Spud. Welcome! Im almost 22 months post op one level fusion and I don't bend over to tie my shoes persay. I prop a foot up onto something and bend at the knees, like a slight squat and tie my shoes that way. Same with cutting my toenails. And this is only one level fused. I dont know that I could that with 3 levels done at all.
Sidebar, My grandmother is 85 years old and that woman just stanRAB and benRAB over and ties her shoe. She even asks me if I can do it yet. A very welcomed showoff! lol.This lady is awesome and still works out daily, including going to a gym 5 days a week. Im active but obviously do not have her genes.
I think you are remarkable doing those things you mentioned, but I would be very careful about the bowling, unless it's duck-pin type.
The ole' "reach around" is hard for many, and more time is needed in the washroom than the past for most of us anymore. I completely agree with the others about moist wipes.. they are extra helpful.
I still dont like the sink bendover either! good point pepper! I keep forgetting to put little dixie cups on my shopping list! Thanks for the reminder! I use two each time I brushed my teeth post op for a long while. One for rinse water and the other to spit in, so as not to have the bend over. (And I need to use this method in a flare up, like now. lol)
Are you on any meRAB at all? Did you have physical therapy to help you stretch things out as much as possible? Do you have any flare ups? You sound like you are doing better than fantastic!