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Author Topic: Having to do stairs after MDV  (Read 1244 times)

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Online Rayna

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Having to do stairs after MDV
« on: October 29, 2022, 11:47:53 pm »
There are a number of threads that discuss recovery from GCS, and they are helpful. But I have a specific question: will it be realistic for me to recover in my own multi-level home after release from the hospital?

I have minimal-depth (MDV) scheduled with Dr. Hyer at Denver Health on December 20. The normal schedule will release me to go home on the 22nd (two nights).

My house is a weird split-level, with 6 steps up from the main (living room and kitchen) level to the bathroom. From there, it is another 5 steps up to the bedrooms. There is a laundry room on the same level as the bathroom. So if I recover in my own bed, I will need to do those 5 steps to use the bathroom. I'm in the process of installing strong grab bars on the stairs so I can steady myself and take some weight off my lower body.

My son will probably stay with me for 5 days to help with food, cat, etc. I have lots of good friends and neighbors who have offered to help as well.

I know the recovery can be lengthy, and I am 69 years old, although in excellent physical shape. But what about doing stairs? Dr. Hyer says I'll be able to do stairs when I'm released. What do you think?

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Offline Rakel

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Re: Having to do stairs after MDV
« Reply #1 on: October 30, 2022, 05:32:30 am »
I had my full depth GCS about 6 years ago. I know, that it is now a distant memory, but if I remember correctly, I was released from the hospital after 2 days and I had to climb a few stairs to get to my hotel room where I did most of my recovery. It was a struggle to climb those few stairs, but I did it and so can most everyone. After 7 days post op, I was up and walking around normally.

MDV is not as involved as full depth GCS, so I would expect you should have no problems after a much shorter recovery.
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Offline davina61

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Re: Having to do stairs after MDV
« Reply #2 on: October 30, 2022, 09:24:43 am »
I live on the 2nd floor and had to climb them when I came home from surgery (5 days) and managed okay, just take your time and you should be fine.
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Online Northern Star Girl

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Re: Having to do stairs after MDV
« Reply #3 on: October 30, 2022, 10:05:15 am »
@RandiL
Dear Rayna:
I am very excited for you as you are planning your December 20th surgery...
....quite a nice Christmas present for yourself. !!!   

As you feel comfortable doing please continue to keep me and the rest
of your avid followers updated as things progress.

Again,  this is very exciting news for me to read and for you to look
forward to .
I am very happy for you.... :icon_flower:
HUGS and more HUGS,
Danielle
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Offline Ms. Grey

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Re: Having to do stairs after MDV
« Reply #4 on: October 30, 2022, 12:58:29 pm »
It is understandable that climbing stairs seems like a daunting task and I am certain that many people worry about this ahead of surgery.
I had surgery in the morning, I was walking by dinnertime and another walk before bedtime.This was the protocol for everyone where I went. I did have to hold the handrail and a nurse was there spotting me but I managed on my own and did two laps around the nursing station.
When the surgeon visited me two days post surgery one thing was made clear, "you must walk".
I climbed stairs every day for a week where I stayed for the initial recovery.
You will probably do fine with this, just take things slowly, pace yourself and build on your daily achievements in your recovery.
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Offline Allie Jayne

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Re: Having to do stairs after MDV
« Reply #5 on: October 31, 2022, 01:28:13 am »
Randi, it varies so much with everyone, but I was quite capable of exercise and walking stairs after getting out of hospital from having MDV. If I did do more than I should have, I would get pain to let me know! I did pop a couple of stitches, but the surgeon said they were dissolving stitches and it was normal, so probably not as a result of exercise. I wasn't taking any pain medication. Listen to your body, it will tell you when you have done too much!

Good luck with your op, mine far exceeded my expectations!

Hugs,

Allie
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Offline Rakel

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Re: Having to do stairs after MDV
« Reply #6 on: October 31, 2022, 12:43:57 pm »
Quote from: Ms. Grey on October 30, 2022, 12:58:29 pm
...When the surgeon visited me two days post surgery one thing was made clear, "you must walk"...

One of the most dangerous complications of any surgery is developing blood clots. It can be fatal. Walking helps prevent this more than anything else.
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Online Rayna

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Re: Having to do stairs after MDV
« Reply #7 on: November 01, 2022, 12:56:34 pm »
Wow, thank you @Rakel @davina61 @Northern Star Girl @Ms. Grey and @Allie Jayne for this encouragement! I feel so much better hearing your testimonials. This gives me confidence that I can do it, and I will now make firmer plans to be here in my own home. I do have several backups if things go south, but now I can settle down and have some confidence that this will work.

Lol, I'm going to buy a TV  :D, which is something I have not had in years. Prepping for some quiet time laying around the house  :)

Note: I have changed my name to Rayna. I should engage the mods to change my forum name, ONE MORE TIME (sorry).

What a great community we have here! I've been mostly absent for awhile, but that's because I've just been living my life.

Rayna

Quote from: Rakel on October 31, 2022, 12:43:57 pm
One of the most dangerous complications of any surgery is developing blood clots. It can be fatal. Walking helps prevent this more than anything else.
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Offline Jessica_Rose

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Re: Having to do stairs after MDV
« Reply #8 on: November 01, 2022, 01:02:40 pm »
Quote from: Rayna on November 01, 2022, 12:56:34 pm

Note: I have changed my name to Rayna. I should engage the mods to change my forum name, ONE MORE TIME (sorry).

Rayna

Ask and ye shall receive!

Please let us know if you would also like your account name changed.

Love always -- Jessica Rose
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Online Rayna

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Re: Having to do stairs after MDV
« Reply #9 on: November 01, 2022, 11:27:08 pm »
Lol you're quicker than the average human, Jess! I hadn't even gotten around to making my request. Rayna it is! Thanks!!!

Quote from: Jessica_Rose on November 01, 2022, 01:02:40 pm
Ask and ye shall receive!

Please let us know if you would also like your account name changed.

Love always -- Jessica Rose
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Offline Ms. Grey

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Re: Having to do stairs after MDV
« Reply #10 on: November 01, 2022, 11:46:37 pm »
I returned home after 9 days of initial recovery at the hospital and recovery unit.
Recovery at home was wonderful, I had family support and an ensuite bathroom was nice to have especially for the sitz baths.
I had stocked up with a number of things that I thought would be needed and also from a list of suggestions the surgeon provided.
Probably the most useful things had to do with dilations which were, washcloths, hand towels and lube.
I do not know much about MDV but I assume that you will be dilating?
Load up on some comfort foods too!
You will learn a lot about self care especially in the first month.
Be absolutely guilt free about your self care and what you need to do during your recovery.
I found that I not only learned to care for myself but also to care about myself.
I hope you have your own epiphanies as you go through this part of your transition.
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Offline Dorit

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Re: Having to do stairs after MDV
« Reply #11 on: November 05, 2022, 08:43:35 am »
Quote from: Rakel on October 30, 2022, 05:32:30 am
MDV is not as involved as full depth GCS, so I would expect you should have no problems after a much shorter recovery.

Sorry to be a myth buster but I don't want you to have some false expectations and then afterwards regrets. ::)  MDV does not mean a much shorter recovery!  It does mean no need to dilate and and an almost zero risk of a fistula, which is one of the worst possible complications.  I had MDV four years ago, a long recovery, and the need for a surgical revision. I was close to your age at 71, also in excellent health. I have zero regrets, it was worth it all! :)

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Offline pamelatransuk

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Re: Having to do stairs after MDV
« Reply #12 on: November 13, 2022, 02:11:00 pm »
Rayna

I had MDV in June 2021 and the pain was manageable, well able to walk short distances and climb 20 steps. I was fortunate to suffer no subsequent problems. I was and remain delighted with the result of my op.

I wish you every success in your preparation and for the op itself next month.

Hugs

Pamela  xx

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Online Rayna

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Re: Having to do stairs after MDV
« Reply #13 on: December 12, 2022, 08:35:54 pm »
Thank you @Ms. Grey, @Dorit and @pamelatransuk. I'm going to start a new thread about my surgery, coming up in a week!
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Online Rayna

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Re: Having to do stairs after MDV
« Reply #14 on: January 10, 2023, 03:55:30 pm »
Just in case anyone ever finds this thread in the future,I want to assure you that the stairs were no problem. I was easily able to walk up to my house on Thursday after my Tuesday afternoon surgery, and had no problems navigating the many inside stairs to reach the bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, etc.

Today, exactly three weeks post surgery, I went outside and climbed one of my favorite local workouts, a 66-stair neighborhood walkway, twice. I went very slowly and we'll within my capabilities. Still, a nap may be next :D

Sent from my Pixel 7 Pro using Tapatalk

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Offline Ms. Grey

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Re: Having to do stairs after MDV
« Reply #15 on: January 24, 2023, 10:41:38 pm »
Wonderful to hear that you are managing well with the stairs and taking good care of yourself.
Naps are a very good thing, indulge in them often especially now during early recovery,
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