On 2/11 I'm having a posterior fusion T10-pelvis, I posted once before about being nervous (and being super anxious) and going for the second opinion (which is silly for me when I can barely decide what to eat for dinner!).
Well after talking to several people/physicians in the area I've decided to go ahead and go with the surgery and the NS I saw based on our area and their reputation.
Can anyone that may have had a comparable surgery tell me anything about it? Realistically the pain after? The time off work (I work a desk job). How much you really needed help once at home.
Any "must haves" to take to the hospital?
Thanks so much!!
Comments
Work is wondering how long I'll be gone and hoping I can come back p/t by the end of week 2 or beginning of week 3. I'm assuming that seems unreasonable.
My husband has limited time off of work so is planning to work some half days when I come home. The hope is that I'm just sleeping while he's gone.
But I'm in panic mode trying to think of what I should get done now and what I should have packed and ready to take w me to the hospital.
I agree that I think it's unreasonable to be back that soon, but I told them we'll just have to see how I feel. I work in the medical world (for a surgeon, not a back surgeon), but still... they should know/understand a little more.
He didn't mention anything about rehab so I will have to ask (even though I'm already upset at the thought of leaving my dog for the hospital stay!).
It's odd it seems like my back somehow "knows" what I'm about to do b/c the pain has been so much more intensified and I'm constantly uncomfortable.
And chapstick was lifesaver. My mouth was dryer than the Mojave desert because of the meds. I couldn't make spit if I wanted to. Definitely take chapstick.
My husband stayed home with me the day after I got home from the hospital, but not since then. I'm 3 wks post op now and I still need him to put my socks on for me, but that's it.
I agree with everyone else about going back to work after 2 -3 weeks. I'm 3 weeks out and also have a desk job and there's no way in heck I could go back at this point.
Good luck to you!
Lumbar fusion at L4-L5 in December 2013. TLIF posterior entry
I'm starting to collect things for my bag now, rather than waiting until the last minute and panicking so I will certainly make sure there are ear plugs and chapstick!
Did you stay alone in the hospital or did your husband or someone stay w you? I feel like I want my husband to stay, but everyone is thinking I'll be so out of it and tired that I won't care or want him there. He has limited time off work so the following days after the surgery while I'm still in the hospital he's going to work, since the hospital staff will be there, but then he will take a few days off when I come home. I think I'm more so scared to be alone all day and basically all night (after he left) in the hospital.
I hope all is going well with your recovery. If you're 3 weeks out now and work a desk job do you have a time frame in mind that you think you'd be able to go back? Another few weeks?
As for my schedule for going back to work, I told my boss it would be 4 weeks, which is the low end of what my NS said. My 1st post op appt is on January 30th and he'll tell me if I'm ready. I plan to start back part time at first.
Good luck to you. I'm sure you'll do fine!
Lumbar fusion at L4-L5 in December 2013. TLIF posterior entry
Thank you for the advice on the trash bag.
I was assuming all I'd want to do is sleep and not entertain anyone, but I also didn't know if they bug you (the hospital staff) so much that you're awake.
I hope you post op goes great!
Only stuff I brought to the hospital with me were my back brace, clothes to go home in, a crosswords book, and toiletries. I had my parents bring me my cell phone and tablet each day, I wasn't comfortable having them with me all day even though I had a private room.
My surgeon wanted me out of work for 3 months - most will want you off at least 6-8 weeks. I work from home though and started working part-time once I got home and by week 4 or so I was working full time. I work a desk job too, but sitting too often after surgery is not good for you, so frequent breaks to get up and stretch are needed.