*How soon after surgery would you be able to care for yourself? Or stated another way, how long will I need someone to stay with me?
Well I didn't need much "care". Maybe the day of surgery. You can't really bathe so you would need help. As far as cooking and so on, I made a whole bunch of food (like spaghetti and stew) fixed up ahead of time. Then I froze it and ate off of paper plates and so on. Not sure it was strictly necessary but it was welcome. I had a friend come in and help with things requiring lifting (doing litter box, laundry, garbage, shopping, since you can't drive). After awhile I'm used to doing things by myself and thought of ways to do these things after awhile.
*Would you have been able to drive 1,000 miles two weeks after surgery?
Maybe you can drive that early. I could not. You have to drive underhand and your energy and so on can be effected. I'd say no to that one. 1000 miles NO WAY.
*Anyone walk a dog that tends to pull when excited? How soon were you able to do that?
I don't know, I would think a good two months. It's risky. The dog could pop out stitches. My dog is well-behaved on a leash (FINALLY), but there is always the random time she might see something which would make her excited.
(The waist leash is a good idea:
* Living alone, what things should I be making plans for that I might not think of (laundry, grocery shopping, etc)
See above. It was pretty much what I imagine. The thing you might not be thinking of is driving. Two weeks after the bandages are off is a bare minimum for driving. Its not something you are going to be wanting to drive 1000 miles. The whole act of driving switches up and where you hand position is. I was actually happy to drive when I finally did but I drove to the store and so on. Could have driven to work that kind of thing. I had no trouble with dish washing etc. May be kind of how high things are in my house (I found it much harder at New Beginnings which seems like everythign was set up for much taller people.
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* It seems like 2 weeks back to work if it's not real physical is a goal. Would you agree?
You are talking 2 weeks after surgery, no, not usually.
*Anyone start working out after a month? what kinds of things could you do? What couldn't you do?
I don't think it's realistic. I could take walks or something. I maybe hiked before the "magic" 6 weeks. Anything not requiring arms. IF so I would build up slowly by taking longer walks and so on. I didn't recall about heart rate only after 6 weeks but my clone might be correct.
I like the idea of putting everything at easy reach. I did this. I'll look for my suggestions video and post later.
*What was the biggest challenge you found after surgery?
Well after the big recovery, actually it was someone helping me. I am very independent and lived my whole life without anyone with me. I found it hard to need someone to do something for me.
*Anyone have experience with Dr Mangubat, Brownstein or Crane?
Brownstein is retired. Crane has taken over his practice he is different and I think will eventually only do lower surgery. Someone on youtube said another surgeon did his top surgery with Dr Crane basically in the room. Have heard of good things re: Mangubat. He did some guys revision and seemed to do a good job.
--Jay
