10 Days after 3 Level Spinal Fusion (L4, L4, S1), and I'm not sure what to do?

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bekkieboop89

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Hi everyone!

This is my first thread, but I've been on this site reading for a while. On Dec. 29th, I had a level 3 Spinal Fusion of L4, L5, and S1. Originally, it was supposed to be just L5 and S1, but once the doctor got in there and saw how unstable the vertebra was (he could literally wiggle it around with his finger) he ended up doing some more bracing.

I'm 19 years old - so I'm healing rather quickly. I can walk around no problem, no pain (but I am in brace, and walker), sit straight up in a chair (although for no longer than 30 minutes at a time - just to be safe), and I'm easing off on my pain medications without incident.

I live in an apartment with my brother (we both go to University), and my mother has moved in with me for a few months to help me out - so thankfully I don't need to worry about things like cooking and laundry. :)

The problem is that I'm getting to the point where a bit of boredom is setting in. Computer and television can only entertain a person for so long....any tricks or hobby's that are safe to do after a fusion to help time pass.

Thank you all so much! And I wish you all the best of health in this new year!

XOXO,

Rebecca
 
Well.....the hardest part is when your still stuck indoors....when you are able to get out without the walker you will get better quickly....small things like going to lunch....shopping etc will do you in! lol I went to the show to see a movie (only when you can sit for awhile) walking is very important and was a challenge to do at any level....so that was a big "keep busy" for me. Do you have a park near? even sitting at the park and people watching can do you some good.I dont like cross word puzzles but some do....?? If it wasnt for my son keeping me busy I would volenteer to tudor a young kid that may need help with reading or math...??? that would be fun....I work on patents all the time and never have the hours needed for that so I stay busy!....I actually need the rest even being in the shape Im in now.


Good luck and keep talking with us.....it will get better!

3 levels?....10 days?.....you are impatient arent you? WINK

Devon
 
Even though your mom is there to help you, you can still do some things around the apartment. Figure out what you're able to do and tell your mom that those things are your activities and she should leave them for you. At one week post op, I was doing laundry, albeit not happily. I tied a rope onto the laundry basket so I could grab it with my grabber, switch it to my hand and drag the basket. I loaded dirty clothes from the hamper to the basket with my grabber, one item at a time, then carefully dragged the basket to the laundry room, where I loaded the washer one item at a time, again with my grabber. Talk about making a short job long! I couldn't load from the washer into the dryer, as it was too heavy to pull out wet things that were tangled together. I had my kiRAB do that part for me. Then when the dryer was finished, I pulled everything out with the grabber, pulled the basket into the bedroom and alternated between sitting and standing to fold the clean clothes.

I also discovered that I could wad up and ball of masking tape and put it in my grabber and walk around picking up the little bits of thread or dust from the floors and carpets. It made me feel good to actually accomplish something, even though it took a long time.

Write some handwritten notes to frienRAB. That's a lost art! But everyone likes to get mail, especially a real letter from a friend!

How about a big jigsaw puzzle? Are you up to visitors? Maybe you could have a game night, but you position yourself so you can lay down or sit, however works for you.

The boredom is hard, but hang in there. It'll get easier! Just keep in mind why you're doing this. It's going to be worth it!

Emily
 
Rebecca,

I am glad you are doing so well. If you are still using the walker, I would make sure I went out walking at least twice a day. Sometimes I had my frienRAB drive me to the mall and I would walk there with the walker, so I wasn't staring at the same 4 walls day in and out. Wal mart is another good place for that. I didn't buy anything, I just walked the aisles. I also read a lot and learned to cook. It can get pretty boring but as I say to my children it's your responsibility to make your life interesting no one elses. :cool:
 
Those were some great ideas - thank you so much! 20 days post op, and I've taken a lot of your advice to keep myself busy. I get my frienRAB to 'take me for walks' around my campus area - I'm on my cane now, so it's a bit easier to get around.

I've also tried the Walmart idea - at 2:00am one night when I couldn't sleep (a friend drove). It turned out to be very entertaining, strange characters tend to come out at that hour.

I've taken up some daily chores too - it really makes me feel less lazy, and like I'm actually doing something. I make my own bed, and cook a little. I'm also responsible for 'clearing clutter'. I've written letters to frienRAB far away (I lived in Newfoundland until I was 17) - it's rather rewarding.

I don't mean to bore anyone with tedious descriptions of my day-to-day life, but I wanted to let you all know how much I appreciated your advice! Thanks you for taking time to reply - every bit helps in these slow days after recovery!

Wishing you the best of health,

Becky
 
I'm glad we were able to help. Been there, done that! Believe me, we understand the boredom!

Good to hear things are looking up for you day by day.

Emily :wave:
 
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