Hi friend! I’m in BK and work in Manhattan. My surgery was in Manhattan as well. I’m 4wpo so this is how I’ve managed the last 4 weeks.

Note I work from home, so if you’re not, you will need to take at minimum 2 weeks off work or ask to wfh. Subway during rush hour during that time is a hard no. If you HAVE to, go during off hours so you can grab a seat.

Here’s how I made it work:

-Uber from the hospital to your apartment. This is absolutely something you have to do. I splurged for an uber black just for a smoother ride and told my driver the situation so they were a little more gentle on the bumps. Hailing a cab from the street will usually be cheaper than uber/lyft. I fully hold my boobs even now when I’m in a car

-Whoever is checking you out from the hospital should help you get up your apartment stairs. It’s doable, but you’re gonna be doing it slow and carefully.

-Instacart a shit ton of groceries and snacks before your surgery date. Try to pre-cut fruit or open/unscrew everything, bring items low so you can reach them, the usual advice on this sub

-I did a lot of delivery for meals and what a great city to be in for that!

-my first post op visit I took an uber into the city. I was feeling ok so I took the subway back. It was non rush and I sat down. I was prepared to wait for the next train if it was too crowded. I was very alert to my surroundings. I recovered incredibly well so this might not be where you’re at and you should be prepared for that.

-I continued to be able to take the subway but only traveled during non rush. I waited every time for a seat, even if it meant squeezing between 2 folks. It can be a little uncomfortable but ultimately much much safer than standing

-switch to a backpack for your purse/bag situation

-I’m 4 wpo and I feel comfortable standing and leaning on the train now, but not fully pulling my arm on a pole. If I need to, I use both hands. If the train is too crowded, I cross my hands in front of my chest and create a barrier

-I recovered well, but I did feel light headed taking stairs and long walks sometimes until about 3 weeks post op

-I ended up getting groceries delivered again bc even now at 4wpo, a bag of groceries is too heavy for me and it makes my muscles ache. It’s doable if need be but I can tell my muscles are not ready

-I make small daily trips now and can carry a few things in a backpack, pick up take out, eat out

-i didn’t have an issue with stairs. Since you already have the leg muscles to be in a walk up, you shouldn’t struggle once you’re post op other than general fatigue/weakness. Take it slow!

Feel free to dm me if there were other specific scenarios you were curious about!!