Recuperation & mobility post BMX

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CGG
CGG Member Posts: 18
edited January 2018 in Surgery - Before, During, and After

Hi ladies,

I'm going to have my surgery (BMX & placement of TEs) out of town and will be staying in a local hotel there for about 2 weeks after surgery until my drains come out & I can fly home. My PS suggested that my husband could stay with me just the first week after surgery but that I could probably do the 2nd week on my own. I thought that staying near the hospital for 2 weeks would be smart because I"m not sure when the two drains will come out, but the PS thought that a 2-week stay was reasonable. I need your advice as to if a 2 week stay is reasonable and if I'll need a person to help me that 2nd week or not once my husband goes back to work. I could get my sister or best friend to come up and stay with me for the 2nd week if necessary but I need your advice if help is necessary 7 days out from surgery or not.

What was your post-BMX recuperation like? How mobile were you? Did you have anyone around all day during the 2nd week or not? Could you turn the door handles & bathroom faucets by yourself or not? Will I be able to walk to the hotel lobby to get the take-out food delivery by myself (I assume so and the bag won't be too heavy)? I figure the front desk can send someone up to the room to get my luggage & hail a taxi for me when I leave if I do it all by myself.

I'm 48 years old, in good shape, very independent, & am inclined to just do it on my own the 2nd week if y'all think that's possible. Thoughts?

Thanks for the help!

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  • IntegraGirl
    IntegraGirl Member Posts: 147
    edited December 2017

    I didn't need any physical assistance for any self care or basic functions. My primary restrictions were that I couldn't raise my arms over my head or lift anything heavy. If you happen to have someone to help you, super but given your physical circumstances (similar to mine), you should be okay on your own.

    The drains are a pain in the ass. I went directly to a store from the hospital and bought two undergarments that had pouches for the drains. Money well spent.

    Good luck!

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  • Mammabear
    Mammabear Member Posts: 18
    edited December 2017

    I found that having a shower and getting dressed was the hardest thing in week 2. You would want to make sure you had some clothes which are really easy to get on. Door handles, takeout bagsand taps etc should be fine. You just won’t be able to lift anything. I also had trouble buckling the seatbelt in the car. Will you have help getting the luggage onto the plane at the airport? You will need help with your luggage as you will only be able to manage a very light bag (and forget about the overhead locker)!

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  • houmom
    houmom Member Posts: 162
    edited December 2017

    what about maybe just having someone join you for the flight home

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  • grandma3X
    grandma3X Member Posts: 759
    edited December 2017

    week 2 is when the underarm tenderness is the worst. Be sure to have some premie diapers to cushion them while traveling. How long is your flight? Do you have a layover? I had 2 single MXs. Staying at home by myself was fine but I don’t think I could have managed travel by myself. If you have someone to travel with, you should be ok

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  • SpecialK
    SpecialK Member Posts: 16,486
    edited December 2017

    Are you required to stay for as long as your drains are in - has there been a discussion about that? Arrange with your airline to pre-board for medical reasons, so you are not jostled and someone can help you get settled before everyone else gets on the plane. It might even be worth wheelchair transport in the airport if it is a particularly long walk. I felt pretty good about day 5 post BMX/TE. I came home from the hospital on a Wednesday and my husband returned to work the following Monday, so I was alone 12 hours a day from that point and did fine. Minimize any reaching by placing the things you need at countertop level, and I agree bathing/hair washing may be the biggest challenge.

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  • CGG
    CGG Member Posts: 18
    edited December 2017

    Thank you for the advice & ideas, you've helped to alleviate my concerns! Pre-boarding, direct flight, possible wheelchair, diapers or something as cushion, I"ll do it all.

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  • CGG
    CGG Member Posts: 18
    edited December 2017

    SpecialK-good question. The PS said that 2 weeks would be a good idea but that was after I suggested it, he didn't give any further thoughts on a timeline. How long do drains stay in?

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  • SpecialK
    SpecialK Member Posts: 16,486
    edited December 2017

    CGG - how long drains stay in is really dependent on the individual - I have had them a number of times and I never keep them long - sometimes less than a week. Other people who post on BCO have had them for many weeks, as these folks have the tendency to produce lots of serous fluid in response to surgery. I think a couple of weeks is pretty average, and your surgeon has enough experience to gauge the average for his/her patients. I would ask about what happens if they have to stay in longer though. One key to production of that serous fluid and drain production is staying fairly quiet and not using your arms a whole lot. If you are alone in the hotel this may be harder to do, and most surgeons are aiming for 20-30ml of fluid collected in the drain bulb over a 24 hour period before considering drain removal.

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  • EastcoastTS
    EastcoastTS Member Posts: 864
    edited December 2017

    CGG:

    We have very similar situations with surgery. I flew out of state, had surgery, waited two weeks, then flew home. My BS said I could fly earlier but I wanted her to take out drains and have post-op there. IF possible. So I waited. I had someone with me the entire time but second week only my mom. And we were fine, but I could have done alone probably. If caps to medicines open, etc. Although she did help with drains. But if you're good on draining those yourself before you are alone, you're good.

    I will say that you'll need help getting to the airport and through the airport -- if you are flying. I did not and could not lift anything. So think about your luggage. You should not, I think, do anything with it. The flight was fine and I had just had drains removed a couple of days before.

    My drains were out after 10 days.

    Good luck!

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  • EastcoastTS
    EastcoastTS Member Posts: 864
    edited December 2017

    Also, I asked for extra sheets and towels. Change your sheets day before surgery so they are clean and use Hibiclens. (Your BS may have already suggested but it can't hurt to use if they did not.) It was great to have fresh towels at the ready. I was trying very hard to keep infection risk low.

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  • Emalicano
    Emalicano Member Posts: 1
    edited January 2018

    Im experiencing itching all over my body. Anyone? Also swollen only from waist to knee and gain 8 pounds in 3 day. :(

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  • EastcoastTS
    EastcoastTS Member Posts: 864
    edited January 2018

    Call your doctor and tell them all this. They may want to see you.

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