My husband is scheduled for his first resection at the end of May. Right now, he is finishing his second year of law school, and with finals and surgery looming, I want to help/be supportive as much as I can. For those of you who have had surgery, what do you wish your caregiver had known and done before/after the procedure?
What do you wish your caregiver had known pre/post-surgery?
- Thread starter RM1017
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I am not a care giver, but I am having surgery next week (29th March). With finals and surgery coming up he is about to go through a very stressful time. The single biggest thing you can do is be supportive and understanding. I suspect he may not be himself as stress can change how you think and behave, just accept that and do not take it personally. The fact that you have taken the time to come here and ask this question is a big positive though, very proactive and caring.
I'm having my first surgery tomorrow, but will certainly post anything I come up with after the surgery! I can't imagine having finals around the same time as the surgery. I really haven't stopped thinking about it since it was booked several weeks ago. I try to keep myself occupied as much as possible, but studying must be difficult (I know work as been). My husband has been so supportive and understanding though as my emotions have been a bit all over the place lately. Just be there for your husband and as JMC said, don't take things personally if he is pre-occupied or acts differently than normal. Good luck to your husband!
I have to say, I wish I had a better idea of how long it could take for things to 'wake up' after surgery. Only today did gas really start to move and I was finally allowed to move to a clear liquid diet (previously just allowed to sip (60 cc's/hour) clear liquids). One of the nurses told me though that if my bowels were kind-of slow before the surgery, they are most likely still like that, so I could take a bit longer than some. That would have saved me from some of the frustration I was really feeling last night...I was hoping to go home today, but now I think I'll just be happy if it's tomorrow.
Be supportive and know that this will likely be a very stressful and emotional time for your husband. You may feel at times that you are giving everything and getting nothing in return. Just remember that this is what love and marriage are all about and he will be there for you to lean on should you ever have a similar need. Help him focus on the future and keep a positive attitude - that will help him heal.
Best wishes to you both!!
Best wishes to you both!!
