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So, my boyfriend (whom I'd been counting on to be with me through my surgery) lied, cheated, and left. I'm now facing the prospect of making it through surgery (two weeks from now) on my own.

While I may be kinda naive from time to time I don't intend to be any more foolish than I have to. I need to know how I can prepare now to best survive the next month.

I'm really sorry to hear that, Zoe. :(

Can't offer you any suggestions as I'm pre-op myself, I just hope you can find someone else who can be there for you, you shouldn't have to go through that alone. Hugs.

Quote from: ZoeM on May 26, 2014, 03:34:29 PM
So, my boyfriend (whom I'd been counting on to be with me through my surgery) lied, cheated, and left. I'm now facing the prospect of making it through surgery (two weeks from now) on my own.

While I may be kinda naive from time to time I don't intend to be any more foolish than I have to. I need to know how I can prepare now to best survive the next month.

First off you will not be alone here. I will be around as you need.

I am sorry things went south with your BF but it happens so to often. Hugs.

I just was there with 2 girls who traveled alone. I will report that the had smiles on there faces today.

A fyi Brassard has made some changes for what I see in there after care to make it less of a hassle.

Also has dropped #1 dilator from the schedule.

So Zoe just drop me a private message if you would like some company while here.

Isabell

You know I'd love company, Izzy. :)
The thought of facing surgery is so much easier when I know I can have friends there with me.

Hi Zoé,
First of all, I'm really sorry to hear how things have played out for you. Not cool to say the least!
Other than that, while I'm miles away in Europe, I'd be happy to chat with you on Skype, both during your stay and when you get home.
Wishing you all the best.
Donna

Kudos for having the strength to go it alone! :)

One positive is at least you have a couple weeks to prepare and coordinate, it could be worse.

Your buddy accompanying you through your surgery is basically also your, "helper." Helping you buy groceries, cook meals, help you out of a chair, carry your bags for you on your ride/flight home, etc. Consider that these will now be things you'll need to accomplish on your own. Recovering from SRS can be comparable to someone who just gave birth or had a hysterectomy -- climbing in and out of a car, a flight of stairs, bending over and stretching... these can all be challenging and painful.

Stocking up on easily accessible and easily prepared foods (and anything else like supplies, clean laundry, etc.) will save you trips to the store. Pack light on your trip -- everything you take with you you'll have to take home possibly in a weaker and painful state.

Going this alone is certainly manageable, where there's a will there's a way!

I am so happy to hear that Izzy is going to be there for you.  At least you got rid of 300 pounds of ugly fat (head) before hand.  You did not need that during your recovery.  Good luck and I am sure you will do fine.  You have a real friend there for sure. 

Quote from: Vicky on May 26, 2014, 07:56:09 PM
I am so happy to hear that Izzy is going to be there for you.  At least you got rid of 300 pounds of ugly fat (head) before hand. You did not need that during your recovery.  Good luck and I am sure you will do fine.  You have a real friend there for sure.

Amen to that comment! Best wishes to you Zoe and hopes for a quick recovery. It's a real blessing to have Izzy willing to be such a sweet doll and friend to you.

I almost wish there was one of us that managed/owned a small hotel/motel, for us to recover in.. it would be an awesome idea, but sadly, one that would likely not happen, 'less one of us hits the lottery..

Hey Zoe,

I'm one of the two that izzy spoke about, and yes I was smiling!! I flew to Montreal alone, but I don't feel I was alone once I got there. The nurses and support staff were awesome, and of course Izzy dropped by two or three times.

The advice I would give is not to worry about your time in Montreal. Just make sure you have what you need stockpiled at home. I was able to drive a short distance to the store about 4 days after I got home, but i wouldn't wait till then to pick up supplies.

Kristin

No worries - I have a mountain of supplies (literally all the water-based KY jelly Target had in stock, among other things) stashed away. More chicken fingers than any sane woman would ever eat... and so much soup!
I can't wait. I've had a ridiculous grin and butterflies in my stomach all week. And now ... All that remains is to sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride.

When I think of you Zoe I find myself thinking of a graceful and determined woman. So while I imagine the break up still does sting and having a close hand to hold would be very comforting, getting through this solo I bet is going to set the stage for great things in your new life ahead.

Good luck. May all those butterflies carry you to joy and guide your surgeon's hand to their best work.

Just to give a update and I know she will also do more later.

I can report that Zoe is back in her room and as she said "je suis une femme"

:)

Isabell

Very happy for her. :D

Puisqu'il de bon ton de parler en français à Montréal, toutes mes félicitations Zoé et tous mes vœux de bonheur pour la suite!
Chaleureusement
Donna

Happy tears for her!! 

Quote from: mind is quiet now on June 11, 2014, 01:13:30 PM
Just to give a update and I know she will also do more later.

I can report that Zoe is back in her room and as she said "je suis une femme"

:)

Isabell

Thanks Isabell, you are a kind, sweet, selfless soul!

Congrats Zoe  :icon_bunch: 

You totally rock Isabell  8)

Hugs

She does indeed.

If you're a praying sort please keep my roommate Erika in your prayers. She's having a much worse time of things than I am, I'm afraid.

One suggestion to keep the return trip light and quick is to keep one change of clothes (two of undies/socks) and give the rest to the girls still there (or to staff to help others who might need them)

Hey, that's one less bag to pack and carry..best of luck to you, make friends among the women there, too.

*hugs*

Zoe, I'll have Erika in my prayers, tonight, and every night, right along with you.

Congrats Zoe! :D

Sorry to hear about your roommate though :(

Zoe,

Good to hear you're doing well. I had trouble getting out of bed on Thursday but Friday was able to walk around the nurse station twice in the morning and had no problems at the house on Friday. And tomorrow you go to the recovery house. I was in room 206, I hear you're in the same bed as I was in the hospital, so who knows maybe you'll also have the same room at the house, I liked having the private room, but missed having the toilet and semi- private bath; oh well guess you can't have everything.

It begins to get better each day. Don't forget to ice as much as possible and drink as much water as you can. Ice really is your friend!!! I'm still using ice today.

Right now I'm just worrying about walking. I've lost my sea legs completely...

I do like the water and ice, though

Quote from: ZoeM on June 12, 2014, 09:03:35 PM
Right now I'm just worrying about walking. I've lost my sea legs completely...

I do like the water and ice, though

Get well honey, we're all proud of you girl! Give your girlfriend there a stroke on the forehead for us and tell her we're thinking about her too!

Zoe is having a little issue with her phone so though i would give a quick update.

She is doing a lot better then when i seen her on Thursday. Today was SMILES.

Her roommate that was at the hospital with her is also felling better. She also had a smile.

divineintervention i also seen and she has been feeling tired but in good spirits.

So Smiles all around.

Isabell

Wow quite an update, thanks :D

Zoe, congratulations young lady, heal well.

Isabell you really are an angel.

congratulations Zoe! rock on!  ;)

Just a brief update,

Zoe yesterday had a minor complication that needed to be taken care of. I will let her tell the details if she wishes but was something that can happen in any surgery.

Seen her today and she seemed to be glad she can get back on schedule.

She is still on track to be heading back home end of the week. Ericka is also doing great and working her post op schedule with vigor.

Going to miss my little sister.
Isabell

As far as minor goes - well, Dr. Brassard told me he'd never seen anything like it. So maybe not quite so minor...

Basically an artery broke when my stent was removed, and bleeding followed. Cue an hour-plus of wait-for-the-doc...
I lost enough blood to need four units to replace it. I had a shortish extra surgery and a day of bed rest, but it's all fixed now. Back to my regularly-scheduled recovery!

I'm so glad to hear everything is ok now. So not counting the set back ( which must have been scary as he'll) how is everything going?

Beautifully. God's watching out for me - I know it. Nothing that's gone wrong has had lasting negative consequences. :)

Quote from: ZoeM on June 17, 2014, 05:46:50 PM
Beautifully. God's watching out for me - I know it. Nothing that's gone wrong has had lasting negative consequences. :)

Well said Zoe, been thinking of you dear!

Yes he is!!!

Be strong, girl :). I am so happy about You :)

/apologies for missing this thread earlier - I had no idea You have soooo important things going on in Your life!/

Catheter's out today!
I'm feelin' fine thanks to my good friend Oxycodone. :)

Quote from: ZoeM on June 18, 2014, 07:34:13 AM
Catheter's out today!
I'm feelin' fine thanks to my good friend Oxycodone. :)

Catheter's out means you have to get up to pee now, ooh - quch, hang in there hon!

Quote from: ZoeM on June 18, 2014, 07:34:13 AM
Catheter's out today!

In Wisconsin we say FORWARD! :) On to the next step in your healing adventure!

And!

May you heal fast and well.

i am sorry to hear about that you had to do everything alone. You are a strong woman. Hope you are recovering well now. All I can offer are my thoughts. Thanks for sharing with us.

I went by myself, but that was a personal choice of mine.

Thanks for all your prayers and well wishes. I got back home safely - except now everything's swollen and I can't dilate properly.
Still working on that part, I'm afraid. It really hurts :(

 :angel:Hi,
Although you don't know me, I am very touched by your progress. I also am impressed by your knowledge of God, in that you are sure, and that is correct, that He is supporting you in all your activities to be honestly who you are. That is female.
I hope, although I am rarely in one place for very long, that I could give you some hope and encouragement. If I could, like the other girls, I would be there with you. However, I notice how much the paths of people like us are without support from community, nor family sometimes, nor friends.
I'd love to tell you why I know God is with you. I cannot do that in any realistic way, that I can think of. Maybe this will help. All the people that I personally know of, without exception, who have known God personally, have had a few things in common. One is honesty. Another is a difficult life.
...Katerina..

I have the world's most pronounced cameltoe post-surgery. All that swelling...

Quote from: ZoeM on June 23, 2014, 12:53:22 PM
I have the world's most pronounced cameltoe post-surgery. All that swelling...

You've got a great sense of humor too Zoe, hang in there hon!

^ this

Zoe, it's a wonder you haven't sprouted wings and begun performing miracles with all the prayers for you =)

Quote from: ZoeM on June 23, 2014, 12:53:22 PM
I have the world's most pronounced cameltoe post-surgery. All that swelling...

Hi,
I can't believe it is so long, since you have had support from me. I am sorry, but somehow I think I was still with you in a way. I also say that you knew that.
How are you now though? I am too afraid actually to ask more. I know how you should be, but would rather you post.
...Love really, a lot of it, Kate.

Quote from: ZoeM on May 26, 2014, 03:34:29 PM
So, my boyfriend (whom I'd been counting on to be with me through my surgery) lied, cheated, and left. I'm now facing the prospect of making it through surgery (two weeks from now) on my own.

While I may be kinda naive from time to time I don't intend to be any more foolish than I have to. I need to know how I can prepare now to best survive the next month.

Don't worry I have traveled to Thailand for my surgery alone and was there for a month. I posted things on here if I ever had a question and also asked the nurses who visited me daily.

And before and after surgery, Donna, who went through the same surgery as i did and also was in the same hotel I went to helped me out a lot along with my next door hotel neighbor, Samantha. So if you need help there will be a lot of people to ask questions and advice from. Most importantly from your nurses and your surgeon.

As for the guy, you're better off without him. My fiance couldn't come with because he had to work and pay the bills especially for our upcoming move. And now I'm happily married to him. You'll find someone worthy of your love and support.

Good luck on your recovery!