My 21 year old daughter underwent spinal fusion surgery 5 days ago and was placed in a halo brace. She will need to be in it for at least 12-16 weeks. She will be coming home in two weeks. I'm looking for advice on how to care for her in the halo such as dressing, bathing and walking. We live in a two story house so she will have to sleep in the living room. Please any advice is welcome.
Advice on caring for someone with a halo brace
- Thread starter Kabilan
- Start date
I believe your daughter will get instructions most likely verbally and written on the best methods for self-care as it is part of post-treatment and she can share these with you. Mister Sister
New member
yep,a big ditto on what gin just told you. i am assuming she is going to come home with a TON of care materials for you to read thru and also a number you can call whenever you have any real questions about something too. its pretty standard with any home care stuff post op, espescially with something this huge, both litterally and figuratively. i am just wondering why she even is in that halo from a spinal fusion? was this a result or a trauma of some kind or just involved many levels? in most cases,whenever a patient has a fusion, they end up in a c collar and not a halo, thats why i am asking. its a pretty big deal as i am sure you are already aware.
just what prompted the need for the fusion and where was it done on her spine? and how many levels were in need of fusing? was she sent to any type of rehab hosp for this post op, or is she coming right out of the actual surgical hospital? that halo is just not a normal thing for 'just' a fusion.
but rest assured, she will come home with a care manual(on the halo itself) and alot of instructions too(also just ask for ANY and all info they can give you). they usually give you the actual number of the floor she was on when she was in that hosp so you will be able to get a hold of someone anytime during the day or night. that alone is a comfort when you are the caregiver. believe me i have been down that road with my son after his transplant took place. it can be a bit scarey at first but in no time, you will get into the swing of things and create patterns and routines that just come thru a few days of dealing with all this stuff. its just that initial 'coming home' part that throws us(getting "used to it"). i do wish you luck with all you will be taking on, but you will get thru this just fine. please keep us posted. FB
just what prompted the need for the fusion and where was it done on her spine? and how many levels were in need of fusing? was she sent to any type of rehab hosp for this post op, or is she coming right out of the actual surgical hospital? that halo is just not a normal thing for 'just' a fusion.
but rest assured, she will come home with a care manual(on the halo itself) and alot of instructions too(also just ask for ANY and all info they can give you). they usually give you the actual number of the floor she was on when she was in that hosp so you will be able to get a hold of someone anytime during the day or night. that alone is a comfort when you are the caregiver. believe me i have been down that road with my son after his transplant took place. it can be a bit scarey at first but in no time, you will get into the swing of things and create patterns and routines that just come thru a few days of dealing with all this stuff. its just that initial 'coming home' part that throws us(getting "used to it"). i do wish you luck with all you will be taking on, but you will get thru this just fine. please keep us posted. FB