How much 'looking after' do you need after the op?

I'm looking to have my BA a few days before Christmas (probably about the 22nd Dec). I'm on my own with 2 young kids (4 and 6) who are going to go stay with their Dad over the Christmas period (so that I can recover without having to look after them), and I'm hoping he'll bring them back around the 30th Dec.

The thing is, I've just found out that I'll quite likely be on my own over Christmas, and am worried about how much help I might need to do things? A friend of mine said that I'd need someone to wash my hair for me for at least 3 weeks after the surgery as you're not supposed to lift your arms above your head? Is this true?

I'm also not sure how soon I can drive again (as I'll need to so I can get about to see people / get things)?

I just want to have some idea of what to expect so I can prepare myself and ask people for help if neccessary!

Also, although I'm feeling really excited about the BA, am also feeling a bit sad about being on my own over Christmas eve/day/boxing day and know that I'll miss my 'babies' terribly!!! At least if I feel like I'll be able to cope, it'll make me feel a bit better about it!

I was told do not care for others, let others care for you and in the first week lift nothing heavier than a paper back book...this is really hard to stick to, especially if your not suffering any pain, more so for someone like yourself who is a parent. Your used to just getting up and doing, but you really should try and relax and rest, even if its just for the first week. I didnt really suffer pain wise and still felt up to doing the norm like lifting kids but really you shouldnt. If you have a close friend who can help you with things like washing your hair then make the most of it...you will reap the benefits, like a good recovery...x

Hi, I'm only 4days post op. I'm just about managing to do things for myself now, but for the first two days I couldn't even flush the toilet!
I would say definately get some help. Everyone is different, just make sure you have someone to call on if you need them. x

I washed my own hair over the bath on day 3, and drove on day 5ish I think (I do drive automatic though), Kay's right flushing the loo is harder than you think!
I was told not to lift for a week, and nobody said anything about lifting my arms up, but I just naturally didn't lift them much.
I had overs, it's harder with unders apparently.
xx

The first two days, I could not get out of bed without help. My future MIL had to pull down my pants so I could go to the bathroom. I also couldn't hold my own drink and sip from the straw she had to hold the drink for me. The first two days I was in agony and even taking 2 percocet didn't relieve my pain. Day 3 and on I got much better. I washed my own hair on day 4, and today (day 5) I've been able to do pretty much everything. Drove my car and ran a few errands. Still being careful and listening to my body - if it hurts, I don't do it and ask for help.

I am day 4 after unders and couldn't manage on my own. Have been told no driving for a week. Some things can be difficult such as pulling anything down ( pjs, knickers, leggings) reaching up high is a total no and I would have no chance changing my own bra.
Have also been told not to wash hair but just popped down to hairdresser to get it done. Also found if I lay too flat I need pushing into upright position, didn't realise how my I used my chest muscles for that. Have heard isn't quite as bad with overs but never had them so can't really compare.

i washed my own hair the day after the op

I think unders may take a little longer and may be a little more difficult so you would need more help. As long as you move everything down low so you can reach it, maybe some microwave meals, you should be able to look after yourself. I had overs and was able to wash my own hair after 3 days, couldn't drive a manual car for a week, although I had a auto so could have driven after a week (but didn't for 2). I couldn't lift a kettle for a couple of days and even then could only lift it if it had enough for 1 cup. I was able to flush the loo with 2 hands lol. I could get in and out of a bath. I used a little plastic stool in the kitchen to get into cupboards, I could just kick it around the floor. I had lots of tops with zips to dress in.

The first few days can be really painful and uncomfortable so its good to get a friend to call round if possible just to make sure your managing okay and bring you anything you need. Everyone is different and no one can predict their recovery so having support on stand by is a really good idea.
I couldnt wash my own hair for over a week so i would take your friend up on that offer just in case!
I managed okay after day 4 when my OH went back to work.Ready meals are good to have in and small cartons of milk/juice ( i could have lifted big ones) I used a little travel kettle and make sure you have a table by your bed that you can reach easily to put your meds and water etc on if you need stuff in the night.You wont be able to reach up easily so have things you'll need at waist height or lower down.After week 1 i could do more for myself but you still have to take it easy xx

Ooops i meant i couldn"t have lifted big ones! Bad spelling!

You'll at least want someone checking on you. I was fine the day after, slept mostly, but needed help to get food, drink, etc. I don't remember flushing because the meds were pretty good. Probably should have someone on "stand by" that can come over if needed on a moments notice.

Gosh - it's making me feel a bit nervous now! My mum will be around for some of the time post-op, but as she's disabled herself, she's not going to be able to do any heavy lifting at all.

Plus, she's probably going to be away over Christmas itself, so I'll likely be on my own from at least Christmas Eve to Boxing day (which if I have the op on the 22nd as hoped, will be day 3 - 5!)

I'd feel really bad about asking anyone else for help over the Christmas period, as they'll have their own things they'll be doing, and anyway - I'd have brought it on myself!!! lol

Hmmm....obviously I'm going to need to get myself prepared with light weight things, front-fastening sports bra's, and everything at waist height!!!