Can someone recover from BMX withouth assistance?

I had hubby help with the drains but I am sure I could have done that alone. It was just easier to let him do it.

Recovery from surgery was pretty easy to me. I think I would have been ok by myself. Pain was nonexistent. Limits were from not being able to stretch arms right after surgery and dealing with the drain for a week or two.

Make sure things you need in the kitchen are not too high. I preferred button up shirts initially instead of pull overs.

Showers were easy for me cause I had surgery after chemo and was still bald.

When I slept in my own bed early after surgery, I had a few small travel size pillows to support my arms, if needed.

Sending you virtual hugs as you are navigating this during the quarantine.

What kind of surgery are you having? What kind of reconstruction (if any)? I was much like DodgersGirl in that I didn't have much pain and was able to do pretty much whatever except for lifting, which was restricted to 5lbs. Before surgery I put some plates and cups on the countertop so I could reach them and that was about it. I slept in my bed but propped up on pillows, only because of the angle the drains were coming out; sleeping flat would have been uncomfortable. I had pre-pec implants put in. I think if I had gotten sub-pec implants it would have been a very different recovery.

Unless you have unusual pain or difficulties, it can be done, but caring for yourself and a 6 year old won't be easy.

First off, you don't know how you will feel after surgery. Some people bounce back quickly but others are exhausted for several days or longer. The bigger concern comes with the fact that you will have limited arm mobility with both arms for 4-6 weeks. No reaching, no stretching (except for the gentle approved exercises), no pulling, no pushing, no lifting.... Initially these movements will be difficult if not impossible but even after you feel better and feel that you can do more, you will have to be conscious that you have both internal and external incisions and you won't want to do anything to strain or tear those incisions. This is the reason for the 6 week restriction put on anyone who has major surgery with incisions - it takes 6 weeks for those incisions to heal enough that you can no longer damage them by "normal" activities. So lifting heavy baking dishes out of the oven, or pots off the stove, or opening heavy drawers, or using heavy laundry bottles, or reaching/stretching to get clothes out of the washer or dryer, or vacuuming,or carrying grocery bags that have more than just a few items... all things you shouldn't do even if you can do them. And for a while you may not be physically able to do these things.

It will likely be at least 2-3 weeks before you can drive - turning your head to back-up puts a strain across your chest - and if you have heavy car doors, opening and closing the door could be a problem.

I had a UMX with a sub-pectoral implant and I was on my own - and I managed just fine. But it will be more difficult with a BMX - I at least had one good arm - and in addition to caring for yourself you will need to care for your child. You'll really need to think of everything and plan ahead, and then hope that you recover quickly and feel good.

dysonsphere-

I managed all my personal care (drains, dressing, showering) easily on my own. I was 41 at the time of my BMX with sub pec TE placement. Everyone has different levels of pain after surgery. I had a horrible time coming out of sedation during my stay at the hospital(nausea, migraine, vomiting) but once I got home I managed the pain with OTC pain relievers. My kids were 11 and 12 at that time so they were a big help with reaching things and lifting. My mom stopped by everyday for awhile to help out which was great.

I wish you all the best.

Hi,

It sounds as if you may be able to manage taking care of yourself with careful planning. Of greater concern is your 6 year old. I teach first grade and although children of that age can be independent in some ways, they are not fully independent nor should they be expected to be. You will be recovering from major surgery and despite many folks having an easier time than they thought they would, most of us were not taking care of such a young child alone. I know that the Coronavirus situation complicates things further but if you could get someone to help out with your son’s carefor a few days it would help you to rest and recover more quickly. Also please take care of your son’s emotional needs. 6 years olds simply do not have the framework, the life experience, to fully understand what you will be going through. Often, they don’t even know how to express their fears and concerns. I haven’t checked in a while but the American Cancer Society used to have good info on helping young children deal with a parents cancer. Wishing you all the best.

Hi dysonsphere. I would do whatever you can to get 24/7 help for at least the first week because you never know if you might end up having complications, and you don’t know how much pain you’re going to be in. Some women apparently have little to no pain. I had major pain for days afterwards. I couldn’t go from a lying down to a sitting up position without my friend putting his hand behind my back and helping to push me up. I was so tired that there’s no way I could have prepared meals or taken care of chores myself. The hospital also won’t let you leave in a rideshare or anything. You have to have someone pick your up. I’m so sorry to hear that you find yourself in the situation without reliable help. Big hugs to you

Who will watch your child while you are at the hospital/surgery? For my experience, it was a breeze. I have no kids but I could have easily done it without DH. The lumpectomy/SNB was a more difficult recovery in the respect of being right handed, having the cancer on the right side and the reaching for higher things, like my glassware, was a noticeable change. Of course, I had my left hand (no SNB done on that side) and step stool, so not impossible.

The hospital forced me to stay overnight for the BMX. I went home and except for the emotional crap, bounced back and doing my yoga almost right away. I had zero pain so no concerns about meds or driving or any of that. I also did all my own drain changes. As is posted here, everyone is different. I know some gals are in a tremendous amount of pain and pain meds do affect you.

Best to you!!