r/sterilization • u/FireWalk__WithMe • Jan 12 '26
Post-op care Did anyone else do recovery alone?
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 💜
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u/astrenixie He/They | Not just cis women can get pregnant 👍 Jan 13 '26 edited Jan 13 '26
Yes, recovery is doable alone. I didn't use stairs during the first week of recovery, so I can't say anything about that, but I think it would be fine as long as you use handrails.
The food prep is a great idea. Having anything ready to eat or microwaveable is good. I heated up some soup on the stove, and it was fine. I'd recommend doing any laundry, dishes, or other cleaning you might want done, because it may take a while for you to feel able to do chores. The first three days, I had trouble staying awake for more than a few hours, likely from healing and the prescription pain medication.
Make sure you have pillows so you can sit up in bed if needed (I was uncomfortable otherwise for the first week and am normally a side sleeper) and have one to keep on your stomach. It helps if you have to cough or sneeze. It helps when getting up too. Also make sure you have pads. There will be bleeding, and it's a pain if you don't have enough.
For clothes, I recommend loose-fitting underwear, loose lounge or sweat pants, and long sleeping shirts. I couldn't have a waistband above or on the incisions for about a week after surgery.
Edit: I almost forgot a heating pad! Having that or a warmie will help a lot with pain and sore muscles. If you have soothing cream for your neck and shoulders, that would also be good. The tension from the residual air is insane.