Head butts, toddlers and healing

 Trying to heal after surgery with a clingy toddler is no easy task!  My now 20-month old son has been having separation anxiety issues and has been extra clingy lately.  I'm not allowed to pick him up for 4-6 weeks after surgery so my husband/in-laws have been lifting him up to sit on my far left when I'm in our recliner or to sit next to me if I'm resting on my bed (he's become quite the climber lately as well and is always trying to sit on my lap).  

Today while I was resting he was crying for me and my MIL put him on my bed so that he could be near me.  He started to get really hyper and head-butted me in the stomach, right on the area of my biggest incision and the area that hurt the most post-op.  I tried to get him away from my stomach and he got me again, same spot.  Ahhh, it hurt.  I don't think he did any major damage but I definitely have more lingering pain now.  Ugh, just when I was feeling better.  (if it gets any worse I will contact my doctor)

Any others dealing with young kids post-op?  I don't know how people manage The early healing process without help!

The big incision still hurts from time to time and my vsg was on. 6-27... I don't have kids but I have a 9 pound dog that I always carry and she always wants to lay on my stomach where te big incision is at and she has a habit of just jumping on my stomach....unfortunately my doggie is a little spoiled

Ouch, sounds painful!  I bet you are looking forward to the day when your dog jumping on your lap won't hurt anymore.  Good luck!

I had help with my 19 month old for the first week.  After the first week it was me taking care of all three kids. 

EXHAUSTION!!

We converted her crib to the toddler bed so I wouldn't have to lift her for naps.   My 10 year old (9 at the time) helped as much as he could.  But during the day from 8-4 it was just me and the 19 month old. 

 Wow, sounds like you had your hands full.  My daughter is almost 5 and has been a great little helper too.  How did your 19 month old do with the crib conversion?  That's a smart idea.  I think my son is getting close to that stage (he's trying to escape from his crib these days).  I'm impressed with how much you were able to manage, despite how hard I'm sure it must have been!

I cannot begin to tell you the amount of times I said "I quit" or "Why did I do this to myself?".   LOL But I look back now and I just did it.  Honestly the hardest part was getting the baby in and out of the van to go bring/pick up her brothers from school.  LOL You will love this.  I had a step stool with a string tied to it.  She would get on the stool then get into the van and I would help steer her onto the seat then into her seat.  That process took quite a few minutes.  String was so I didn't have to bend to pick it back up.  

Her conversion to the toddler bed actually was simple for us.  First two nights she would immediately start banging on her door.  Then we'd put her back.  Then we put some stuffed animals with her and she was set.  Now she just wants her favorite blanket and her baby doll. 

It definitely wasn't easy but I knew I was going to have to do it so I just did it.  Now I wouldn't have been able to do it that first week.  I would have died.  LOL maybe not died but I was so uncomfortable and just miserable the first week.  I'd do it again in a heartbeat now.

 Ugh, your post brings back bad memories!!  Hope you are feeling better soon!  I have a 2, 4, and 10 year old.  My two youngest had a really hard time with recovery.  They wanted attention, but I was exhausted and consumed with my food/liquid situation.  It does get better and life will return to normal soon.  I tried to maintain their schedules the best I could.  I would rest when they did and we did a lot of movies/cuddling on the floor with LOTS of pillows :). Hang in there- you have done this to be the best and and the most amazing mother you can possibly be for your family!

 I resonate with so much of your experience!  I think the fact that I'm not able to interact with my son as normal is definitely affecting his need for attention.  My daughter is more independent and quality time with her has been easier.  I'm soaking up the cuddle time with both of them  - I know they won't always want that.  Thanks for your encouragement!

 I have a 23 month old and a 7 year old. I have been on my own with them since 3 days post op. My toddler has bounced on me so much ! It was extremely painful in the beginning,now it just makes me want to puke because he always seems to do it post meal...fun !

 Wow!  You are my hero right now!  Sounds painful!  Glad the pain isn't as bad anymore but I hope the nausea issue resolves soon.