This isn't medical advise, but I was wondering..

[johnnie]

Some of ya might remember that I have to go get an umbilical hernia fixed. Actually, the surgeon said it is a double. Anyway... they set the operation for Sept. 5th which is a Tues. I live alone and I was wondering if any of you have had this done and will I be able to do things I need to do by myself?

In other words, will I need someone around or will I be able to get around enough without help? I have a pretty high tolerance of pain. Hell, I've been coming here for 3 1/2 years haven't I?

I am guessing it depends on the person, but I just thought I would see what anyone else's experiences have been. I am mainly asking because if I am going to not be able to move, that will suck when I have to take a leak or get a beer out of the fridge :)
But, if I don't need anyone at my house, then I don't want to have to deal with any people and I won't make any arrangements. Don't get me wrong, I like people... just not around me when I don't want them around me..lol.

[auntAgonist]

I just had hernia surgery

an incisional hernia. Now I'm pretty independant, but ... I would NOT have wanted to be by myself the first couple of days. It was reassuring to have my husband here. He took days off work to be with me. He didn't hover, he did get me food when I needed to eat and made sure I was comfortable. Also, the anasthetic (sp) is still somewhat in your system and if you have stairs in the house that you need to use it's best not to try to navigate alone for the first little while. I was in a fair bit of pain too. I came home the next day after surgery. I had 3 hernias according to my surgical report.

aA
GOOD LUCK :)

[johnnie]

3. Ouch

Three? Yikes. Well, I don't have a husband so that's out. Maybe I can borrow a wife :shrug:

Thanks :hi:

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

1. You should have someone around simply because with any surgery

even minor surgery, there is a risk of infection in the 24 hours following. If you were napping and developed a fever, you might not respond quickly enough. Other than that, your doc will inform you of what activities to avoid.

[johnnie]

4. Didn't think of that. Good point

Maybe I can get one of those things they show on TV. "I've got an infection..... and I can't get up". My father is going to drive me home after the operation, he might stay a bit. But if he starts into his computer talk... I'm kickin' his ass out.

Thanks for the input NSMA. :hi:

[Haole Girl]

9. I whole heartedly agree with this post...

Especially after my recent surgery!

[HEyHEY]

2. I suggest a bartender and someone to run to the video store

That'll be about it. A monkey butler could do both.

[dolo amber]

6. Monkey butler, asthmaticeog

6 of one... :shrug:

[johnnie]

12. And he is close enough

I wonder if he takes beef jerky as pay. :shrug:

[Magrittes Pipe]

15. I hear he expects "favors."

:scared:

[johnnie]

17. You mean like party favors?

[Magrittes Pipe]

19. Well, for starters, he will expect you to wear the shoes.

:o

[johnnie]

7. Good idea! I knew you were good for something.

My one buddy already told me that he will pick me up some beer if I need it..LOL. Yeah right, beer and percodan. :eyes:


Ummmmm, wait :think:

[Debi]

5. My mom had to help me bathe and I couldn't drive

And I needed help climbing stairs.

But only for a couple of days.

I'd say have people check in (even just call in) and see if you need help.

Oh, and be careful what you eat (I don't want to gross you out here...but think about what you use your abdominal muscles for...they'll be really really sore for a couple of days).

Mine was an inguinal hernia - so maybe yours won't be so sore. :shrug:

[johnnie]

8. One person told me to pick up that stuff that, well.. softens things

To make it easier on me. I have stairs, but won't need to use them. Unless I want to eat, sleep, go to the bathroom...lol, no. I won't need to be going up any for a few days.

Thanks :hi:

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

10. It's called Colace

start taking it BEFORE surgery so it works AFTER.

[johnnie]

14. Not allowed to eat or drink anything

And I really would hate to make a mess on the operating table in the middle of surgery. And I don't think they will give me a toilet break in the middle. But then again, who knows?

[Debi]

11. I'm glad you are 'prepared'

x(

No better way to say it!

I think the worst was that my dad kept calling to talk to mom (they live in another state) and he kept cracking jokes and it hurt to laugh. (I didn't want to take the pain killers because they...you know...make it more difficult...to....:blush:)

My surgeon put a 'webbing' in there and 'reinforced' the other side as well - that was 12 years ago and I haven't had trouble since! :bounce:

[johnnie]

13. Whoo hoooo! Webbing

I wonder if I will be able to shoot it out of my wrists like Spiderman. That would be cool.


Yeah, they said they were putting mesh in me too. But webbing is cool too. I'm glad you have been fine for 12 years.

[caty]

16. If you can't get someone to

stay with you, check with your insurance company and see if they will pay for a visiting nurse to come over once a day for a few days. The hospital will set it up for you. If they have you walking around after your surgery, you should be able to walk around at home. The more little trips you make to the bathroom and kitchen will be good for you to help get your strength back.

[johnnie]

18. That's an idea

But if I don't even want *family* over, I don't know about strangers. Of course, that could be interesting. :evilgrin:

Yeah, that's true. If I can walk when I get out, I should be ok.

Thanks.

[caty]

20. I know what you mean

about not wanting strangers in your home. But, these nurses just stay long enough to check your incision and help you with anything you can't handle around the house yet.