I was not in the ICU.

Spent 12 days in hospital. Couple of extra days because drainage continued through tubes that had been inserted. Pain was reasonably controlled with meds.

Initially, it was challenging to move from bed to a chair three feet away. Needed help on both sides of me. That got better relatively quickly.

Soon, I was walking the halls with help and accompanied by my IV pole connected to multiple tubes. Walking got to be fun actually.

At first, I needed help to get to the bathroom. Or do anything really. That got better too after several days.

For me, one of worst parts was the NG tube put down my nose. Got very annoying- painful. Nobody likes them, which everybody knows. Mine stayed in a couple of days longer because of drainage, and despite my advocating for it to be taken out. Ha!

But the NG tube is important of course.

When I was discharged, I took pain meds as prescribed. They helped, but - still there was pain to deal with after this big surgery.

My feet were swollen. For several weeks.

I walked every day with a companion. The walks got longer, and faster, as time went on. My retired physical therapist brother had me doing exercises.

I hadn’t had surgery before so this was all new to me. I don’t know if this experience can be compared to other surgical recoveries. I assume there are similarities.

Eventually the post- surgery pain was gone. Which was wonderful of course.

I slept a lot. Still do some days. But, maybe that’s my 70 years of age too.

I’m getting back to normal. Granted, a new normal.

I’m eating pretty much everything now, just in smaller amounts and more frequently. It’s working well.

So, all things considered, I’m very fortunate. Others writing here have also had excellent results. There’s no reason your husband can’t be part of this group. I bet he will!

As I said earlier, if you have questions let know as I’m happy to answer with what my experience was.

Best of luck to your husband and you.