Everyone is so different . I myself was in the hospital l 4 days . You are not flat they get you up. I had my Mother in law to come in for about a week . Your husband needs to do absolulty nothing for 6 weeks . he may feel like it but thats a no no . Good idea to have the kids at gramma for a few days . and hubby should not pick up at all. Just be there for him , meals , meds keep him comfortable . make sure you get a pain scrip and a laxative before leaving the hospital also make sure you have a follow up appt for him. He will be fine . also tell him to turn his head ever so often cause if he doesnt his neck will get stiff. If you have further just send me a PM . See your from NB I am in sioux city . They just had the chiari walk in Lincoln in sept. take care Roz