Guest guest Posted November 25, 2001 Report Share Posted November 25, 2001 In a message dated 11/25/01 4:18:26 PM, duodenalswitch writes: << I need some info from you posties in-the-know. I live alone and will have lap surgery, if I ever get approval, but let's just assume for sanity's sake! My daughter will visit but can only stay 10-14 days. She wants to be here for the surgery, but if I will need lots of care at home will come down on my discharge day instead. How many days of at-home care do you think I'll need, and how " personal " will it get? I am now able to take care of all my hygiene needs w/o extenders etc. I live in a small house all on one level except for 2 steps up to the bathroom. There is a grocery with a ride-around cart 6 blocks away and bus 2 blocks. I have a washer but hang the clothes on the line or indoors on a rack. >> Chris: It is really hard to say ... Barring any complications in the surgery or recovery, I would think that 10-14 days would be sufficient to help out with things... I was very mobile and didn't need any extenders for using the bathroom, etc. as a pre-op (I had a bmi of 45). I only had soreness and some difficulty trying to stretch around to wipe in the first 3 days or so. I would recommend a squeeze bottle (to RINSE since it is pretty runny first out --- AND, don't count on the hospital to provide these - they didn't have ANY at Mt. Sinai when I inquired! ). I could reach but it was rather awkward and painful to stretch right after surgery. I was able to do it myself (and without the aid of a squeegie bottle, etc.) when I got home (I spent three days in the hospital). I also was sore to bend over to wash my face in the sink (I'm pretty tall, so it was quite a bend). I got those Pond's face wipes --- one side had soap and the other side water to rinse with the same disposable wipe -- It was GREAT and helped me A LOT. I would have NEVER predicted that bending and twisting would make me so sore (I had LAP surgery), so these little aids were wonderful to help me be self-sufficient and comfortable. I had a shower my second day post-op and I took it myself in the hospital. I never needed help with personal care except the first day post-op when getting up, getting to the toilet, etc. was precarious b/c I was so tender (and on morphine drip! LOL). I had a nurses's aid help me out in the first two days post-op in the hospital. My mom stayed for over a month and she was invaluable but mainly she helped out with my two young kids. I definately did most things for myself but she did get me meals (which was great!) and watched the kids while I took my daily walks around the block, etc. I was surprised that I was able to get in and out of bed when I returned home -- my mattresses are on the floor so it was quite a distance to get in and out of bed! I was also able to alternately sleep on my sides and back (as I was used to). I had a large body pillow to help support me and took pain meds to help alleviate the discomfort when I slept. So, insofar as my recovery was pretty smooth, I really didn't require a lot o f personal care. I did tire easily and took at least one nap during the day. I also walked about 6 blocks/day. It was great to have my mom help with the meals, dishes and other household tasks. I think by two weeks out you should be able to take over these tasks for yourself without difficulty. I was kind of strange in that I was kind of on a 'three week' high post-op. Then, I got kind of tired after three weeks (I started taking the iron supplement then - perhaps I was getting low? I don't know why). I felt a little run down wheras I was full of energy and alert in the first three weeks post-op. The lull in my energy lasted for about 2 weeks then I felt better. So, for me, it was nice to have my mom stay a little longer than three weeks because I started to get pretty tired and worn out around that time. I'm not saying you'll feel that way, but just be aware that your body *may* experience this at 3-4 weeks post-op. I had my first post-op period around that time, too so I'm sure that's part of the reason... Hope this helps somewhat... all the best, lap ds with gallbladder removal January 25, 2001 Dr. Gagner/Mt. Sinai/NYC 10 months post-op and still feelin' fabu! preop: 307 lbs/bmi 45 now: 204 lbs (gained weight again! AGH!)/size sweet 16/large-MEDIUM in normal people's clothing! LOL Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 25, 2001 Report Share Posted November 25, 2001 In a message dated 11/25/01 4:18:26 PM, duodenalswitch writes: << Also, get a box of baby-wipes like Huggies (do not flush them, however) to tidy up your you-know-what's after the paper work is finished. I found them to be very helpful the first month or so when my output was mostly liquid and kind'a gross. >> Steve: Good idea. I rued the fact that I didn't think of the squirt bottle when recovering in the hospital -- that gets the wetness cleared out and cleaned before going in with the wipes.. I used Cottonelle, actually. Problem is, they are smaller than wipes (there's something to be said for the larger size of the Huggies, etc.), but they ARE flushable. So, it's really up to personal preference but I just wanted everyone to know that Cottonelle Wipes ARE flushable. It's great to have the squirt bottle and wet wipes to feel the ultimate freshness --- The early post-op bm's are really watery. Some people suggested salad tongs and/or a long-handled wooden spoon, etc. to reach because twisting and turning to wipe can be painful (or impossible) immediately post-op. You can wrap the wipes around the tongs or spoon to reach those nether places... all the best, TEresa lap ds with gallbladder removal January 25, 2001 Dr. Gagner/Mt. Sinai/NYC 10 months post-op and still feelin' fabu preop: 307 lbs/bmi 45 now: 204 lbs (gained again! AGH!)/size sweet 16/large-MEDIUM in normal people's clothing! LOL Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 25, 2001 Report Share Posted November 25, 2001 > Thank you Judie and Pammi for responding to my post about post-op > care! Since you were the only people to respond and you gave opposite > advice I am reposting my question to see what others have to say > on the matter. I think you have to be flexible and no matter what you plan for, it won't happen that way! I'm a lighter BMI patient, was perfectly able to care for myself pre- op, but post-op complications left me pretty dependant on my family. I could still wipe myself OK, showering needed someone near by just in case. The whole point is, you won't know until afterwards what *you* will need. Be prepared for anything. Open DS with Dr. Anthone 7/6/01 261 lbs. down to 199 lbs. in 4 months. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 25, 2001 Report Share Posted November 25, 2001 It is so hard to say how much additional help you'll need post-op. You never know what will happen and how you'll be able to handle it. If your daughter wants to be there for the surgery, you should let her do that. From all I've read about hospital experiences, it always helps to have someone there, even if you don't need physical assistance; it helps to have someone who can be an advocate for your needs and isn't under heavy sedation. If you're having lap surgery, you'll probably be up and around sooner than later, but again, no guarantees. Of course, you MUST walk after surgery, so the sooner the better and having your daughter there to inspire and help you the first few days wouldn't hurt. I would think that it would be easy to have someone (your daughter?) do enough grocery shopping for a DS post-op for weeks, since your diet will be limited and volume will be small. After my past surgeries, I spent days around the house wearing a long t-shirt and a bathrobe, so laundry wasn't an issue. Hygiene-wise, I too have no problem now, but when the abdominal muscles are sore, the less reaching the better, so I've got a backup plan for that. I can't think of anything else. I think you'll be fine by yourself after two weeks, assuming there are no complications. You'll just have to make sure you're all prepared and have everything you need before your daughter leaves. Good luck, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 25, 2001 Report Share Posted November 25, 2001 At 7:39 PM +0000 11/25/01, msnoaccess@... wrote: >... >I need some info from you posties in-the-know. I live alone and will >have lap surgery, if I ever get approval, but let's just assume for >sanity's sake! My daughter will visit but can only stay 10-14 days. >She wants to be here for the surgery, but if I will need lots of care >at home will come down on my discharge day instead. It would be nice to have a close friend or family member with you in the hospital. The nurses cannot be there for you all the time to do everything that you will need to be done. For example, your lips may be dry and about to crack; you will need a lip moisturizer applied. You can't expect a nurse to run down to do that for you when you need it done. >How many days of >at-home care do you think I'll need, Assuming that you are LAP and that everything goes well, about a week, maybe less. > > and how " personal " will it get? I am now able to take care of all >my hygiene needs w/o extenders etc. Then, you ought to be able to do so post-LAP. I wouldn't be as reassuring about post-open, based on some of the comments that I have read on the list, but even open-DSers with BMIs in the high-40's to low 50's seem to have fared OK in that regard. The problem is reaching those places when your tummy is swollen and sore. Also, get a box of baby-wipes like Huggies (do not flush them, however) to tidy up your you-know-what's after the paper work is finished. I found them to be very helpful the first month or so when my output was mostly liquid and kind'a gross. You may also want to get a spray can of Glade Potpourri air deodorizer or, if there is a nearby Walmart, citrus spray. Especially if your daughter will be sharing the bathroom. >I live in a small house all on one level That's half the battle. Do you have, or can you rent, a nice big reclining chair to sleep in for the first several nights? For me, it was a Godsend. YMMV. >except for 2 steps up to the >bathroom. There is a grocery with a ride-around cart 6 blocks away Arrange with them ahead of time for delivery for a few weeks. Maybe even to have them send your order by taxi. Do not lift heavy bundles for many weeks. You don't want to get a hernia...hmmm, maybe you do, 'cause it will be a ticket to a tummy tuck down the line. Remember to wear your surgical binder. It will also help protect you from popping a hernia. (I popped one at about 5 months, on my belly, several inches above the middle--and largest--LAP incision.) >and bus 2 blocks. I'd not count on taking the bus for several weeks at least. And, when you do, use a cane to steady yourself and to get sympathy and maybe a seat. >I have a washer but hang the clothes on the line or >indoors on a rack. Do not carry a heavy basket of wet washing. Take a few pieces at a time to hang to dry. Maybe best to start off indoors just in case wind gives you an unexpected fit with hanging the wash. > >Thanks all! > >Chris Good luck, Chris. Hope this helps. --Steve -- Steve Goldstein, age 61 Lap BPD/DS on May 2, 2001 Dr. Elariny, INOVA Fairfax Hospital, Virginia Starting (05/02/01) BMI = 51 BMI on 11/14 = 39 (-80 lb.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 25, 2001 Report Share Posted November 25, 2001 You will be fine from day 1 unless you have surgical complications. I was easily able to be on my own 6 days post op. sue postop 9/11/01 -65# Dr. Warden Ocean Sps, MS > Thank you Judie and Pammi for responding to my post about post-op > care! Since you were the only people to respond and you gave opposite > advice I am reposting my question to see what others have to say > on the matter. > > I need some info from you posties in-the-know. I live alone and will > have lap surgery, if I ever get approval, but let's just assume for > sanity's sake! My daughter will visit but can only stay 10-14 days. > She wants to be here for the surgery, but if I will need lots of care > at home will come down on my discharge day instead. How many days of > at-home care do you think I'll need, and how " personal " will it get? > I am now able to take care of all my hygiene needs w/o extenders etc. > I live in a small house all on one level except for 2 steps up to the > bathroom. There is a grocery with a ride-around cart 6 blocks away > and bus 2 blocks. I have a washer but hang the clothes on the line or > indoors on a rack. > > Thanks all! > > Chris Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 25, 2001 Report Share Posted November 25, 2001 At 7:39 PM +0000 11/25/01, msnoaccess@... wrote: I need some info from you posties in-the-know. I live alone and will have lap surgery, if I ever get approval, but let's just assume for sanity's sake! My daughter will visit but can only stay 10-14 days. She wants to be here for the surgery, but if I will need lots of care at home will come down on my discharge day instead. **************************************** I asked Dr Jossart about this when I saw him last week. (I live alone also). He said I might be able to take care of myself after coming home post-surgery but should make sure I have someone on call just in case I had problems. I can shop and do laundry before going into the hospital but I don't think I'll be able to feed my cat and bunny. My cat can eat only wet food and she can't climb/jump because she's really old so I would have to bend down to feed her. I'm thinking I can ask a neighbor to come over and feed her. I'm so glad I bought my recliner... it's really wide and comfy and was one of my smartest buying decisions! Good luck, dee __________________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 25, 2001 Report Share Posted November 25, 2001 Dear If you have Lap BPD/DS and have no complications, you should be able to manage on your own fairly soon after coming home. I had my surgery on a Thursday, came home on Sunday and my Mom left late afternoon on Tuesday. My mom prepared some homemade soups which she froze in one cup portions in freezer bags. She also made some chicken and egg salad. You can always order some egg drop soup from the local Chinese restaurant. I went back to my office full-time 11 days post-op. Remember, YMMV. I think you will want to have your daughter with you in the hospital. In my opinion, that is probably when you will want and/or need her assistance the most. It is nice to have someone there for you around the clock those first 36 hours. Even if she only spends 4-5 days with you at your home, you will only need to take care of yourself when she leaves. Before your daughter leaves, have her make sure the house is clean, you have all of the groceries, bottled water and vitamins that you need and the laundry and linens are clean. You can also have her put two bottom sheets on your bed so that first linen change will be easier for you. Maybe you can treat yourself to a few hours of maid service to help with the laundry and clean your bathroom and kitchen a week after your daughter leaves. If not, by the time things start to " pile " up, you will be able to take care of them yourself. Lap patients usually need very little narcotic pain meds. By the time your daughter leaves, you will probably only need tylenol, if even that. Good luck to you. Jane J. 230/151 (-79 lbs) Lap BPD/DS 4/26/01 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 25, 2001 Report Share Posted November 25, 2001 i would have the daughter come the day of discharge so you can have help at home if you need it. if you have no complications from lap surgery, you shouldn't be in the hospital but just a few days. and the nurses and aides should be plenty helpful while you are there. you will feel weak and tired and will sleep alot the first month. so those first two weeks your daughter can stay, she will be invaluable to you. that will allow you to rest and recuperate to the fullest. then you will feel more like taking care of yourself after she has to leave. if you can reach for hygiene before surgery, it probably won't be a problem afterward. so i imagine the personal care shouldn't get that " personal " lol. but it's nice to know you have help if you need it. if you ride the bus to the market, take a cart and pillow with you. hold the pillow over your belly during the ride so you won't get sore from the bouncing. use the cart to roll your groceries, don't try to carry full bags. that will make you sore too. if the bus has a handicap lift, use that when your cart is full on the return home trip from the store. don't try to tug or lift it up the steps. take it easy with the laundry for a while too. see if you can " hire " a local teen to help with that when your daughter has gone home. then again, you may be superwoman and won't need much help at all! everyone is different, but i would plan for the easiest way just in case. i just remember how i felt the first month or two, and i appreciated all the help i could get. good luck, mary y .. > > I need some info from you posties in-the-know. I live alone and will > have lap surgery, if I ever get approval, but let's just assume for > sanity's sake! My daughter will visit but can only stay 10-14 days. > She wants to be here for the surgery, but if I will need lots of care > at home will come down on my discharge day instead. How many days of > at-home care do you think I'll need, and how " personal " will it get? > I am now able to take care of all my hygiene needs w/o extenders etc. > I live in a small house all on one level except for 2 steps up to the > bathroom. There is a grocery with a ride-around cart 6 blocks away > and bus 2 blocks. I have a washer but hang the clothes on the line or > indoors on a rack. > > Thanks all! > > Chris Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 25, 2001 Report Share Posted November 25, 2001 Sorry I didnt respond...I had the open procedure......I was in the hospital monday came home thursday....I was up and about as soon as I got home....I was slow and very sore.....about a week later I was up and about on my own no problem.....I can't really say that I suffered down time....I just kinda lazed around and did as much as I wanted which was not very much....I had people pick something up if it fell and I walked around my block once a day....and roamed my house all day long I hate to sit still..... Lisbeth msnoaccess@... wrote: Thank you Judie and Pammi for responding to my post about post-op care! Since you were the only people to respond and you gave opposite advice I am reposting my question to see what others have to say on the matter. I need some info from you posties in-the-know. I live alone and will have lap surgery, if I ever get approval, but let's just assume for sanity's sake! My daughter will visit but can only stay 10-14 days. She wants to be here for the surgery, but if I will need lots of care at home will come down on my discharge day instead. How many days of at-home care do you think I'll need, and how " personal " will it get? I am now able to take care of all my hygiene needs w/o extenders etc. I live in a small house all on one level except for 2 steps up to the bathroom. There is a grocery with a ride-around cart 6 blocks away and bus 2 blocks. I have a washer but hang the clothes on the line or indoors on a rack. Thanks all! Chris ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 25, 2001 Report Share Posted November 25, 2001 Hi Chris. I was hesitant to reply to your post feeling that my experience has been atypical, but then remembered that part of the beauty of the list is that it includes a diverse group of experiences and opinions. So though mine is different than most, it still is valid and worth sharing. I consider myself to be fortunate in terms of this whole surgery process. I'm now 19 days post-op and have had very few problems. I did have my surgery lap and though it lasted 5 1/2 hours(due to what I was told was excessive abdominal muscles-I'm built that way), have had what I view as an easy recovery. Of course, at first, like everyone else, I walked the halls of the hospital like a 92 year old woman with osteoperosis! It felt like my abdominal area was a scrunched up accordion and when I tried to stand straight...ugh. You may as well told me that the Green Bay Packers trampled me while in surgery, and I would have believed you. My trips to the loo were always unpleasant, especially due to the fact I had what felt like two turkey basters sticking out of me(the JP drains-yuck!), but were tolerable. But despite that, I was able to take care of business, so to speak. Even got to take a shower and was able to do so unaided as well as get in and out of bed (though much depended on my upper body strength, which is pretty significant), without anyone's help. I had surgery on Tuesday and was released on Saturday. I originally was going to be let go Friday but my doctor was suspicious that I looked so good all along. She was afraid I was going to go home and crash; that something had to give. But luckily, it didn't. And I made it home soundly, even up the 3 flights of stairs to my apt. Within 2 hours of being home, I sent my parents and sister away and told them I was fine. Because though sore, I really felt I was. Within 2 days, I was out doing errands (though careful not to lift too much). So, not sure what else to say except that it really seems that the surgery, and one's recovery, is a VERY individual thing. Everyone responds differently. I think because I was healthy to begin with and have always been very athletic, that my recovery has been quicker than most(I'm 36, by the way). That doesn't mean I'm exempt from daily diarrhea (which often includes runs to the loo numerous times in the night)and that I'm not occasionally reminded when I eat something a little too rough with a pain in my chest area that feels like a ten pound weight is stuck in there. Last night I even threw up for the first(and hopefully last)time. But all and all, I'd say things are going well for me. I hope the same for you too! If I can help in any other way, just let me know. D. in NYC 11/6/01 with Dr. Ren > Thank you Judie and Pammi for responding to my post about post-op > care! Since you were the only people to respond and you gave opposite > advice I am reposting my question to see what others have to say > on the matter. > > I need some info from you posties in-the-know. I live alone and will > have lap surgery, if I ever get approval, but let's just assume for > sanity's sake! My daughter will visit but can only stay 10-14 days. > She wants to be here for the surgery, but if I will need lots of care > at home will come down on my discharge day instead. How many days of > at-home care do you think I'll need, and how " personal " will it get? > I am now able to take care of all my hygiene needs w/o extenders etc. > I live in a small house all on one level except for 2 steps up to the > bathroom. There is a grocery with a ride-around cart 6 blocks away > and bus 2 blocks. I have a washer but hang the clothes on the line or > indoors on a rack. > > Thanks all! > > Chris Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 25, 2001 Report Share Posted November 25, 2001 My recovery was atypical as well, but at the other end of the spectrum from Ds. Again, just to reiterate, I was a very sick puppy going into surgery, and had a 50/50 shot at even living through it. I had trouble getting to the bathroom before the surgery, even....I used a urinal for a few months before surgery. Note, by the way, that I am on diuretics, which made this situation even worse....I had trouble standing due to my weight in combination with extreme arthritis in my right knee. I was in the hospital for three nights, and then home. I had my wife (then fiance) and my son there to help me out. It was a major milestone to be able to get to the toilet on my own THREE WEEKS after surgery, while I was back in the hospital with blood in my stool....I take blood thinners, also, and the dosage I was on was suddenly way too high, and things got dangerous there for a bit. So...three weeks using a bedpan. Talk about testing the love of your intended and your son. I rented a wheelchair for two months, and needed it. I used to be in a scooter before surgery....now I have the thing for sale. I threw up a total of once, had a lot of diarrhea, was very careful about what I ate and how much, and had a remarkable recover after that two month point. Ford: 16 months out, down from 465 to 238 this morning Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 26, 2001 Report Share Posted November 26, 2001 thats great denise sounds like your doing very well i hope i do half as well. belinda Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 26, 2001 Report Share Posted November 26, 2001 that is great ford sounds like this surgery has done wonders for you. belinda Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 26, 2001 Report Share Posted November 26, 2001 Sorry about our " opposite " answears to your question. There really isn't a right one--there are pros and cons both ways. You know yourself the best and what you need. Judie and I needed different things. I found that the days postop after I was home and people were around I tended to do too much--instead of resting, sipping and walking. I don't know what your starting wt is, and just how well you could do with personal hygeine postop--I didn't need anyone to help me bathe or wipe my bottom at all, except the shower Dr. B let me take 2 days postop at the hospital before he took out the drains. Hope this helps!! Pammi Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 27, 2001 Report Share Posted November 27, 2001 Hi Chris: I'm 19 days postop and can do just about everything on my own, except drive - which I'll start on Thursday. You'll really need help the first 10-12 days after surgery. After that should be able to do most things on your own. I didn't need the extenders pre-op either, but definitely needed them the first week post-op. Since I had open surgery, this may not be as big of an issue for you - bending, twisting, etc. are painful with a big incision. My mother was with me in the hospital and the hotel during the first week. She kept me fed and watered, as well as helped me shower and dress. By the beginning of the second week (once the jp drains/staples were out), I could shower on my own. I could also getup and make myself some food and sleep in my own bed. It does help that she lives with me, so even though I can do most things on my own, she has been taking care of the kids, dinner, laundry, etc.... You'll want your daughter to stock up on things you'll need before she leaves since you probably won't be able to drive till about 3 weeks out. Regards, Gil Dr. Keshishian 11/8 - 264 lbs 11/26 - 240 lbs > Thank you Judie and Pammi for responding to my post about post-op > care! Since you were the only people to respond and you gave opposite > advice I am reposting my question to see what others have to say > on the matter. > > I need some info from you posties in-the-know. I live alone and will > have lap surgery, if I ever get approval, but let's just assume for > sanity's sake! My daughter will visit but can only stay 10-14 days. > She wants to be here for the surgery, but if I will need lots of care > at home will come down on my discharge day instead. How many days of > at-home care do you think I'll need, and how " personal " will it get? > I am now able to take care of all my hygiene needs w/o extenders etc. > I live in a small house all on one level except for 2 steps up to the > bathroom. There is a grocery with a ride-around cart 6 blocks away > and bus 2 blocks. I have a washer but hang the clothes on the line or > indoors on a rack. > > Thanks all! > > Chris Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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