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September 1, 2008 - 5:24pm
Post-Op Must Haves
Many times member post a topic asking what they might need after they have had surgery.This is a great list that saltzworks (Amy) put together to address that question. her list goes from food items to lip balm to extra pillows. She has also included a list of items a patient might want to take care of prior to surgery such as things like making sure you have a hair cut before surgery.
Amy, thank you for your help............Paul
___________________________________
Handy List for Surgery
Food Items
• Soft foods including: Yogurt, frozen yogurt, ice cream, popsicles, jello cups, pre-made puddings & tapioca, protein bars, cereal, microwave oatmeal, bananas, chicken stock, microwave dinners, frozen pasta entrees, pre-made mashed potatoes, cookies, chocolate, lettuce, salad dressing, cheese, lunch meat, hot dogs, bread, bakery items.
o Check for other soft foods that are healthier than this list ☺o People had a difficult time digesting food. Reports include nausea, increased thirst and fatigue so quick meals were essential.
• Drinks – Plenty of bottled water bedside, Gatorade, Powerade, coke, ginger ale, other soft drinks, yogurt drinks, Ensure or Boost protein drinks, milk, chocolate milk, orange juice, other juices, tea, coffee with cream/sugar/sweetener, Black tea with honey/lemon that soothes the stomach.
• Frozen fruit for blending smoothies in a Magic Bullet or blender
• Protein Powder [will assist with bone fusion, particularly if you cannot chew much]
• Bag of ice – small cubes
• Ice chips to help dry or sore throat
• Flexible and long straws
• Paper plates and plastic cups
• Candy, sugarless gum
• Mints
• Vitamins
• Magic Bullet (or similar blender) for individual servings o It is great for individual blending/smoothies, etc. It is carried in most dept stores, kitchen stores, etc. It is great at blending up ice and much more convenient to have the individual serving size than the full size blender. Magic Bullet also has a website.
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Shower
Bathroom Items
• Shower stool to Chair to sit in shower with soap/shampoo/shower gel on another chair for easy reach
• Non-slip mat for shower
• Hand shower
• Long-handled Back scrubber
• Nylon bath poof instead of wash cloth; easier to hold
• Exfoliating skin towel. [Body Shop has these and they are great for rubbing off the dead skin and helping you feel fresh, especially if stuck in bed]
• Toilet riser with or without side handles - $15-$25
• Bedpan if necessary
• Walker and/or cane per doctor
Personal Items
• Deodorant body wipes / wet wipes for freshening up (Drug Store has near the Depends. They are a large size.)
• Pre-moistened facial cleansing cloths
• Dry shampoo $5 from specialty beauty store
• Powder – Shower to Shower or other
• Face cream (I would suggest small sizes)
• Hand cream
• Body lotion for itchy skin
• Lip balm, Chapstick
• Mouthwash
• Throat lozenges / Chloraseptic Spray
• Kleenex
• Wound dressings per doctor
• Thermometer to check temp after surgery
• Stool softener / Suppositories for constipation (Some found they couldn’t keep the pills down and/or they got stomach cramps from the pills)
• Prune Juice taken with a dose of Milk of Magnesia for dire cases of constipation - it takes about 2 hours, then you are good to go (pun intended).
Handy Items
•Grabber/picker – preferably 36” long. Perhaps one in bedroom and one in living room. $10-$25
• Long handled shoe horn. $5
• Grabber-like thing to pull on socks with, or think about wearing flip flops or open-backed shoes.
• Pill Organizer or notepad to keep track of what you need to take when and to make notations of when you take your meds.
• Bedtray
• Bell, cell phone or walkie talkies to contact caregivers
• Microwaveable hot packs –great for aching shoulders, etc.
• Satin sheets for easy sliding in and of bed. Or satin PJ's.
• "Turning sheet" strip of heavy fabric that you put under you so that you can have a signficant other pull to turn you over as needed, particularly good for those first few days.
• Cold packs in freezer prior to surgery
• Phone near the bed. Get a wireless or wireless adapter from Radio Shack o Cellphone and charger o Blackberry, Treo and chargers
• IPod, headphones, charger o Update your playlists
• Books, magazines, audio books, crosswords, Sudoku o Booklight
• Extra batteries for remotes
• Remote controls for TV, DVD, etc.
• Plastic containers to hold and organize items you will use while confined to bed. Also to use after mouthwash or for small trash. o Put all the reading materials, crosswords, pencils, etc. in one. Put personal cleansing items in another.
• Small, lightweight pitcher for water next to bed
• Paper towels near bed
• Small wash basin near bed
• Small bucket for nausea next to bed
• Small garbage bags nearby
• Towel that lies flat on the bed beside you. Put items you may use on top then just pull the towel toward you to retrieve items you can’t reach.
• Extra pillows to help with comfortable positions
• Additional sheets, blankets, pillows near recliner, sofa, chair in living room
• Wheelchair, if necessary
• Recliner, if possible. Some find recliners work, others don't - they can be hard to get out of.
• Think about placing every day items at waist height even if it means storing on counters.
• Pedometer for post-op walking program
Clothing
• Slip on shoes o Croc shoes with the open back. They are ugly but they are easy to get on, provide great traction, comfortable to wear and were recommended by the hospital.
• Slippers - not too loose with good soles
• Soft socks – NAP socks from Brookstone are awesome & keep your feet warm at night. $20/3 pairs
• Bathrobe
• Pull on pants – make them a size larger so they don’t bother your incision(s); check elastic so it’s not too tight.
• Front buttoned shirts or zipper tops for trips to PT and doctor
• Jogging suits
• Sweat pants
• Yoga pants
• Front button pajamas – numerous sets
• Camisoles or tee shirts to wear under brace, preferably cotton so it breathes. Ladies -try the ones with the bra built in.
Comfort Items
• Lots of pillows, body, small, wedge, cervical, etc.
• 3" memory foam mattress topper pad $100 approx.
• Pressure mattress or pads
• Have plenty of sheets, pillowcases, blankets, washcloths and towels ready for use. o Have sheets, blankets, pillows near a favorite recliner or sofa
• If you are planning on much reading or computer (laptop) work post-op, consider a stand that adjusts in position and height like a hospital bed tray –Brookstone. $150; There are less expensive ones around $60-70. Make sure they fit under your favorite chair.
• Linen spray to freshen sheets and pillow cases. Use lavender scent to relax and help with sleep.
To Do Prior To Surgery
• Shave, wax, pedicure, manicure, etc. right before surgery. If you have fake nails, think about removing since they may fall off due to anesthesia
• Hair cut
• Dentist
• OB-GYN
• Update prescription glasses, both reading and regular if you wear contacts since you won’t be wearing contacts much in the hospital or after surgery
• Give all doctor names and numbers to caregiver(s) as well as next to your bed
• Put together phone numbers of all concerned family members and friends on one sheet
• Check with your doctor for handicap sticker
• All grooming/personal supplies waist high to avoid reaching/bending
• Organize essential items at home to be within reach, e.g. telephone, shoes, etc.
• Arrange for care - someone to be with you for most of the first week post-discharge
• Make sure you give your surgeon a list of your regular medications including the dosage amount.
• Give blood prior to surgery and/or family members
• Checks made out for bills, stamped envelopes ready or online payments done in advance
• Have some cash handy for family members to run errands.
• Pet care arranged
• Car keys and house keys given to appropriate caregivers
Boredom Relievers
• Laptop
• Magazines, books
• Audio books
• Crosswords
• Sudoku
• IPod (updated with playlists for recovery)
• Nintendo
• DVDs o Order prior to surgery if belong to Netflix or other service
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Take to Hospital
(check with hospital in case you receive items during stay)
• Button up pajamas
• Back Scratcher, cheap bamboo - invaluable!
• Bathrobe to cover up if use a Johnny
• Hairbrush/Comb
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Mouthwash
• Facial wipes
• Body wipes
• Hand Cream
• Facial Cream
• Lip Balm
• Lavender linen spray or Febreze
• For long hair, elastic bands to tie back
• Loose clothing to come home in o Underwear o Front button top o Socks o Comfortable, safe shoes
• Magazine, crosswords, notepad, pencil
• Glasses
• Laptop, if you want - a lot of hospitals have wireless access in the rooms
On the day you come home:
Make sure you put a plastic trash bag on the car seat for easy sliding in and out of the vehicle. Pillows and a careful, slow driver are also great suggestions!
This list was originally compiled by Jujybean. Kinpain sent it to me when I was asking prior to my surgery. Since then I have read suggestions and edited the list accordingly - this list is truly a product of everyone here - THANKS!
p.s. Obviously, there are so many items here that if you purchased everything, you would need a separate room to put things in, however, I included many items so people can make their own choices. If you have any other suggestions, please let me know. Thanks in advance and hope this list makes life a little easier for you prior to surgery. Best of luck.
_____________
Car accident 10/2005. Have done PT, Physiotherapy, Cortisone.
Don't tolerate meds well. 4 ankle surgeries / 1 shoulder / 3 back - in less than 4 years.
Discogram 4/2008
7/21/2008 - S1-L4 PLIF fusion.
Developed new rt. leg numbness. 7/23/2008 - Second surgery to explore possible hemorhage and to remove BMP and other tissue.
Hardware removal 1/6/2010
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What a great list you have made, It has been so helpful, some of these things you just dont think of until you really need them.... thanks so much for posting this
http://www.myspace.com/cyndi1958
I have from C3-C7 fused now..
ON my second back surgery now
posterior,laminectomy, Lateral screw fixation
4 years ago from disectomy with fusion
Breast Reduction
gallbladder, apendix, women stuff
knee surgery and sinus surgery
I am so grateful for the lists on this post, they were great help for me (especially the terry cloth robe and the grabber and the things to do Pre-Op). I was all prepared having dishes and a few saucepans on the counter instead of in the cabinets and extra toilet paper rolls on the sink. Nonetheless there were a few silly things I had not thought about that for better or for worse I could not do for at least the first six weeks due to bending/lifting restrictions so I thought I might share. I live alone so some of these things were a bit tricky!
The Good News: you cannot take out the garbage, empty your dishwasher (I use a few dishes and wash them all by hand), make your bed, clean the kitty litter/pick up dog poop, do laundry, weed the garden, do home maintenance, vacuum or sweep the floor (you will drop a lot of stuff but the good news is you can't look down to see it either!!)
The Bad News: you cannot shave your legs in the shower (guys may also have a hard time shaving if they usually lean into the mirror to do it), find shoes under your bed, pet your cat/or small dog unless they jump up on something, feed the dog or cat, fill a bird feeder, pull the cork from a bottle of wine (when you are off pain meds, of course), drink out of a water fountain (or from the tap, come on you know you do it!), get clothes out of the bottom drawer of the dresser, or stuff from the bottom shelf of the fridge (unless it's in a bag you can pick up with your grabber).
One more thing, on a trip back from the doctor I asked my friend/driver to stop at the grocery store and since I only needed two small items I said to wait and I would go in myself (first time since surgery). Within ten seconds of walking into the store I realized that at least two shelves in each aisle were below my knees, so off limits! Luckily the things I needed were reachable, but now I bring my grabber to the store or ask a helpful clerk to pick stuff up for me when riding around in the little cart. I am weaned from the soft collar but wear it at the store so people don't look at me strangely when I ride in the cart (can't push a cart or carry over 5lbs!!)
As I live alone I am lucky to have a very helpful neighbor who comes over whenever I ask to help with stuff like a broken glass etc. Otherwise I have friends who have brought me meals and things from the store. Many of them get do a chore for me while they are here and they are all happy to help. I am also a big control freak so I have had to learn to let things go for a bit, after all, I can always put it all right when I get better!!
Anyway, wishing everyone a successful surgery and quick recovery,
Jackie
Wow, you are right. The things that you take for granted that you can do. No vacuuming, no moping, no sweeping, no grass cutting, no trash removal, no ironing...sounds like a dream and is okay for the first week or two. My hardest adjustment is moving the chair at the table. It's in your hand before you know it. I had surgery on March 2, 2010, and still no lifting more than a half gallon of milk. I have the greatest parents in the world, even though they are elderly, my dad comes and takes out my trash and moves my trash cart (didn't think about that), mom goes to purchase groceries and puts them up when back at home. My daddy says, "milk it girl!"
Blessings...
Jmoortx, it is so true, the things you take for granted. I am pretty much on my own too after surgery, a week ago. I had an ACF 2 levels, and a posterior cervical laminectomy in Feb. I wore out my welcome with the first surgery, so it has been difficult these last couple of months. The recovery from the first surgery didn't fix the problem, so I had to go through the series of PT and epidurals after that, then this surgery. I am relieved to have it all done, but find my biggest challenge is loneliness and having to "weather" this on my own. This is the biggest surgery, but the least recognized. For me, I bounced right up, and am pretty independent, but it is very hard to stay home, not drive, minimal visitors, and threats at work from my boss, saying if I don't come back by a certain date, she will medically separate me. I am almost 61 years old, so there won't be any more jobs if I lose this one. People are compassionate to a point, but this disease takes a LONG time, and I don't think people have that kind of stamina. I am glad your neighbors are helping you, but don't wear out your welcome. Are you having numbness and tingling, is that normal?
I went to my doc office today to discuss surgery, and I asked him for a notebook about what to bring to the hospital for surgery, and he told me to come here. Thanks for posting this valuable list. Especially for the trashbag thing for coming home. I have to travel about an hour home from the hospital, I live in northeast kansas, and the hospital is an hour away from home.
Annular tear, L4L5 and L5S1
I have been reading alot of the posts about the recovery. Oh man. It just scares me to think I will b out of commission that long. 6 to 8mos. At what point did any of you (who have had surgery like mine) be able to actually be halfway normal. I mean, get up and be able to do things pain free. I am hoping this surgery brings me permenant relief in my rear, legs and feet. That is where most of my pain is. I do get back pain if I do alot of bending over and have to stay like that for a bit. Like picking things up off the floor.
My dream is to be able to one day ride a bike and just walk around the store or amusement parks one day totally pain free. I have missed out on SO much the last like 7yrs. I am only 43yrs old. I have lost 7yrs of my life I will never get back. Anyway, I'm done babbling. LOL I was on a role.
Paula
Reading your post makes my heart go out to you. I lost 3 months as I've written here, thru the surgeon's lack of information...hopefully now that you know...it will all work out. Everyone keeps telling me it's just a very long tunnel, ''But you will get better''. Sometimes I feel that, mentally, it will be ok. And some days, it's all blackness and no future. I've found that all this reading can be helpful, and some days just make me more depressed. In particular hearing so many stories where the surgeon has screwed up the actual surgeon. Try to feel positive, take Zoloft or whatever antidepressant, as I feel we all here need it. It's situational depression, but deservedly so.Try not to think of the 6-9 more months, but of trying to have a good day. (She says to herself, as well)
Take Care.
Well Wishes
Hello, I just read your post, and those are my thoughts as well. Everyone writes that it is a long recovery, my doc never mentioned about more than four to six weeks. I am at four weeks post op and e eery day is diffdrent. One day I think I have some improvement, then the next day some weird pain appears. I need to do some long car rides for work shortly, and I have trouble sitting or lying dowm for long periods. It does help to know that others have experienced similiat stuff. Thanks for sharing your thoughts,
Yours, Ellen
I also find shoulder high URL removedreally help.
Cyndi - thanks for the compliment;
It IS a great list!!!
...but, that said, I cannot take full credit - I am only a person that happened to have a saved copy of the list (and then added to it from the thread we had going) - it is the work of countless spiney members here, truly an accumulated effort that has come from many experiences.
I have to say that this list really saved me when I got it - I was actually grateful my surgery got delayed, it gave me a chance to ask for and get the list
Car accident 10/2005. Have done PT, Physiotherapy, Cortisone.
Don't tolerate meds well. 4 ankle surgeries / 1 shoulder / 3 back - in less than 4 years.
Discogram 4/2008
7/21/2008 - S1-L4 PLIF fusion.
Developed new rt. leg numbness. 7/23/2008 - Second surgery to explore possible hemorhage and to remove BMP and other tissue.
Hardware removal 1/6/2010
Hi, I'm very new here. Just got finished reading your list of things to get pre-opt. I haven't had any back surgery yet. I'm praying I can hold out till I die.
I, too, have a body that is very sensitive to meds. I can no longer tolerate tylenol (very upset stomach) or ibuprofens (terribly nauseous).
Right now am suffering daily with sciatica. got an MRI but haven't yet gone back to the neuro surgeon for his opinion. Been to physcial therapy but didn't do well cause I wasn't able to tolerate the pain afterwards...couldn't take anti inflammatories to relieve the pain/swelling.
May I ask what did you take after your operation...after you got home?? Oh, forgot to mention, can't take steriods...alergic.
Jan
I hear you on the pain med issue!
You should post in the regular forum to get more replies - but here is what I did...
I was givenpain meds in the hospital. I threw up - a lot. After several days and some trial and error, I was taking 1/3 dosage of Roxicodone with an anti-nausea med to help out.
After I got home I reduced what I was taking even further. Pain is a lot easier for me to handle than nausea.
I did eventually take some muscle relaxants when some of the spasms were bad.
It's something I prefer to forget - the pain, the nausea, the fear - and so I am not doing good at remembering things - but the thing I recommend the MOST - TALK to your Dr. about it - there are things they can do to help.
Best of luck
Car accident 10/2005. Have done PT, Physiotherapy, Cortisone.
Don't tolerate meds well. 4 ankle surgeries / 1 shoulder / 3 back - in less than 4 years.
Discogram 4/2008
7/21/2008 - S1-L4 PLIF fusion.
Developed new rt. leg numbness. 7/23/2008 - Second surgery to explore possible hemorhage and to remove BMP and other tissue.
Hardware removal 1/6/2010
Cleverlee -
I suggest Posting a Topic and asking more than just me -
As for me, I was on Roxicodone (5mg - a 1/3 dose) with Phenegren for the nausea, this was after the Demerol shots the first few post-op days. I needed LOTS of anti-nausea stuff the entire hospital stay. Sometimes it was so bad they had to do suppositories instead of oral.
When I got home I started taking the Roxi less and less. I was able to take a muscle relaxant at night to help. This was probably that first post-op month.
Finally, for those last twinges about 2-3 mo. post-op, when I was DONE with trying to work with the Roxicodone, I was prescribed some Valium. I also took Melatonin (OTC Supplement) at night.
Now I just take Tylenol PM (the Melatonin lasts too long into the next day for me to wrok effectively)- still every night, but it takes just enough of the edge off for me to fall asleep for at least 4 hours each night.
Car accident 10/2005. Have done PT, Physiotherapy, Cortisone.
Don't tolerate meds well. 4 ankle surgeries / 1 shoulder / 3 back - in less than 4 years.
Discogram 4/2008
7/21/2008 - S1-L4 PLIF fusion.
Developed new rt. leg numbness. 7/23/2008 - Second surgery to explore possible hemorhage and to remove BMP and other tissue.
Hardware removal 1/6/2010
I too am new here, but have had my neck done (C-5-6) in April. Now feeling great. But.... I also need to have my back done, T-1,2,3). I am trying to wait till fall, since we live in Florida and it is so sticking hot and humid, unable to walk outside and warring a brace, forget it. My neck was relatively painless, I will tell you though, I had my pain med’s next to the bed, I would wake up in pain take a pill, Wake up in pain take a pill, come the second day my husband could not understand anything I was saying. I had taken over 16 pills over that time frame and was out of it. We went to the hospital and they gave me an iv and flushed my system. They told me that they had 2 other cases with the same problem down the hall. If my husband would not commit to taking care of my pills they would not release me. Scared the hell out of him. Now I have to commit to having my lower back done. I find the pain patches, (Flexor) make life much better. I also can’t take the over the counter meds because of stomach problems
Surching Equality for All, Char
Hi Jan,
I, too, had to change my thoughts and intake of meds. I am not sure whether or not this will help, but I use Valium (anti-anxiety, yes, but also muscle relaxant), Dilaudid (for pain), and Robaxin [Methocarbamol] (the muscle relaxant I use). This is just a beginning list. Flexeril is older muscle relaxant which seems to help, and there are multitudes of muscle relaxants out there.
(Should cost $$ be an issue: If drug is generic, and the older the drug-the less the cost). Hope this helps. And thank you to whomever started this web site!! Trisha
first of all... thanks to all of you who have posted on this site. the info you have shared has helped me sooooo much. i'd like to return the favor with a few small things that i have discovered.
1. cutting off the toe end of a sock and putting it over the velcro portion of your soft neck brace will stop the velcro from pulling on your long hair.
2. when trying to wean off the soft collar, wear it just a little looser every day. i'm doing this by pinning a tiny safety pin on the collar where the strap ends and moving it a little bit each morning.
3. when beginning to drive, do it after dark the 1st few times. turning my head to check for oncoming traffic at intersections is often painful. you don't have to rotate your head as far to see a car with headlights on.
It is 4 months after my surgery on my neck and still have problems turning my neck enough to see a car coming, so in my car I rotate the side mirror then lean toward the stering wheel and am able to see enough to get out. I also added a small comvex mirror to my side mirror on the drivers side. this helps a lot.
Joyce
Surgeries in 2009: C5-6 C6-7 , and L5 S1
I also have HNP Stenosis
Lastest MRI, done April 2010 shows that all my disks are gone and that surgery was no longer an option for me.
HI Marcia,
How have you felt since your surgery? I am a CNA whom got hurt after repositioning a patient as well. I did undergo ACDF on July 27 as well as you and feel worse than before my surgery.Perhaps it is too soon to recover, I don't know.
Could you tell me a bit about your recovery period and how you have gradually adjusted it to it?
Thank You.
Best regards.
Micela
I'm having the same thing done on 2/9 by a neurosurgeon. They are doing the c5-c7 area with hardware. What can I expect as far as recovery time? I will need to be cleared to drive as I have to drive a car to get to my clients. First i was told I would wear a colar for 6-7 weeks but other than that I have no idea how much longer i would be off work. Not concerned about the pay as my insurance pays while I am at home. I just don't want to rush it and I also just don't want to milk it either.
Is a surgical technique that involves moving skin containing hair follicles from one part of the body (the donor site) to bald or balding parts (the recipient site). It is primarily used to treat male pattern baldness, whereby grafts URL removedcontaining hair follicles that are genetically resistant to balding are transplanted to bald scalp.
I also wanted to say Thank you for such a wonderful and helpful list. I have already looked at it a couple of times and I will be browsing it again before the weekend is over as I am due to have surgery on Monday. I started making my lists this morning, and will be adding more to it, and then making the shopping trip to get the things I don't have at home.
49 yrs old former Factory Worker
Carpel Tunnel surgery both left and right hands
PLIF w/ donor bone & hardware L5-S1;Surgical removal of infection at hardware
Failed Back Syndrome,Lumbar degenerative disc disease
Small Fiber Neuropathy,Myopathy
My mottos are "taking one day at a time" and "this too shall pass" and starting the "New phase of my life"
Glor
Gosh , My first day on the forum and I am finding so much info and support from all. Thanks for this great list . I will use it for my upcoming Fusion in Oct.Don't know how long of a Hosp. stay it will be . Only my second time and the first was one nite.
Thanks to all who compiled this wonderful list.
Lumbar stenosis, Herniated disc
Lumnar laminectony/ discectomy 8/29/07
L5-S1 Fusion/pedicle screws sched. 10/27/08
RB in Indiana
Hiya salt wow.what a list.impressive, listen salt i need to get chatting to u, i hink i am having bmp issues, its 3pm daytime now here in ireland...when would be the best time to chat? oh its sunday today!!! thanks
Thank you for the list, it's very thorough! I will order the crocs and get my supplies ready.
What are your thoughts on having my husband spend the first week post-op home from work to care for me? Do you think it is an appropriate time frame? We built a home for my mother right next to us so we could take care of her...Ha Ha. She will also be able to help me but she is a small person and I do not know if she would be able to help me with those trips to the restroom.
My sister who lived just next door to me stayed with me for the first two weeks just in case and that helped alot. I was afraid of falling, not eating enough, etc etc.
Evelyn
Lumbar fusion of L4/L5 on 7-12-07 for severe DDD and Lumbar Lamminectomy for severe Spinal Stenosis. I have first stages of Osteoporosis. Had surgery on 3-10-08 for 17 cm Tumor on right hip and continuing to right pelvic area!! Also with back surgery had one level fusion after disk was removed and surgery was done PLIF with BMP. Surgery for herniated bowel on 11/29/10, 15 cm hernia.
Pika,
I think it is an excellent idea. I know several people who live alone and they had to rely on occasional visits by friends and family after their surgery. I am fortunate to have a husband who is retired, so he was with me, as matter of fact, he did not leave me alone at all during the first two weeks. So if your husband can manage it, by all means let him stay home with you for a week, and hopefully pamper you. Believe me, you will appreciate it.
Good luck,
Kin
SF Peninsula CA resident
Decompression and L3-S1 fusion with instrumentation, 5/1/08
Hi Kin,
I noticed that you have had an L3-S1 fusion with instrumentation. It that a four level fusion? I am scheduled to have a four level PLIF in a couple of weeks with Pedicle screws. How have you done since the surgery? How long after surgery were you able to resume fairly normal activity? What is your pain level like now and how long after surgery did it take to get to that level? Thanks for any input you can give me!
terried
Panama City Beach, FL
Like Kin, either my husband or a friend was with me all the time my first 2 weeks home and I was really glad - especially the first week! After the first week I was more mobile and could get to/from the bathroom and kitchen with my walker. But having someone to bring you the things you need/want is good because I thought getting up and down was more difficult than the actual walking. Enjoy all the help you can get!
... is essential. You will definitely welcome all the assistance you can get. In my case, TLIF 9/25/07, my mother-in-law came for a 3 wk visit and she was a god-send! Especially the first week when I was learning how to move around on my own. She was constantly there whether I needed her or not! LOL We never saw eye to eye on many subjects
but during the 30+ years of being married to her eldest we "tolerated" each other. Now we're best of friends. (Maybe she just needed another BIG BABY. to care for??)
She's coming in again for my 360 on 11/4. I'm definitely looking forward to her visit this time.
I tried to be as prepared for this as possible....bought the Ensure shakes, lots of pudding and soft foods....and all I can really have is popsicles. Even water is going down hard. I felt like I was drowning a few times. The nurse called me this morning to find out how I was doing and she said...to stick with the popsicles for a few days because the cold will sooth the throat. Man am I having a rough time with this. But even with all the small complications....I feel much better than I did before the surgery.
What a great list, I thought I had everything I needed but after reading the list there was few things I forgot or just didn't think about.
My surgery is next Wendesday, ALIF L5-S1
I decided to rent me a hospital bed (semi electric) to see if it would help me sleep and relieve some of my pain. I am so glad because it is helping. I got it through my local drug store for $150.00 per month at no extra cost for delivery and setting it up. I did go buy me a memory foam topper to help. I set it up in my family room where the big TV is and closer to the kitchen!
By far the most useful thing I purchased prior to my lumbar fusion/decompression is the "grabber." I'm 2 weeks post op and I don't know what I would have done without it. I even use it to get clothes out of the dryer and feed my dogs! The one I have is called EZ Grabber and is made by Carex. Should be able to google it. Also, I thing our local Eckerds (I think it has a new name) has them.
Kathy in Atlanta - 11/18/08 PLIF,decompression,removal of synovial cyst. No other spine surgery. Hope it's the last! 59 years young. My glass is always half full! Still!! Cheers.
Hi Kathyy.
My name is Dot (bobbinlady). I am going to have TLIF on Sept 27 and I just found you on Spine Health.
I am getting prepped and have been reading the Pre Op and Post Op msg threads. So much to do, but the group has so many tips. Since you are in Atlanta, I would like to be able to keep in touch with you so I can ask questions and be a support person to you too. I know our surgeries are slightly different but the end result is the same. My issues are: Facet Arthritis, DDD, Spondylothesis, Bone Spurs, and I'm not sure what all else. This has been going on for 2 1/2 years and I am so tired of the pain and inability to do my jobs well. Anyways, I gotta go now, but I would love to hear from you soon. 
Dot
DDD, 2 lower discs gone. Grade 2+ Spondylothesis. Severe bone spurs and Facet issues. ESI’s, Rhizotomy, Roxicodone 15mm,Soma 350mg, Neurontin 300mg. Heating pad, Tens Machine.
I think the above list is great--wish i had found it before surgery-HA!
I live in NH in the mountains and we have now had snow for a couple weeks. I bought a pair of ice grabbers to put on my boots. They have little titanium (i think) picks which can be replaced for 8 a set. I have had these for several years and still have not had to replace original ones. I also bought a ice prong for my cane that flips up out of way when not in use ($6.95). Very helpful!
the only other thing I think I would recommend is some kind of instrument to use in the bathroom to wipe oneself. I know several other people who said they struggled with this. They make special care tongs but the are pricey. I saw something at Walmart in the medical area which could work. I used a pair of kitchen tongs that had metal rounded ends, easy to hold paper and to sanitize.
Thanks to everyone for their good ideas.
Jody
Herniated disc at work L5- S-1, failed microdiscectomy 2003
9/2008 micro PLIF 2 levels w/ instrumentation and BMP
My surgery for aftificial disk replacment is in 3 weeks.How long before I can drive?
Just a couple additions for the Post-Op must haves:
1. Access to this forum. It's the best support available and it's 24/7 and free! (Be sure to hang around following your surgery to provide support to other members and newbies.)
2. A positive attitude (although a few pity parties are allowed and understood and as long as the party doesn't last too long).
and I have mine printed out and have somethings already.
As for having your husband stay with you I think that is the best thing if you do not have anyone to help you after you come home. I will have my husband and my mom will also stop in to help and visit to make sure I am doing okay. Now just the wait.
It's so important to healing bones. I was craving orange juice and milk (not together) after my surgery. Usually I don't drink either. When I realized both were great sources of vit D I realized my must be craving it with the fusion.
If you can get just 10 minutes a day in the sun your own body will produce vit D. If no sun then load your body up with vit D foods.
FYI be very careful taking vit D in a supplement form because you can get to much of it.
EM
FAQ
Thanks to list that Amy (saltzworks)put togetehr, this information is now available for everyone via FAQ
Ron DiLauro
Ron's Story
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I think the LIST is so brilliant and so necessary that I wish there could be a way, after a copy write and the owner's permission, to somehow send it to all the Neurosurgeons' offices across the country- to their P.A. as they are even more the ones who schedule and do the detailed post op talk. (Not mine, but most).
Just my thoughts. I would have loved the List.
Well Wishes
I have my list ready and surgery is 4 days away. Boy am I nervous.
I am new to this site and I am having my 3rd and hopefully final back surgery on March 2, 2009 L5-S1 fusion I think this list is very beneficial to anyone having back surgery and I know that I will be using alot of the items listed. Thanks again.
One thing to add is to put away your pride and ask friends for meals.
It was super nice to have people drop off food everyday for me and more importantly for my caretaker - my husband Matt!
Let them know you may not be able to greet them and spend time until the 2nd week but food would be welcomed.
By the 2nd week I had to tell friends and church members to stop because our fridge was packed and our freezer too! We had great meals and I now will be quick to return the favor.
Good luck!
PS - The satin sheets and/or PJs... very important!!
** AND baby monitor
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Post Microdiscectomy patient (Jan 26, 2009) and doing great!
Surgery: Microendoscopic Discectomy - Jan 26, 2009
Off all pain (toxic) meds - wahoo!
Remaing nerve Damage in the foot/ankle hoping it heals
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Pre-surgery MRI Report:
Large right paracentral disc protrusion L4/L5 (6mm)
Servere right foraminal narrowing
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2 Cor 4:16 - Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
Thank-you for all the helpful advice. Here in N.Z. have been fighting to get surgery approval for work accident treatment for lower back injury and pain.
Will get decision tomorrow if approved or looking at personally paying for surgery.
Surgery proposed is-L4/S1 fusion,excision of right transverse process of L5 on the right with a TLIF and cage at L4/5. A posterolateral fusion with instrumentation was also recommended. I must confess it confuses and scares me the terminology, the comments posted have helped me so much to be prepared for surgery. Have been so focussed on dealing with the pain and trying other treatments to regain my mobility.The list of must-haves after surgery was a bit of a surprise to me, in my ignorance I thought my life would just return to "normal"-thank-you for opening my eyes to reality. Now I can prepare a plan which will ensure a more positive outcome for both my family and myself.
Thanks
If it was a work accident than that work place should pay like mine did here in GA, USA.
I worked at kroger and hurt my back lifing up heaving boxes and herinated 2 of my disc then later on in the month I herinated the other one so now I have 3 that are herinated and I'm not paying penny! I fell at work so they are going to pay.
The Store Manager sent off my accident report a week later hoping I would come back to work, they thought I was playing around when I hurt my back! I was out of work for a month and half then later in November I went back doing light duties and a year passed and I later quit due to the store mananger making trouble with me.
I got a lawyer and we are suing kroger company and their insurance company. He should have sent off the report ASAP and get medical attention to me. I learned the hard way, I should had gotten an lawyer when I got hurt. Its not fun I tell you that! Now everything has to go through the lawyer and through the adjustor to approve anything now and it has taken longer than before I had gotten a lawyer. But anyway he is wonderful and tells me everything that is going on, when I don't hear from him within a month or so....
Have a bless weekend,
Misty
ffngf
Umm... okay. Huh?
Brenda
ACDF C5/6 2/08 - C6/7 8/09 - Neuropathy right arm and both legs - Cervical Myelopathy
10-11-11 PCF C4-T2 - C4-C7 Lamies; Surgery #2 Emergent removal large Hematoma!
L2/3/4 & L5/S1 fusions and Laminectomy on hold till neck fused.
For the full "Cliff Notes" please click my name!
"Life can knock us down, but we can choose whether or not to get up!!"
I always meant to add this, but always forget. When I went to rehab after my fusion, the OT told me to use a terry cloth robe right after my shower, and by the time I dry off parts I can reach, the rest of me will be dry also. Wonderful advise, after 10 months I still use it, although now I am able to do anything. I thought I pass it on.
Kin
SF Peninsula CA resident
Decompression and L3-S1 fusion with instrumentation, 5/1/08
Communication is a process whereby information is encoded and imparted by a sender to a receiver via a channel/medium.The receiver then decodes the message and gives the sender a feedback. Communication requires that all parties have an area of communicative commonality. There are auditory means, such as speaking, singing and sometimes tone of voice, and nonverbal, physical means, such as body language, sign language, paralanguage, touch, eye contact, by using writing.
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manoj87
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Drug Intervention-Drug Intervention