Question:
18 days until surgery.....I''ll be by myself...I need lots of encouragement..
Dec 7th is my surgery date. I am married with 5 small children so my husband can not be with me. I am having the surgery at a military facility so I can't even have a family member stay the night on a cot with me. I am so nervous. My husband can only take 2 weeks leave and then I have to be back on my feet. Has anyone out there been able to recover that quickly? I don't have a choice. Any suggestions? Also, I don't know how to get an Angel. I could really use one. Thanks!!! — Kathi L. (posted on November 19, 1999)
November 19, 1999
Hi Kathi, my name is Stacy. I will be glad to give you the support you
need. I haven't had surgery yet because I am fighting my insurance but any
help I can be to you, I will glady be here for you. I will also be having
the surgery by myself. I know how you must feel. Hopefully I will be
approved and will get a chance to have the surgery done. I am here if you
need me! Email me anytime! Good luck and congradulations on your surgery
date!
— Stacy P.
November 19, 1999
Hi Kathi, my situation was similar to yours when I had my surgery, except I
only have two young children. I admire your fortitude in having five! My
husband came to the hospital with me, and stayed until I was out of the
recovery room, then he left and came back four days later to take me home.
It was not so bad being alone at the hospital. The hospital staff took
excellent care of me, and I had a nice roommate to chat with. If I had any
concerns, I just walked a couple doors down to the nurses station and asked
someone my questions. I could have pushed the call button, but the walking
was good for me anyway. After I got home, I sent my kids to grandma's
house for about a week. After that, I was on my own with them while my
husband was at work. I was tired, and took it slow, but we did just fine.
If you find that you really can't take care of the kids that soon after
your surgery, could you have a relative, visiting health aide, or part-time
babysitter come over and help you? Good Luck, and feel free to e-mail me
if you are still worried.
— Lynn K.
November 19, 1999
This will be the best thing you have ever done for yourself. With five
children, think of the life you will be living with them after your
surgery. I had my surgery on August 31 and have lost 61 lbs so far. I
have a high pain tolerance and if you do too, you will do fine. I was
washing and picking up the house when I got home from the hospital. I even
took care of my almost 4 year old daughter with the pukes the whole entire
week later. I needed no help. You are going to be so happy with your new
health, body and state of mind it will blow you away. This is the easiest
thing I have ever done. Good luck to you. I will be thinking of you until
your surgery.
— Laura L.
November 19, 1999
Kathi, my husband is military too. I flew to another state, on my own, to
have surgery. He stayed home with our daughter, 3yrs.old. He was only able
to stay home with me when I got back for 3 days. Luckily I did really well
with the surgery. I recovered quickly. Walk Walk Walk Believe me, it's
going to help you in the long run. Since I have only one daughter I'm sure
it's alot easier for me than it will be for you. I suppose it depends on
how old your children are. If they are old enough, start delegating chores.
I was suprised at how well my daughter adjusted to me not being able to
pick her up. She just understood in that childlike way. Good luck!
— Julie R.
November 19, 1999
kathy....
i had my rny and was back to work approx 2-2 1/2 weeks after. I had a desk
job though.will your hubby be there the day of surgery? I hope so as this
is a very serious operation. Maybe someone could stay with the children
that day. Please keep us posted ok. god bless...barb
— clarkbar
November 19, 1999
I thought I was your angel?
— Gayle G.
November 19, 1999
Hi. I would not worry too much. I was feeling pretty good by
two weeks post op. You will be fine!
— Dori H.
November 20, 1999
Kathi, WOW that was quick! Good luck with the surgery! Jaye
— Jaye C.
November 24, 1999
Yes , you will be ok if no complications come up. I had the open done on
the 18th and home on the 21st. Tomorrow I start on full liquids and it has
only been 6 days. You cannot lift more than 2lbs for about 6 weeks so you
will need help if the kids are young. NO LIFTING talk to you later Julie
— JULIE S.
November 25, 1999
Kathi,
Congrats on the surgery date. As the wife of a recently retired Air Force
member may I suggest that you contact your husband's squadron commander or
even the installation Red Cross office to seek volunteer assistance at your
house during the daytime. The Red Cross usually has a list of volunteers
and they might even be able to arrange free daycare (or even through the
Chaplain) for your children. I had open surgery on the 8th and I can tell
you, you should not attempt to lift children or do heavy work. You will
need to rest. Now after saying that, I can also say that I went back to
work after two weeks....walking does help. Good luck with your surgery.
Malinda
— Malinda M.
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