2 weeks till surgery, question regarding need for care-person post-op

[dkl]

Hey girls, well it's just over two weeks now till my surgery with Dr Brassard and something was brought up to me today. Someone asked if I had anyone staying with me after surgery and I said no.

She said that she had been told that Dr Brassard required you have support at home after surgery and that he had cancelled a surgery because of no support or care-person at home for the time right after surgery. I know sometimes facts get left out of stories and somehow get changed a little from person to person, but I need to know...........

Do I need or am I required to have someone at home to help me after I have surgery, is it possible that Brassard would cancel my surgery if I tell him I do not have someone?

Please be as detailed as possible in your response. Were you asked this, how did you respond etc., I'm kinda freaking out right now, wondering what I should or even could do if that's true. Lie is on my short list, but I really don't want to lie t my Doctor.

Thanks guys,

Kristin

[mrs izzy]

You do not need anyone at home per say. You should have someone who can help you if needed, like to check up on you.

Also first few weeks you will be in no mood to move around out of the house much so having someone to shop for you is part of the help.

One last thing, make sure you have your GP or Gyn updated on when you return just in case you need extra care.

Now if you do not have a contact maybe that could be a issue. Just do not need a nurse unless you have some other medical condition that would warrant one?

Izzy

[Jenna Marie]

I went to Brassard; I was never asked that question, and furthermore, at least one woman I was there with was deep stealth and very up front about the fact that she had no one at home who did or COULD know. She got her surgery, no problem (and the nurses helped her come up with a cover story for her boyfriend!).

On the other hand, you do want to make sure you have at least an emergency contact. I'd have been scared to death something would go wrong and I'd have no fallback person.

[teeg]

An emergency contact is a definite must just incase. Although my SRS isn't until this July, from the testimonials I've heard I'd highly recommend having someone to tag along with you at least throughout your initial two weeks or however long Dr. Brassard requires you stay in Montreal. Recovering at home I'd say is probably, "doable" alone, but it'd be important that you stock up on food, drinks, supplies, etc. I wouldn't imagine going out and walking in stores would be that comfortable for a while... Your whole lower area will probably be sore for a while, so I'd imagine any little thing like having to walk up a couple stairs, getting into your car, etc., might not be the easiest thing for a while.

If nothing else there are always personal care nurses that you can hire to stay with you for however long you want. I live quite close to Montreal actually, if I can manage the time I might be able to volunteer for you, I know I could always go for some poutine! 

Good luck!

[mrs izzy]

An emergency contact is a definite must just incase. Although my SRS isn't until this July, from the testimonials I've heard I'd highly recommend having someone to tag along with you at least throughout your initial two weeks or however long Dr. Brassard requires you stay in Montreal. Recovering at home I'd say is probably, "doable" alone, but it'd be important that you stock up on food, drinks, supplies, etc. I wouldn't imagine going out and walking in stores would be that comfortable for a while... Your whole lower area will probably be sore for a while, so I'd imagine any little thing like having to walk up a couple stairs, getting into your car, etc., might not be the easiest thing for a while.

If nothing else there are always personal care nurses that you can hire to stay with you for however long you want. I live quite close to Montreal actually, if I can manage the time I might be able to volunteer for you, I know I could always go for some poutine! 

Good luck!

Just so some do not get confused, while you are at the hospital and residence in Montreal you have 24 hr nursing care.

Izzy

[dkl]

Thanks guys, I was really kinda freaking out for a moment there. I knew I hadn't read in the info pkg that I was required to have someone here, I wish I did have someone, but that's just not the case. There have been a few people that have said to call if I need something, I just don't have someone that will be staying with me.

Wow, it's hard to believe this is happening in two weeks. I just keep thinking that in just a little over 2 weeks, I'll actually have a vagina, hard to really wrap my mind around, I mean it's been a long time coming, and when I was young, I really didn't even know this was possible. They didn't advertise Christine Jorgenson, or Renee Richards, and there wasn't any information out there to even let me know that there were other people like me, whatever I was. Times have sure changed.

I suppose this will all get real when I'm in Montreal and have time to absorb everything. Right now, it still doesn't feel real. Kinda funny huh!

[Vicky]

It will get VERY real the day before surgery!!  The last minute prep items that day will be a reality check that does not bounce!!  Do try to remember, no matter how hard it is, you have to inhale AND exhale!!  Best wishes from a California girl!!

[dkl]

LOL Vicky, I think you're right on target there. Actually I think it's going to start getting real when I start actually packing, and going to get very real when I check into the hospital. Sleep is going to be hard to come by that night, and waiting for my turn is going to be something else.

I did my last minute shopping today, and feel I have everything covered! Sooooo, I guess I just keep relaxed and as everyone says ........... Breath!!

[FrancisAnn]

Good luck GF. I'm sure you are excited. Maybe line up some extra friends that might come by & maybe stay some. It would surely help to have a friend to talk with. I wish you the best & I'm excited for you. Take care.