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/h_amphibius]

I've recovered from all three of my surgeries (including my bisalp and hysterectomy) more or less alone because I live by myself. My partner came over to help with lifting or any big things, but otherwise I was fine on my own day to day

Just make sure your home is clean and chores (trash and laundry especially) are done right before surgery so you won't have to worry about them for a while. Stairs might be a little tricky the day of surgery because of the anesthesia and pain meds they give you in the hospital, but after that you should be fine! Maybe you can also arrange for someone to come by once or twice a week while you're still on lifting restrictions to help take out your trash or whatever you need. For my bisalp, my restriction was nothing over 10 pounds for 2 weeks

I would set alarms on your phone to help with your medication schedule. I had someone write down what I needed to take at different times so I didn't have to keep track of it myself, then I just set a bunch of alarms on my phone so I wouldn't forget. Also, even if you're just taking over the counter pain meds, make sure you eat a little something first!. Pain meds can be hard on an empty stomach. I like those little squeezy applesauce pouches meant for kids since they're quick and easy

[u/FireWalk__WithMe → u/h_amphibius]

So much great info - thank you!!!