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Managing the First Week Post-op Alone

Posted: Mon Apr 11, 2011 12:14 am
by nyt
I will be having pudendal surgery with Dr. Hibner in May. There is a possibility I may need to travel alone. Who has managed the first week post-op at the hotel alone? Any advice?

Re: Managing the First Week Post-op Alone

Posted: Mon Apr 11, 2011 1:27 am
by Violet M
It can be done because I know someone who was alone and managed but it was not a piece of cake. I'll send you a PM.

Re: Managing the First Week Post-op Alone

Posted: Mon Apr 11, 2011 1:34 am
by RJR
Hello nyt,
Pls see my Surgery post entitled 1 Nov 10 with Dr Hibner - I was solo - lots of lessons learned there. Toughest part is wound care for both the incision and pain pump, but I found Dr Hibner's staff would always accommodate a quick bandage change. Stay close to the Hospital. Something that the hospital offered, that I did not use, was care once discharged. A social service POC will review your needs as you discharge.
RR

Re: Managing the First Week Post-op Alone

Posted: Mon Apr 11, 2011 1:49 am
by Celeste
I went to Houston alone, but I didn't have the pain pump to bother with. I didn't think it was bad, but I relied heavily on my ice machine to keep the swelling down. I changed my own bandage; it wasn't hard to reach back and slap the new one on.

Best of luck; it can be done.

Re: Managing the First Week Post-op Alone

Posted: Mon Apr 11, 2011 4:57 pm
by Karyn
Hi Nyt,
I wish I could go with you for your surgery! I think you and RR are very brave for going at it alone. My best advise to you would to be arrange your hotel room so that EVERYTHING is easily accessable! Is room service available for meals? I know AZ is warm this time of year, but slip on slippers/sandals will also be helpful.
I wish you the very best next month. I really wish someone could go with you!
Warm regards,
Karyn

Re: Managing the First Week Post-op Alone

Posted: Mon Apr 11, 2011 7:17 pm
by nyt
Thanks for all the advice. We are not sure if my husband will be able to go with me and he is quite worried if he can't what I should expect or what we should plan. Hopefully, we will know for sure in a couple of days whether he will go. I am hopeful he will be able to go, if not, others have done it can I.

Re: Managing the First Week Post-op Alone

Posted: Mon Apr 11, 2011 7:23 pm
by Karyn
Hi Nyt,
I'll be keeping my fingers crossed and saying prayers about your husband being able to go with you. I know others have done it, but I don't want you to be alone, if you can possibly help it!
Hugs,
Karyn

Re: Managing the First Week Post-op Alone

Posted: Mon Apr 11, 2011 9:05 pm
by Robyn
Wishing you all the best with your upcoming surgery. I am hoping it works out so that your husband or someone can go with you. Keeping my fingers crossed.

Robyn

Re: Managing the First Week Post-op Alone

Posted: Mon Apr 11, 2011 9:51 pm
by ezer
I had the TG surgery with Dr.Filler that is allegedly less invasive so it is not a 1 to 1 comparison. For what it is worth, I had help for a day and then I was on my own. It was not ideal but very manageable.

Re: Managing the First Week Post-op Alone

Posted: Wed Apr 13, 2011 2:07 am
by RJR
nyt,
Get a handicap room at the hotel if at all possible - as the bathroom mods help greatly. I liked the Holiday Inn on Osborne...very reasonable with the St Jo's discount, and within walking distance too.
Take care,
RR