Survivng revision, alone with 3 dogs

[Guest guest]

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 Kramerhttp://anotherbrightidea.etsy.comwww.feliciakramer.blogspot.com