After surgery home or rehab facility?

[mark9765]

After your surgery did you go home or were you sent to a rehab facility for a short stay?

 

[T-Mike]

I was sent directly home because I had a support system in place. I preferred to be home and rehab on my own. Besides, I don't like to yell at people I don't know. ;)

 

[TBONE]

Mark--I'm guessing that your hospital will help you with that decision. In my case, I had a 3-1/2 hour drive home, so I was planning on a rehab facility for 2-3 days following release from hospital. However, since the recovery went very well, the hospital let me decide and I chose to go home. I don't regret that decision, but I had my wife to take care of me for a week or so and I was able to move around a bit. But it is a judgment call and others have told me that they improved very quickly in a rehab facility, more so than if they went directly home.

 

[JudyS]

I was in the hospital for 5 full days , the last day as part of a research study. The last day I was on the rehab floor. I had part time family around, but did not need them for too much when I got home. My bedroom is upstairs, I just had my hubby follow behind me for a day or 2. It was nice to have people carry coffee or food over to my recliner, but I would not have needed to be in a rehab facility.
judy

 

[Judles]

Mark.....I was in rehab for 11 days! The BEST decision for ME! My recup has been amazing, thank heavens! .

 

[Texas]

I go to therapy but me and my husband can do the same here at home, he wont let me slide at all I think he is harder then my PT so now that I know what to do I might just do it at home............Kim

 

[leosmom]

I went home 4 days post-op. I live alone and had 3 flights of stairs to climb. I had to climb 2 flights in the hospital to 'prove' I could do it before they let me go. Boy, that was hard. My insurance company was more than supportive 'kicking me to the curb'. I did have each day home health care (nurse one day, physical therapists the next) for 4 weeks and those people rocked. I prepared for weeks before surgery to make sure I could take care of myself (lots of Lean Cuisine in the freezer!) so that made it a little easier. I didn't need anything for two solid weeks while I stayed in my apartment and the hallway. The only drawback was being alone that first week, there were some very overwhelming scary moments that brought me to tears. So, yes it is a personal decision as well as a medical one. If I had to do it over, I probably would fight to get in a rehab place.

 

[Judles]

Kim! Your hubby is smart! He knows where his bread is s buttered! My huuby was my #1 cheerleader as well! It makes such a tremendous difference to have that kind of support!

 

[Texas]

Well see I pay my own Cobra Ins I have to py 377.00 a mth for just me because I was let go from my job. And when I go to PT I have to pay 45 a visit then times that by 3 a week its alot since he was laid off as well. I do work from home now but its still hard. So if he can help me with PT then I might have to ..But atleast I do have an option ya know. Yes Judles your husband is a great cheerleader to maybe we can get them togather and get then a lil uniform....Lol

 

[lakelover]

I thought I could handle things myself but my daughter was on Spring break and stayed with me. That was a god-send. When she left a week later I could manage (barely) by myself. I think being in your own home is the best but it depends on the support system. I had to ask neighbors to drive me to therapy and I was lucky to have people make food and bring it over. I sure got tired of Stouffer's frozen foods.

 

[Judles]

Kim! Our hubbies in cheerleading gear???? Haha! They would put on a show, for sure! Oh, Lake.! Sounds like you're doing great! Hope your daughter will be around more for you once she's finished with school! Its an amazing bonding experience, isn't it??

 

[lakelover]

My daughter is a teacher about an hour from here. She is 32 so was very competent. While she was here I ended up calling her "Nurse Ratchet" because I would be in the recliner and she had to ratchet me up to the highest level and put on the ice. I am so lucky as she is my biggest cheerleader. I call her all the time for encouragement. My husband is great but not the nurturing type. She has been coming every weekend too.How wonderful is that? She is single so I am lucky.

 

[Scott]

Two nights in the hospital and straight home for me. Outpatient PT started the following week. I wanted to just be told what to do and just do everything at home, but I was wrong. It was very helpful for me to go to the clinic and get individual consultation. I only went 5 times and was released yesterday but those visits were invaluable.

 

[Judles]

Lake,,,,,I used to call my husband Nurse Ratchett,too!

 

[Texas]

I laugh at the thought Peta...Lake you are very lucky. She sounds like a terrific lady.........................Kim

 

[hurtingbuthopeful]

Lakelover, your daughter sounds so much like mine! She is a teacher, 30 years old and lives 30 miles away.Thank God for kids! Well also for my husband - he was my #1 nurse on the weekends and at night and excellent at it. My daughter came every few days to cook organic vegetarian food for me as I live with a bunch of cavemen who howl like tarzan everytime there is meat on the table! I opted to go home after surgery because I have a very large support system. Read a lot of research that indicated typically most people at home progressed faster. I know not every one has that option so you must do whatever you are comfortable with. Good luck with whatever decision you makeA!

 

[Texas]

So did hurt did you do your own therapy at home..If so did you make up excercises or a book or what..............I glad you have a great support system. I really only have my husband but that ok hes a keeper...Ill wait to here, thanks Kim

 

[hurtingbuthopeful]

I had PT at home for the first 2 1/2 weeks.. .A guy came to the house 3 days a week for about an hour. Am currently still doing PT three times a week at an outpatient PT place near home. I think my gig is up insurance wise at the end of this month.

 

[Texas]

I know with the Cobra ins I pay for just me and the PT visits its 377 a mth ins, and 45 a visit 2 times a week alomost 800. a mth if i am adding right. Close to it anyway thats why I may end up having to do it at home....its tough....actually last night I was on my back with my legs up my husbsnd put my legs on his chest and I bench pressed him, He didnt put full pressure but he let me push him back , and then let himself down again and we kept going a few times. It worked because i trusted him I knew he wouldnt ever let me go.......... Kim

 

[webbie73]

Mark, after reading this thread I think I win the prize for the longest stay at a rehab facility. I was in the hospital for 4 days and then went to a rehab facility for 14 days. It was a blessing that I had arranged to go prior to surgery. The orginal plan was just 5-7 days and then home. I had some complications....ambulance driver caught my leg when lifting me out of the ambulance..OUCHIE. That alone set me back one week. Then I was serverly anemic and could not really care for myself.

If I had to do it all over again I still would opt for rehab just without the complications. I got PT and OT everyday. Once I got home my PT was only 3 times a week in house.

I am now 7 weeks out and doing much better and doing PT 2 times a week as an outpatient.

BTW I really racked up the bill on my insurance!!!!!! 14 days @ $400 for room and board. I have no idea how much they charged for the other services. Thank God for insurance.

Let us know what you decide and good luck.

Kathy