360 surgery 5 level fusion

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carolaann

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I will be having this surgery on Monday, the 17th. This will be my 4th back surgery, but I've been reading all the post-surgery tips as if I'd never seen them before.

My support system is my daughter who's going to college and a friend who lives nearby. Then the first week in Feb. my aunt from Tennessee is coming to stay with me.

Anybody have any last minute suggestions for me?

Carole
 
Hi Carolaan. Well, of course you are nervous......as anyone would be! I do hope that you have had at least one other opinion that this is the best way to help you. It's a big surgery and will take some time to recover, so call on all your patience!

I had a fusion at L1-2, 3 level foramotomies, several bone spurs removed in Oct. All in all, 4 levels were worked on. I have had at least 6 prior lurabar surgeries and have to be honest with you and tell you that I am still recovering. It's a slow process, but then I am older than dirt, lol. I had a lot of nerve compression and as a result both of my legs are weak tho I am slowly, very slowly, regaining some strength in them.

I feel certain you know all the basics of spine surgery recovery and if you have read all the tips in the "stickies" you should be well prepared. Patience is the only thing I can think of to add. Don't be afraid to depend on others as much as is needed for as long as it is needed. You will need to be very careful and follow all your doctors orders to a T.

I wish you the very best of luck and hope the surgery will do whatever it is supposed to do for you and also that your recovery will be uneventful. Hopefully, you will be able to let us know how you are doing as Im sure there are a lot of people who will be watching and waiting to see how you are.

Blessings.

Carol
 
Like Carol siad in the last post,this is major spine surgery. 5 levels being done at once is not out of the ordinary but in some cases rehab is reccomended. If it is, and I can't stress this enough...do it. My legs did'nt want to cooperate after my 4 level surgery and the rehab was a god send. I was there for a week and they were great and I was in better shape to return home, they also took care of all the items I took home with me like a grabber,a tool to help put on my socks and a seat riser for the toilet. I am only mentioning this couse you mentioned your support system when you return home. Honestly, you may be fine to just go home,but if the offer is there,I would take the rehab. good luck and keep us all posted on your progress!
Rich :)
 
I can't think of anything to add -- after all those surgeries, I'm sure you have some idea what to expect. However, each experience is unique. I recently had a 3 level lurabar fusion (my 3rd lurabar surgery) and things I have been telling people were absolute necessities turned out NOT to be this time. This actually turned out to be my easiest experience, even though it was the most complicated and involved some reconstruction in addition to the fusion.

So I guess I would just like to wish you all the best and say that my advice to you would be to just be flexible! Don't go in with any preconceived expectations, or fears or nervousness. Practice whatever stress-relieving techniques you may know ahead of surgery so when you arrive for surgery, you are calm and positive.

Blessings ~
 
Thanks for the encouragement from each of you. I think that is what I needed. I will post when I get back home. The surgeon said this would be a 4 or 5 day hospital stay. I'm on Medicare, so rehab may be in the offing. If it is, then I will take it, although I hope I'm well enough to come on home.
 
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