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So, I am trying to pull things together so I can have top surgery. There are various complicating factors- I live alone, I have very special need dogs who need my care and could be a bite risk to other carers, and I have a tendency to over do and re-injure myself. Another complicating factor is that if I do things right, insurance will pay part or most of it. So there's a lot to work out.

I am working with my therapist and she will write me a letter (even if the surgeon doesn't require it, my insurance will) and to get her support I need to have a real solid plan in place. I do have a consult scheduled on october 16th but I'm just trying to get some things figured out now

So here are my questions in no particular order-

*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?
*Would you have been able to drive 1,000 miles two weeks after surgery?
*Anyone walk a dog that tends to pull when excited? How soon were you able to do that?
* Living alone, what things should I be making plans for that I might not think of (laundry, grocery shopping, etc)
* It seems like 2 weeks back to work if it's not real physical is a goal. Would you agree?
*Anyone start working out after a month? what kinds of things could you do? What couldn't you do?
*What was the biggest challenge you found after surgery?
*Anyone have experience with Dr Mangubat, Brownstein or Crane?

ok, I appreciate any answers you give. It's fine if you just answer of the above questions.

Quote from: christopher on September 14, 2014, 10:15:14 PM
So, I am trying to pull things together so I can have top surgery. There are various complicating factors- I live alone, I have very special need dogs who need my care and could be a bite risk to other carers, and I have a tendency to over do and re-injure myself. Another complicating factor is that if I do things right, insurance will pay part or most of it. So there's a lot to work out.

I am working with my therapist and she will write me a letter (even if the surgeon doesn't require it, my insurance will) and to get her support I need to have a real solid plan in place. I do have a consult scheduled on october 16th but I'm just trying to get some things figured out now

So here are my questions in no particular order-

*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?
I think that is a tough one.  If you have someone with you for 7 days (in and out), that is awesome
*Would you have been able to drive 1,000 miles two weeks after surgery?
Absolutely no way.
*Anyone walk a dog that tends to pull when excited? How soon were you able to do that?
My mom and girlfriend took care of the dog (in terms of walking/pulling for probably 3 weeks.  Depends on the weight of the dog and how much control you have.
* Living alone, what things should I be making plans for that I might not think of (laundry, grocery shopping, etc)
Jay (aleon) will be a great person to answer this, and I am sure he will be happy to.  I would suggest freezing a bunch of meals that you can heat up in microwave.
* It seems like 2 weeks back to work if it's not real physical is a goal. Would you agree?
I went back after 2 weeks for a desk job.
*Anyone start working out after a month? what kinds of things could you do? What couldn't you do?
Most docs say don't get heart rate up for 6 weeks.
*What was the biggest challenge you found after surgery?
Shower/washing
*Anyone have experience with Dr Mangubat, Brownstein or Crane?
Browstein is retired (you probably already know this).  Crane, I understand, is already taking a different approach from Brownstein, even though he was the one who trained him/took over his practice.

My responses posted under your questions.

Quote from: christopher on September 14, 2014, 10:15:14 PM*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?

I wasn't able to care for myself at one week, for sure.  I may have been able to have done most things for myself by week 2, but some things would still have been pushing it a bit.  Everyone is different, though.  YMMV. 

Quote from: christopher on September 14, 2014, 10:15:14 PM*Would you have been able to drive 1,000 miles two weeks after surgery?

No.

Quote from: christopher on September 14, 2014, 10:15:14 PM*Anyone walk a dog that tends to pull when excited? How soon were you able to do that?

I wouldn't recommend taking this kind of risk for at least 3 weeks - I remember a guy here who had a haematoma a few weeks post-op because some guy on a bus yanked his arm.

Quote from: christopher on September 14, 2014, 10:15:14 PM* Living alone, what things should I be making plans for that I might not think of (laundry, grocery shopping, etc)

Can you get online grocery shopping where you live?  That's a good option.  Get a reacher (little thing with a pincer on the end that elderly people use to reach things). 

Quote from: christopher on September 14, 2014, 10:15:14 PM* It seems like 2 weeks back to work if it's not real physical is a goal. Would you agree?

I wouldn't have gone back to work sooner than 3 weeks personally.

Quote from: christopher on September 14, 2014, 10:15:14 PM*Anyone start working out after a month? what kinds of things could you do? What couldn't you do?

I waited 3 months before hitting the weights full-on.  I did a few small weights after about a month and a half, but only targeting muscle groups like biceps/triceps.

Quote from: christopher on September 14, 2014, 10:15:14 PM*What was the biggest challenge you found after surgery?

Sleeping, honestly.  I had the fortune of having a lady who was a breast cancer survivor donate two of her post-mastectomy cushions to me for my surgery.  It was a lifesaver having them.

Quote from: christopher on September 14, 2014, 10:15:14 PM*Anyone have experience with Dr Mangubat, Brownstein or Crane?

Not me, sorry.

I would think that getting everything you could possibly need below shoulder height would be a good idea. Laundry soap, food items, microwave,  items in that top drawer of your tall dresser, things like that.

I haven't had top surgery, so I have no experience whatsoever with this. I just wanted to point out that there are hands-free types of leashes for dogs that fasten around your hip. That could eliminate the danger of the dog/leash yanking on your arm.

*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. :) )

* 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

This is all really helpful.

I have a consult with Dr Mangubat on October 16th. And of course I will talk to him about all this. Part of why I am asking all of you is because in my experience the recovery time that surgeons talk about doesn't not always match up with real life. I've experienced this and seen it with friends. I certainly experienced that with my hysto (of course, that was a difficult surgery for several reasons)

So, here's what I'm thinking

going to my friends with the dogs is out given the driving issues.
I need to figure 3 weeks off work probably. bleh.
no walking the dogs myself for at least a 6 weeks.
When I do walk the hyper one, use the waist thing with a shorter leash. I already use a waste leash but realized it has too much reach so at times, when he's an idiot like tonight, I have to grab it to keep him from getting into trouble.
have a friend stay with me a night or two and then regular visits from friends - help with groceries, laundry, litterbox, etc
have everything down low and reachable (the cats will love this)

the driving thing is freaking me out. it seems like a lot of you took a while to get back to driving. And probably a manual is harder than an automatic.

thoughts?

Quote*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.

yes, I told my therapist this was likely to be a huge challenge for me.

Quote from: christopher on September 16, 2014, 10:37:51 PM
This is all really helpful.

I have a consult with Dr Mangubat on October 16th. And of course I will talk to him about all this. Part of why I am asking all of you is because in my experience the recovery time that surgeons talk about doesn't not always match up with real life. I've experienced this and seen it with friends. I certainly experienced that with my hysto (of course, that was a difficult surgery for several reasons)

So, here's what I'm thinking

going to my friends with the dogs is out given the driving issues.
I need to figure 3 weeks off work probably. bleh.
no walking the dogs myself for at least a 6 weeks.
When I do walk the hyper one, use the waist thing with a shorter leash. I already use a waste leash but realized it has too much reach so at times, when he's an idiot like tonight, I have to grab it to keep him from getting into trouble.
have a friend stay with me a night or two and then regular visits from friends - help with groceries, laundry, litterbox, etc
have everything down low and reachable (the cats will love this)

the driving thing is freaking me out. it seems like a lot of you took a while to get back to driving. And probably a manual is harder than an automatic.

thoughts?

yes, I told my therapist this was likely to be a huge challenge for me.

That seems reasonable to me.

My car is a manual, and that may be why I felt less comfortable driving sooner. 

I've heard excellent things about him. This guy I know had an extensive complicated revision. He did a great job.
Everybody's mileage varies but I had little to base this on. I had a tonsillectomy in my twenties, but it was not at all like that.

It kind of depends on the job if it is manual or desk. A desk job might be easier to get back to.

I have a super active sneaky cat. It wasn't much of an issue. If there is something she can't get into, keep it in a closet or in a drawer. I mean for me it's word to live by. :) Height doesn't make much difference to a cat.
I was wondering re: the waist leash. I don't personally like them. But they work for some people.

Yeah being less independent is a challenge. I survived it though. It did get me to think of ways to do certain things myself. For instance, I couldn't carry laundry, so I took a few things at a time and put in and took it out with a "grabber". I was very happy when I could carry things again.


--Jay

Quote from: christopher on September 16, 2014, 10:37:51 PM
This is all really helpful.

I have a consult with Dr Mangubat on October 16th. And of course I will talk to him about all this. Part of why I am asking all of you is because in my experience the recovery time that surgeons talk about doesn't not always match up with real life. I've experienced this and seen it with friends. I certainly experienced that with my hysto (of course, that was a difficult surgery for several reasons)

So, here's what I'm thinking

going to my friends with the dogs is out given the driving issues.
I need to figure 3 weeks off work probably. bleh.
no walking the dogs myself for at least a 6 weeks.
When I do walk the hyper one, use the waist thing with a shorter leash. I already use a waste leash but realized it has too much reach so at times, when he's an idiot like tonight, I have to grab it to keep him from getting into trouble.
have a friend stay with me a night or two and then regular visits from friends - help with groceries, laundry, litterbox, etc
have everything down low and reachable (the cats will love this)

the driving thing is freaking me out. it seems like a lot of you took a while to get back to driving. And probably a manual is harder than an automatic.

thoughts?

yes, I told my therapist this was likely to be a huge challenge for me.

Video:
Jay
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gf5z2PtHqYE&list=UUJWA-qTONhpEZJUSoenURMA

I think Garramone said we couldn't drive for 3 weeks.  But, I am having a hard time remembering.  Jay, do you remember?

I drive a manual.

It was about 10 days to two weeks after the bandages are off, so yes you are essentially correct. Other surgeons may have other opinions so you should ask the surgeon.

--Jay

Jay that video is great. Thank you

Quote from: christopher on September 18, 2014, 10:47:26 AM
Jay that video is great. Thank you

Thanks. HTH,

--Jay

I think the main reason most would wait post-op to drive is to lower the risk of stretching scars for those that get the DI procedure. Same reason I would advise against working out prior to 6weeks...maybe even longer.

I had a keyhole type procedure so I wasn't limited for scarring reasons but just discomfort. I didn't start lifting weights till almost 2.5months post-op. Was driving 4 weeks afterward but not for longer than 25-30miles at a time.

Quote from: dylantexas90 on September 18, 2014, 05:27:42 PM
I think the main reason most would wait post-op to drive is to lower the risk of stretching scars for those that get the DI procedure. Same reason I would advise against working out prior to 6weeks...maybe even longer.

I had a keyhole type procedure so I wasn't limited for scarring reasons but just discomfort. I didn't start lifting weights till almost 2.5months post-op. Was driving 4 weeks afterward but not for longer than 25-30miles at a time.

I drove, I think 3 weeks after surgery or so. But it was short distances. I had to drive under handed for awhile, so this made it difficult. The reason I drove underhanded was there was that much problem with range of motion that putting your hands in the usual position on the wheel felt unpleasant.


--Jay

The driving thing, and the work thing are what's bothering me most. I live about 8.5 miles from work, but it's a twenty minute drive, and I drive a stick shift. And my job is very physical, over my head work. (I'm a mechanic). I'm hoping FMLA will step in about my recovery, because ideally, at least a month to a month and a half unless they can put me at a desk until I'm healed is what I'm hoping for.

I'm going with a peri from Medalie though, so obviously, everyone mileage (haha) will vary as far as healing.

Everyone says you heal slower on T, but I haven't found that to be the case either. I still heal super fast (always have) and scar minimally, but popping a stitch and stretch ANYTHING in that area is going to be painful, and suck.

this thread has been so helpful

so, an update on where I'm at. I have a consult the 16th of October. I've already asked them a few questions. The doctor will fill out FMLA paperwork so that will help a lot. It's looking really good that insurance will cover part of the cost too  :o

A couple friends have said they can help with laundry, driving me place, grocery store so that's good.

It's good in a way that I've had this broken finger. I think in a way everyone thinks my job is just a desk job but what I've discovered is it's not. And one thing I've found hard is being at desk and using our maps. We have these heavy laminated maps and depending on what visitors say, I shuffle through and pull out the one I need. I can barely manage that now, and I'm sure it will be out once I've had surgery. The desk is high and I'll have to stand on a stool or I will be doing a lot of reaching. I carry a lot more things than I ever realized and the other day I couldn't get in to repair an exhibit because I couldn't open the hatch (heavy and requires a lot of moving and grasping)

I don't have anyone to stay overnight with me yet, but I can't really ask yet since I don't have an official date. I can't believe my consult is a few weeks away.

One other question - anyone allergic to medical adhesive? I'm not sure what the work around is for this.

Quote from: Charliedogist on September 24, 2014, 05:01:22 AM
The driving thing, and the work thing are what's bothering me most. I live about 8.5 miles from work, but it's a twenty minute drive, and I drive a stick shift. And my job is very physical, over my head work. (I'm a mechanic). I'm hoping FMLA will step in about my recovery, because ideally, at least a month to a month and a half unless they can put me at a desk until I'm healed is what I'm hoping for.

I'm going with a peri from Medalie though, so obviously, everyone mileage (haha) will vary as far as healing.

Everyone says you heal slower on T, but I haven't found that to be the case either. I still heal super fast (always have) and scar minimally, but popping a stitch and stretch ANYTHING in that area is going to be painful, and suck.

I hope you can work the desk for that time.