Another Post-Surgery "Loner"

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yakkwak

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I'm going to have an ALIF on L5-S1 in 1 1/2 weeks. The post-surgery suggestions are very helpful. Like some others who have recently posted, I too, am going to be alone. My son will have left for college (out of state) the day before my surgery. :( Aside from a sister who is nursing a very sick husband, I don't have any family in the state in which I live. My support orobably won't be able to be much more than a ride to and from the hospital and dr's checks. I have to have the surgery now because my better insurance runs out at the end of the month - (won't be able to afford it otherwise). I won't be able to have any home nursing care and want to make certain I am prepared. I'm working on stocking up on food, supplies, and meRAB and have things arranged at waist level or higher. I have a shower chair and a grabber claw but will I need a walker? I've had four levels fused in my neck (C3-4, 4-5, 5-6, & 6-7) and wonder if anyone can compare the pain, functioning issues, etc., of cervical surgery with lurabar surgery. How far will I be able to bend? Is reaching for the lower level of my frig. out of the question? Will I be able to reach into a washer and dryer after a couple of weeks? I'm thinking that getting in and out of my shower might be a problem. It has a high step-in. Would a step-stool be a help or a safety hazard? Someone posted about a shower bench?? Where to get one? I have a macaw bird who weighs 4 lbs. (he'll have to be boarded at the vet while I'm in the hospital). He's a very good baby (14 months) and pretty much stays where I put him and is good at keeping me company with his "give me kishhhhh" and wolf whistles. Will I be able to lift that much weight in the first couple of weeks?
Prayers to all
P.S., Thanks Precious55

ankylosing spondylitis
2 anterior cervical discectomy surgeries
1 posterior cervical discectomy
fusion C3-4,4-5,5-6, & 6-7
cardiac pacemaker
bronchiectasis
 
Hi there. I have had a cervical, 2 level fusion, as well as 6 lurabar surgeries. My cervical fusion was a breeze so I might not be the best one to make comparisons, lol.

In most cases, you won't need a walker; in fact, some doctors think they do more harm than good over a period of time as you tend to bend over them which is hard on the spine. You may use one in the hospital for the first couple of days, tho.

You should not bend from the waist any more! Instead, flex your knees to bend down but you shouldn't do that for a few weeks. Use your grabber to reach anything that you would normally bend for. You can even use it to do your laundry. I did for about 3-4 weeks and it worked pretty well. Slower than bending over and grabbing a handful of things, but since it will just be your clothes, it shouldn/t be too difficult. I think you will find that the grabber will be your very best friend for the next few weeks, lol.

Your dr. will probably limit lifting weight to that of a gallon of milk, so your bird should be just fine. Keep in mind that each dr. has his own set of instructions and yours will give you instructions before you are discharged.

Best of luck with the surgery and please stay in touch.

Carol
 
Carol, as you stated that the lurabar was much worse, I just had the lurabar fusion could you give me a couple of reason's that the cervical is easier? Really curious.
 
I wish I had the answer to that. I think I just got lucky to tell the truth. I recovered very quickly from that fusion which took place about 15 years ago and to date still have little to no pain....just some stiffness which is a result of the fusion and arthritis. I think, too, that the lurabar spine has so much more weight to bear and so many more discs that it is more apt to cause future problems.

Of course, I know many people who had successful lurabar surgery, but had bad outcome with cervical. A lot depenRAB on what is wrong and how severe the problem is, I suppose. My cerv. fusion was from 2 deteriorated discs caused by severe whiplash.....no other problems.

Sorry I can't give more definitive answers.

Carol
 
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