Re: Survivng revision, alone with 3 dogs

[Guest guest]

I get it now = ) That's something I forgot to talk about. Ok,, "yes" one of my biggest fears was being alone in the hospital 300 miles away from home. There was no way my family was going to be able to be there. During recovery from surgery 3 years ago, it was one of my visitors that noticed that my IV in my neck was leaking BLOOD, I had to have 3 stitches in my jugular vein !!! I don't know what would have happened if not for my visitor. So I posted to the group about my fear of having no one to advocate for me when I was most vulnerable. I ended up with visits from two group members & 2 visits from their friends !!! You'll really be suprised, the closer you get to surgery, just how helpful this group can be. Good luck...............Kathy

From: Felicia Kramer <feliciakramer4@...>Subject: [ ] Survivng revision, alone with 3 dogs Date: Friday, February 4, 2011, 6:21 AM

Thanks for the good post, filled with tips for surviving alone. Since I have already been through four surgeries, I kind of know what to expect and my home has been surgery-proofed for a long time. For instance, to keep from going up and down the stairs too often, I have a coffee pot and small cooler upstairs and will soon add a tiny camper type refrigerator. That takes care of breakfast and lunch. I spend most of my time upstairs. I have grabbers all over the house, and kitchen supplies are always within reach. I do have lots of family in the area and they are absolutely great about helping me out post-surgery - whether visiting (bringing food!), stocking my freezer or taking me to appointments or shopping. But for the last two surgeries I have paid to have a home aide come in two days a week to do some chores and assist me. I hated to spend the

money (and I will probably do this again) but I feel I have called upon my family too much over the past 10 years (everyone is a 30-minute drive or more). They have lives, jobs, families and health issues of their own. My biggest worry right now is being in St. Louis with a limited-time support system. The uncertainties while so far away are anxiety-provoking (a somewhat unusual reaction for me). I know what to do or who to call when I'm home - but not in St. Louis. I'm doing as much planning as I can do - when I was there for pre-op I asked a lot of questions and became fast friends with hotel staff, guest services, etc. Hopefully, they remember me kindly when I return!Thanks again for your post, Kathy.

Felicia Kramer

http://anotherbrightidea.etsy.com

www.feliciakramer.blogspot.com

[Guest guest]

Kathy Kathy Kathy, so it's DOABLE?....coming home right after surgery to an empty 2 story house and 2 dogs? I NEEDED to hear that. I do not have anyone to count on...sad but true.

Also, any opiate makes me so very ill I will take intense pain over intense nausea any day. At least that is the goal now. Did anyone get off the drugs in a few days? Is that DOABLE?Pamela

From: kathyinbk@...Date: Thu, 3 Feb 2011 19:08:16 +0000Subject: [ ] Survivng revision, alone with 3 dogs

Good morning Felicia & others who may have questions about surviving revision alone. My story has some helpfuls hints but is no means a quaranteed blueprint. So here goes. I am 49 & live alone with 3 large & somewhat stupid dogs who have never been without their MaMa for more than 24 hours. I am a Type A personality who ALWAYS not only has a Plan A...but also a Plan B. Although I had been through a back surgery alone, once before, I was ablsolutely terrified. Prior to my posterior surgery on December 14th, I stocked my kitchen with EASY food that was somewhat non-perishable...soups, sandwhich meat, oranges, ice cream. Also, diposable plates & utensils, so NO DISHES to wash. Last but not least, 2 months worth of toilet paper & dog food. I was hoping that I would go into re-hab after the hospital, but no such luck. I had a 5 hour car ride home from the hospital in the back of my cousin's car, on a bed of feather pillows. Upon arrivng home, my dog sitter had left my dogs in the house ALL DAY & my home was BURIED in shreaded paper & trash...to the point that my cousins RAKED my floors as opposed to sweeping. It didn't matter...it was still good to be home. After making sure my bed & my bathroom were clean enough for me to spend time in, my cousins left & I was on my own. I knew they were only a phone call away, but I was still alone. My house is not "user friendly" for post surgical recovery. My bathtub has very high sides & there are several steps at my front door. I spent alot of my first days drugged & in bed for the most part & having to teach my dogs how to be EXTRA gentle around me. About a week after I was home, I got the call from my doc's office that there was no one in my area that my insurance would cover to come to my home & help me. I was truely on my own. Fast forward 5 weeks to my anterior surgery. Learning from my past mistakes. I put my three hairy kids in a kennel. It was really nice to come home to a clean house. I chose to take the fast, but more expenseive route home, a one hour plane ride. This decision was not without consequences. I was subjected to a BRUTAL wheelchair ride through the airport by one of it's attendents. Once again, it was really good to be home. I have now been home for about a week & a half. I am not recovering as quickly this time as I did 6 weeks ago. I am in ALOT more pain & moving quite a bit slower. My dogs are a great comfort, but also a chore. I just wanted to give you a description of what I am currently going through. Planning helped keep me busy & occupied prior to the event. No matter how much you plan, there are going to be snaffoos. In a perfect world, we would not be alone. I just wanted you to know, it is ABSOLUTELY DO-ABLE. For me, living alone with flatback was more difficult than recovering from revision. Living with flatback, I had no light at the end of my tunnel. Recovering from revision, I know that each day, I will be just a little bit less in pain, & a little bit stronger. You will be surpised how strong you are when the time comes. I would not hesitate to do it again. Good luck..............Kathy

[Guest guest]

Pamela,

 

Okay, now you have me affraid for you. You will be on meds for quite awhile, most for months, I have a very normal recovery, and was on meds of one sort or another for three months, and most go longer than me. You will need to plan if you have no one, and really put this accross to your doc, that going to rehab for a couple of weeks would be in your best interest. You may have to fight for it. Also look into if your insurance cover a home health nurse, at the very least have someone around to help with showering and such. Pay a neighbor to help with your dogs, given the economy, stay at home Mom's like me, are up for an extra dollar, and I dog sit from time to time. Water and food bowls will be impossible to do, given after surgery protocols.

 

I know doing this alone can be done with planning, but everyone has a friend, a neighbor, maybe a church family, to lend a hand, because after surgery you will be down to accomplishing the basic bodily functions, and those will exhaust you.

 

Revision physically was the toughest thing I've ever been through, and mind you I did three, two being very large surgeries, 12 hours long, and I had a TON of help, and even then it was rough.

 

You in no way want to jepordize the work your surgeon just did, and God forbid have a huge setback or structurally ruin what been done, and have to have another surgery.

 

I'm not trying to scare you, but being real with you.

 

Colorado Springs

On Fri, Feb 4, 2011 at 9:13 AM, Pamela Hanley <campbetty@...> wrote:

 

Kathy Kathy Kathy, so it's DOABLE?....coming home right after surgery to an empty 2 story house and 2 dogs?  I NEEDED to hear that. I do not have anyone to count on...sad but true. Also, any opiate makes me so very ill I will take intense pain over intense nausea any day. At least that is the goal now. Did anyone get off the drugs in a few days?  Is that DOABLE?

Pamela 

From: kathyinbk@...Date: Thu, 3 Feb 2011 19:08:16 +0000 Subject: [ ] Survivng revision, alone with 3 dogs 

Good morning Felicia & others who may have questions about surviving revision alone. My story has some helpfuls hints but is no means a quaranteed blueprint. So here goes. I am 49 & live alone with 3 large & somewhat stupid dogs who have never been without their MaMa for more than 24 hours. I am a Type A personality who ALWAYS not only has a Plan A...but also a Plan B. Although I had been through a back surgery alone, once before, I was ablsolutely terrified. Prior to my posterior surgery on December 14th, I stocked my kitchen with EASY food that was somewhat non-perishable...soups, sandwhich meat, oranges, ice cream. Also, diposable plates & utensils, so NO DISHES to wash. Last but not least, 2 months worth of toilet paper & dog food. I was hoping that I would go into re-hab after the hospital, but no such luck. I had a 5 hour car ride home from the hospital in the back of my cousin's car, on a bed of feather pillows. Upon arrivng home, my dog sitter had left my dogs in the house ALL DAY & my home was BURIED in shreaded paper & trash...to the point that my cousins RAKED my floors as opposed to sweeping. It didn't matter...it was still good to be home. After making sure my bed & my bathroom were clean enough for me to spend time in, my cousins left & I was on my own. I knew they were only a phone call away, but I was still alone. My house is not " user friendly " for post surgical recovery. My bathtub has very high sides & there are several steps at my front door. I spent alot of my first days drugged & in bed for the most part & having to teach my dogs how to be EXTRA gentle around me. About a week after I was home, I got the call from my doc's office that there was no one in my area that my insurance would cover to come to my home & help me. I was truely on my own. Fast forward 5 weeks to my anterior surgery. Learning from my past mistakes. I put my three hairy kids in a kennel. It was really nice to come home to a clean house. I chose to take the fast, but more expenseive route home, a one hour plane ride. This decision was not without consequences. I was subjected to a BRUTAL wheelchair ride through the airport by one of it's attendents. Once again, it was really good to be home. I have now been home for about a week & a half. I am not recovering as quickly this time as I did 6 weeks ago. I am in ALOT more pain & moving quite a bit slower. My dogs are a great comfort, but also a chore. I just wanted to give you a description of what I am currently going through. Planning helped keep me busy & occupied prior to the event. No matter how much you plan, there are going to be snaffoos. In a perfect world, we would not be alone. I just wanted you to know, it is ABSOLUTELY DO-ABLE. For me, living alone with flatback was more difficult than recovering from revision. Living with flatback, I had no light at the end of my tunnel. Recovering from revision, I know that each day, I will be just a little bit less in pain, & a little bit stronger. You will be surpised how strong you are when the time comes. I would not hesitate to do it again. Good luck..............Kathy

[Guest guest]

Good morning Pamela - "Yes" it's doable. I am living proof. I would have LOVED help, but had none. My family all have jobs & lives & are slightly disfuntional & emotionally detached. Like I said, they were only a phone call away though. I rely heavily on my gadgets that were sent home with me from the hospital. I have a Rottweiller, a Pitbull, & a Dalmation. The auto dog feeder & waterer work perfect. I rent from my cousin & just told them "Look... the house & yard are going to get messy over the next few months until I recover more, but I'll take care of it when I can". With a little practice, I've gotten very good at manageing on my own. I know it sounds strange to some people, but there are those of us out there who really DON'T have anyone to come & help with

the day-to-day stuff, like taking the trashcan to the curb or picking up dog poop. I won't bore everone with details, but if have any questions, feel free to E-mail me direct. Sincerely...........Kathy

From: Pamela Hanley <campbetty@...>Subject: RE: [ ] Survivng revision, alone with 3 dogs Date: Friday, February 4, 2011, 8:13 AM

Kathy Kathy Kathy, so it's DOABLE?....coming home right after surgery to an empty 2 story house and 2 dogs? I NEEDED to hear that. I do not have anyone to count on...sad but true. Also, any opiate makes me so very ill I will take intense pain over intense nausea any day. At least that is the goal now. Did anyone get off the drugs in a few days? Is that DOABLE?Pamela

From: kathyinbk@...Date: Thu, 3 Feb 2011 19:08:16 +0000Subject: [ ] Survivng revision, alone with 3 dogs

Good morning Felicia & others who may have questions about surviving revision alone. My story has some helpfuls hints but is no means a quaranteed blueprint. So here goes. I am 49 & live alone with 3 large & somewhat stupid dogs who have never been without their MaMa for more than 24 hours. I am a Type A personality who ALWAYS not only has a Plan A...but also a Plan B. Although I had been through a back surgery alone, once before, I was ablsolutely terrified. Prior to my posterior surgery on December 14th, I stocked my kitchen with EASY food that was somewhat non-perishable...soups, sandwhich meat, oranges, ice cream. Also, diposable plates & utensils, so NO DISHES to wash. Last but not least, 2 months worth of toilet paper & dog food. I was hoping that I would go into re-hab after the hospital, but no such luck. I had a 5 hour car ride home from the hospital in the back of my cousin's car, on a bed

of feather pillows. Upon arrivng home, my dog sitter had left my dogs in the house ALL DAY & my home was BURIED in shreaded paper & trash...to the point that my cousins RAKED my floors as opposed to sweeping. It didn't matter...it was still good to be home. After making sure my bed & my bathroom were clean enough for me to spend time in, my cousins left & I was on my own. I knew they were only a phone call away, but I was still alone. My house is not "user friendly" for post surgical recovery. My bathtub has very high sides & there are several steps at my front door. I spent alot of my first days drugged & in bed for the most part & having to teach my dogs how to be EXTRA gentle around me. About a week after I was home, I got the call from my doc's office that there was no one in my area that my insurance would cover to come to my home & help me. I was truely on my own. Fast forward 5 weeks to my anterior surgery.

Learning from my past mistakes. I put my three hairy kids in a kennel. It was really nice to come home to a clean house. I chose to take the fast, but more expenseive route home, a one hour plane ride. This decision was not without consequences. I was subjected to a BRUTAL wheelchair ride through the airport by one of it's attendents. Once again, it was really good to be home. I have now been home for about a week & a half. I am not recovering as quickly this time as I did 6 weeks ago. I am in ALOT more pain & moving quite a bit slower. My dogs are a great comfort, but also a chore. I just wanted to give you a description of what I am currently going through. Planning helped keep me busy & occupied prior to the event. No matter how much you plan, there are going to be snaffoos. In a perfect world, we would not be alone. I just wanted you to know, it is ABSOLUTELY DO-ABLE. For me, living alone with flatback was more difficult than recovering

from revision. Living with flatback, I had no light at the end of my tunnel. Recovering from revision, I know that each day, I will be just a little bit less in pain, & a little bit stronger. You will be surpised how strong you are when the time comes. I would not hesitate to do it again. Good luck..............Kathy

[Guest guest]

Hi Felicia,

One way to solve the problem of being alone during your hospital stay

is to hire private nurses, if you can afford it. I found that a

private nurse quickly becomes an advocate and a friend. It worked

for me.

Bonnie

[Guest guest]

Hi Pamela,

So even though it looks like Kathy survived surgery and three dogs alone, it

still didn't look like it was smooth. It also looks like she ended up kennelling

them a bit. If you are going to have revision, chances are you will not be drug

free in " a few days " . I beleive it is unrealistic to think so and I would be

amiss to not comment on it. I understand the difficulty but hopefully there is

someone who can lend a hand, church group, neighbor, friend, third cousin, hired

help? I think there is a website that you can set up requesting for help and

people fill in with what they can do to help. If your interested, I am sure you

can do a search on it here in the messages.

Don't get me wrong, I think Kathy is exceptional in what she has accomplished

alone, I just don't think it is the norm. Just my .02 cents. C

>

>

> Kathy Kathy Kathy, so it's DOABLE?....coming home right after surgery to an

empty 2 story house and 2 dogs? I NEEDED to hear that. I do not have anyone to

count on...sad but true.

>

> Also, any opiate makes me so very ill I will take intense pain over intense

nausea any day. At least that is the goal now. Did anyone get off the drugs in a

few days? Is that DOABLE?

>

> Pamela

>

>

>

>

>

>

> From: kathyinbk@...

> Date: Thu, 3 Feb 2011 19:08:16 +0000

> Subject: [ ] Survivng revision, alone with 3 dogs

>

>

>

>

>

>

> Good morning Felicia & others who may have questions about surviving revision

alone. My story has some helpfuls hints but is no means a quaranteed blueprint.

So here goes. I am 49 & live alone with 3 large & somewhat stupid dogs who have

never been without their MaMa for more than 24 hours. I am a Type A personality

who ALWAYS not only has a Plan A...but also a Plan B. Although I had been

through a back surgery alone, once before, I was ablsolutely terrified. Prior to

my posterior surgery on December 14th, I stocked my kitchen with EASY food that

was somewhat non-perishable...soups, sandwhich meat, oranges, ice cream. Also,

diposable plates & utensils, so NO DISHES to wash. Last but not least, 2 months

worth of toilet paper & dog food. I was hoping that I would go into re-hab after

the hospital, but no such luck. I had a 5 hour car ride home from the hospital

in the back of my cousin's car, on a bed of feather pillows. Upon arrivng home,

my dog sitter had left my dogs in the house ALL DAY & my home was BURIED in

shreaded paper & trash...to the point that my cousins RAKED my floors as opposed

to sweeping. It didn't matter...it was still good to be home. After making sure

my bed & my bathroom were clean enough for me to spend time in, my cousins left

& I was on my own. I knew they were only a phone call away, but I was still

alone. My house is not " user friendly " for post surgical recovery. My bathtub

has very high sides & there are several steps at my front door. I spent alot of

my first days drugged & in bed for the most part & having to teach my dogs how

to be EXTRA gentle around me. About a week after I was home, I got the call from

my doc's office that there was no one in my area that my insurance would cover

to come to my home & help me. I was truely on my own. Fast forward 5 weeks to my

anterior surgery. Learning from my past mistakes. I put my three hairy kids in a

kennel. It was really nice to come home to a clean house. I chose to take the

fast, but more expenseive route home, a one hour plane ride. This decision was

not without consequences. I was subjected to a BRUTAL wheelchair ride through

the airport by one of it's attendents. Once again, it was really good to be

home. I have now been home for about a week & a half. I am not recovering as

quickly this time as I did 6 weeks ago. I am in ALOT more pain & moving quite a

bit slower. My dogs are a great comfort, but also a chore. I just wanted to give

you a description of what I am currently going through. Planning helped keep me

busy & occupied prior to the event. No matter how much you plan, there are going

to be snaffoos. In a perfect world, we would not be alone. I just wanted you to

know, it is ABSOLUTELY DO-ABLE. For me, living alone with flatback was more

difficult than recovering from revision. Living with flatback, I had no light at

the end of my tunnel. Recovering from revision, I know that each day, I will be

just a little bit less in pain, & a little bit stronger. You will be surpised

how strong you are when the time comes. I would not hesitate to do it again.

Good luck..............Kathy

>