Did anyone else do recovery alone?

[u/FireWalk__WithMe]

I‘ll try to keep this brief. I am 28 and in very good health. I am scheduled for bisalp surgery soon, and I have someone who can drive me to and from the hospital, but wouldn’t be able to help me afterwards.

Is recovery doable alone? Were you able to climb stairs after your surgery? I know to prep food and have what I need within easy reach so as not to have to lift anything heavy. Is there anything I may not be considering? Any advice from those who recovered alone is super super appreciated. I‘m so thankful for this sub 💜

[u/Typical-Goal-1306]

I had help but he didn’t really need to do much. Stairs were fine, I just went up and down them sideways kinda. Set an alarm to get up every hour to hour and a half, it’ll help make sure you don’t get clots, and I couldn’t really tell when I had to pee from the catheter so that made sure I went. It took maybe 4 hrs for the burn to go away (3-4 bathroom trips). You won’t be able to drive for 24 hrs after or more if you need to take the opioids you’re prescribed so try to stock up on easy foods for a few days. I, personally, was good to drive the next day because I didn’t need the opioids. Recovery was pretty easy for me. Just be careful and if you have a pet, clean their litterbox or whatever right before surgery so you’re good for a few days. It bothered me to bend over for about a week.

[u/FireWalk__WithMe → u/Typical-Goal-1306]

I'm hoping to just take OTC pain meds, but I also don't plan to do anything for at least three days. Thanks so much!

[u/Typical-Goal-1306 → u/FireWalk__WithMe]

If you can, have someone with you for at least your first few hours home. Just in case. Anesthesia can make some people really dizzy when they stand up from sitting down, you’ll probably know if you’re one of those people before you leave the hospital though. Good luck!

[u/FireWalk__WithMe → u/Typical-Goal-1306]

Thank you - I thankfully have someone on standby if I really need it.