Hi, all.
I had a bunch of questions I am sure my surgeon/ hospital will answer, but I wanted some idea in advance.
1) How long are you pretty much bedridden?
2) How long until you can use the bathroom yourself?
3) How long until you can wash your hair?
4) How long until you can drive?
I think that's it... if you can think of similar info, please feel free to add it.
Hi joysdivision
I am just 5 weeks post op. At no point was I bedridden. I really didn’t want to be. I just took it easy. Slept in later, napped during the day, went to bed early. I read and watched movies in between. That was probably a week or two.
I could use the bathroom on my own the day after surgery. I needed assistance to get out of the bed but that was it.
I could was my hair as soon as I got home - day 4 after surgery - I had to use baby shampoo. I had staples removed after 8 days and then I could use regular shampoo.
My NS told me I could drive local roads (no highway) as soon as I felt upto it as long as I had someone with me. It took me about 2.5 weeks before I drove and only to do the school run. You should listen to your doctors advice regarding this. Each have different opinions.
Every recovery is different. I have had a very good one. All you can do is listen to your doctors advice and your body. If you go too fast your body will tell you. You will pay for it the next day and it will slow your recovery if you push yourself.
Good luck,
Helen
1. I had my surgery three weeks ago.They had me up and walking when I got out of the ICU. I never have been bedridden. When I was discharged the first few days I was weak and didn't have a lot of stamina and spent a lot of time on the couch. After about a week I was still a little weak but I felt pretty good and started walking around the block and doing more for myself.
2. When I got out of surgery I asked that the catheter be removed and I went to the bathroom on my own.
3. I had to wait 5 days until I could wash my hair.
4. I was driving after two weeks
Thank you, everyone!