right away. You cannot drive for the first two weeks, but you should have a follow up during that time (I recall hubby having to drive me to the first follow-up).  Will you have transportation for your follow-up? You won't be able to do any lifting for several weeks, and bending over was a bear for me, so I avoided it. How long is hubby's mission for?  Is there any way that he can get out of it?  Take leave or be left behind.  I know for us, it's kind of a pain to be left behind (I almost had to reschedule my plastic surgery because hubby's Command refused to give him leave - they wanted him to go on a team building thing for the week, can you believe it???).  But, we have what's called a Beach Det. who consist of folks who could not go for whatever reason - short term or long term.  They corrdinate things for the Command while the Command is on exercise, work-up, deployment...whatever. Are there any wives in your Command who can come and help out during the day or so.  All they need to know is that you had major surgery and need some assistance.  they do not need to know anything else. And remember, I am right up the street and can certainly come by during my lunch break to check on you if you need that as well.  Some days, I can even swing by on my way home.  Just let me know if you need anything. But, before you change your surgery date, exhaust ALL of your options first. Do not worry...one way or another...we will get through this with you! (((((HUGS))))

I definatly do not know one way or the other if she will be able to come or not it all deoends on how she is feeling. But I do know now that it's a possiblity that she might not be able to. I am surounded y family and friends and I have lot;s of people offering help. I guess me being the "planner" It was much easier when Chris was going to be here and also DeAnne. I guess Im just thinking worse case scenario what If I have coplications...Im going to need someone here at the house to take care of the boy's. I know deep inside that it will work itself out, I guess it just isnt going to be as easy on me as I thought. My rother in law is taking two days off following my sugery, and my aunt will do anything for me ( but she doesnt drive ) another friend on base will come on her husbands lunch breaks to clean a lil and do laundry some, night times I will be fine because my brother in law will be here anytime he isnt working. I guess my biggest fears are making myself food and getting the boy's to and from school, bathed and feed and homework and all the good stuff inbetween. Im truly affraid if I have to be in the hospital for any longer than a few days that there will be issues with Chris not being here and DeAnne not running my household. When it get's closer I should know from sure and I will go from there. Thanks for showing me how to breathe...lol Brandi~

My hubby is supposed to be off weekends in March so I could come on Saturdays to help with the boys and clean/ cook.

The best laid plans eh? lol! Seriouisly you need to relax a bit and stop stressing so much.  It really is not as bad as it seems. The pain is all bearable and they give you great pain medications. It is the unknown that is probably causing the panic - and we all know we went through that!  When I had surgery I found that I recovered well and did not need anywhere as much as thought I did.....   I was so surprised at how easy it was.... so in many cases it is not as severe to recover as you may think it is.... plus they don't let you home from hospital for a few days so you are usually up and walking..... I hope your friend does start to feel better soon and can be here for you........ I am with you on the not delaying your surgery! We moved house within a week of surgery because I was determined not to change my date!! My husband has still not forgiven me 2 years later lol!

So try not to freak out - I promise the unknown is far worse that what it really is....

Jackie

 

I would definitly try to find someone else to help.  You will be really sore...and not in the mood to even deal with your own children.  Do you have a church?  Could you ask for some of their assistance?  They are always glad to help.  If you don't have a church, does any of your close friends.  You really don't need to, just thought you may feel more comfortable with people that knew you and your children. Let me also say, that yes this is stressful, but it is so worth it. The pain, the amount of time I was out of work, the stress on my family to do everything I couldn't do.... all of it was worth it.  I am no where near the same person I was 140 lbs ago. Good luck on your journey.  We'll be here to support you. :)

I have LOT'S of friends voluntering their time. I guess ym biggest worry is the unknown and making sure someone is with the boy's will Im in the hospital and hoping there are no complications to keep me in the hospital longer! Brandi~

I am so sorry Brandi that your friend is ill.  I am sure she will be all better by the time but do come up with a back up plan.  As you know I am sorta in the same boat.  Hubby is deployed and I am having surgery the week b4 you.  I have no family or friends int eh area.  I have a neighbor that is goeing to take me to the hospital and pick me up.  ONe of my mothers childhood firends is going to come stay withthe kids while I am in the hospital and then all my neighbors are pitching in to help out.  I understand though your hubby not being there.  I am worried becasue I actually have no one that will be with me the day of my surgery.   No one to make me laugh before hand so I dont get nervous or to help me walk through the halls after surgery.  I know all is going to work out for both you and I .  Have fatih.  I would help you out if I wasn't having my surgery the week b4 you Marion

Marion- When is your surgery date? I will come to the hospital to see you and walk with you! Deployed hubbys are the pits.

Jen,  You are so sweet.  I would love the company.  I might not be looking so hot:)  My surgery is the 12th of March.   Marion