I've had this kind of surgery 30 yrs ago in the US. Everything has dropped down. I live in the UK now and unsure if it will be the same procedure this time..I do remember being in considerable pain.
Im having my large bladder prolapse fixed, mesh circle around the base help hold it up.
At the same time...my doctor also found the top of my vagina was rolling down upon itself prolasping...So she's going to pull it back up and secure it.
shes advised I'd be cut from the inside and outside.
Also facing another bowel tack on another occasion, she advises against having all it done at one time due to scar tissue growing together and closing up my vagina totally.
Ill be in hospital at least 2 days.
My question is what can I do to prepare for my recovery at home.
First obstical...is we only have a heated water bed and it's very low. There is a wooden surround on the mattress which I use to push myself up on to get up now. Obviously this is going to be a problem once I'm home..Any suggestions?
Secondly...my husband is in bad health having suffered a heart attack last year. He'll do his best to help me but he shouldn't be trying to lift me up off the toilet and bed constantly..Any suggestions? I want to be able to do as much for myself but after reading all the subject matter here I'm not sure if I can or be able to.
Third: We live in a terrace house with 11 steep steps upstairs...Is it alright to come down stairs when I want to sit up for awhile?
Hi Crystal
It's good to prepare and as they say, 'Plan for the worst, but hope for the best'.
Obstacle 1 ~ could you roll off the bed onto your knees on the floor and pull yourself up from there? I don't know how mobile you are, but right from the start if I needed to pick something up from the floor, I just knelt down to get it rather than bending.
Obstacle 2 ~ you shouldn't need help to get off the toilet unless you do already, in which case seek help from the health/social services. Remember to sit with your feet raised so that your knees are higher than your hips. (Best position for easy BMs) If you can afford it, what about getting someone in once or twice a week to do some of the heavier jobs in the house?
Obstacle 3 ~ I wouldn't think steps are a problem unless you're racing up and down every five minutes. It's good to move around. A little and often is best to start with.
Looking back, I wasn't concerned enough beforehand. I just thought how lovely to have 2 days in hospital with nothing to do, and then a couple of weeks lazing around at home afterwards.
I hope all goes well for you. Do write and let us know.
Thank you for your kind advice
Rising from my knees is difficult even now due to arthritis and little cartilage.
Only thought I've had is sliding my butt along the wood rail onto my side table then try to stand
Ok, what about raising the bed on blocks? Desperate times call for desperate measures. Seriously, you could ask your GP surgery for help. The physio attached to the surgery will have access to various aids. My husband's aunt was offered the use of a hospital bed when she could no longer get in and out of the normal one. She also had a chair that more or less tipped her out onto her feet. Time is tight, but I would get help to explore the options.