[Bobbi]

#1061768

Can you hire a sitter? At least for a few hours a day? I didn’t have my thyroid surgically removed, but I have had a couple of surgeries. Without four children around. It took me at least a week to get some "oomph" back, and that had nothing to do with pain. Surgery is a stress — even when it goes well. And when we are stressed, our immune system lowers and we are more likely to become ill on top of whatever else is going on. This is a general rule of thumb. So, it seems to me it would be wise for you to plan more recovery time for yourself.

[jansm]

#1061769

I think it is more important to ask whether postponing the surgery will have serious effects on your overall health? If your condition is preventing you from feeling well now, you are not helping yourself, your husband or your children by postponing. Does your physician have any opinions or suggestions?
I recall the worst part of my recovery from the surgery was a horrible headache lasting approximately 2 days. My neck was also rather stiff, and I was not able to turn my head well. I also believe there is a limit on how much weight you can lift for at least several days. If caring for your daughter requires lifting her, you need to make sure there is someone capable of doing that. I think your sons are old enough to understand and assist you some. I did not have young children when I underwent my surgery 20 months ago, and was able to spend several days in bed resting. I was dressed and able to walk around the house, prepare simple lunches, etc. The pain medication usually made me very groggy, and it was a comfort to have someone check on me periodically during the day while my husband was at work.
Is there a neighbor, friend or babysitter that could assist at least a few hours each day just in case you find that after 4 days, you still need a little rest and recovery time?

[fj122876]

#1017943

Just a question, I have finally decided that surgery will be the best option for me but I am curious about the recovery time. My husband cannot take a full weeks vacation until the fall, but he can take a Thursday and Friday off plus the weekend. Is 4 days enough time to recover and be able to be at home full time with 4 kids. I’m most concerned about my 2 year old daughter needing me, my boys are older (almost 14, 12, and 10) but I don’t want them to spend time on their summer vacation chasing their sisster. Would it be better to wait for the fall when I have my husband home all week or is 4 days enough to recover and go back to being a full time mom?
Thanks
Jessica

[snelsen]

#1061770

Agree with jansm and Bobbi. Can you get a sitter for part of a day, alternating with having someone else take your two year old for part of a day? I had surgery, also had an 8 month old. I did not have pain, just general sore neck, cause muscles of the neck were in an unfamiliar position in the OR. So I did not have that grogginess. I was a student wife, living in student housing. Friends stopped by with food, and took the baby some. My husband was in med school, so never home.

I have the same concerns about postponing the surgery, but if you talk with you docs, and know that you can be controlled with ADT’s and beta blockers for another few months, it would keep you safe, and waiting till fall could be a viable option.
However, if it is possible for you to have friends take your two year old for a few hours after your husband goes back to work, I think you would love that. It certainly would not involve your boys for the whole summer, but after your husband is there for four days, if they could help you the rest of that week, by being there, helping some with their sister, plus friends or pre school I think you would be able to plan on resuming your responsibilities and parenting by two weeks. But you will be tired. The procedure itself is only 45min to an hour, so that is not a long anesthesia at all. So you will bounce back fairly quickly, I think.
Shirley

[fj122876]

#1061771

Thanks for the help everyone, I was kind of hoping it would be as easy as a 4 day recovery, guess not. I have been talking to my mom who may be able to take a couple days off if she can I’d like to get the surgery over asap, if she cant I’m going to talk to my doctor about the fall. Thanks again.
Jessica

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