Finally starting PT after 3 months post (1 level )fusion

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laf761

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Yesterday finally got the go ahead to proceed with PT next week.

Question for those that have been there already...What to they really start you with?

At what point can one begin to bend forward a little? I do reach a bit into the refrig on the lower shelves but have learned to really use my legs alot more. I'm feeling a bit more comfortable doing a bit more these days.

I'm concerned that my stamina isn't great...I find I do one big chore and I'm still wasted... I'm sure it takes a while...Some moments I really feel like myself and then without warning I CRASH.....It feels almost like jet lag..Does anyone else experience this? It's like I "hit a wall" and my eyes cross and MUST lie down.

Anxious to hear from everyone and hope you're all doing better.

The Dr. says I can take a bath, but live alone and worry I won't have the strength to get out of the tub.... Anyone had trouble with this one?

Many thanks:angel:
 
Yea!!! That's exciting, a good milestone!

I started out with learning to isolate particular muscles and just tightening and releasing them. I would lay on one side and tighten 5 different muscles, starting at the top and ending at the feet. Then I'd hold it for 5 seconRAB and go in reverse to release them. I'd do that 10 times, then turn over and do it laying on the other side. It was harder than it sounRAB at first, but it quickly got easier. I slowly added a few things each week, but nothing strenuous, just gently working muscles to regain strength and control and to learn how to do things a little differently to preserve my back.

The jet lag feeling: yes, I remeraber those days. It gets better. You still have a lot of healing to do and those days are to be expected.

The bath question I'll leave to others who don't have so many levels fused. I can't even sit on the floor without a great deal of trouble getting there. I wouldn't dare try to get into or out of a slippery tub! :)

I hope it goes well for you. Just be careful, don't overdo it, and make sure you communicate with your PTist. If something seems wrong, or if something hurts, you've got to speak up and let them know.

Waiting for my pain meRAB to kick in. I was keeping my husband awake so I came downstairs and kicked my teenager off the computer. :D Now he's upstairs using the entire tank of hot water for one shower! I keep reminding myself how much I'm going to miss him when he finishes high school and starts with the Marines. He can use all the hot water he wants!

Let us know how PT goes.
Emily :wave:
 
Laf,
I think jet lag feeling is very common. I go through this every day too. Sometimes I get up in the morning thinking I will do this or that, feels like I can do it and hour later I can't move and feel I have to lay down. Happens very often to me.
I am glad you are doing a bit more, this is good; use your legs more than back. I squat a lot, but don't bend yet. My surgeon told me to try not to do it ever again since hardware during bending puts a lot of pressure on upper and lower levels. I had my second fusion because my upper levels "collapsed". This means we have to be careful for the rest of our lives.
PT was mostly stretches, massages, heat/ice, upper body, arms, legs strengtening. They also had warm water swimming pool and it was nice to walk in it.

Take care of yourself and all the best to you!:)
 
REMOVED

One more thought about PT. If you have a choice of therapists, try to find one who has extra training and experience with spines. My therapist had done a fellowship and also an extra time of training in orthopedics. I could see such a difference between her and the other therapists I saw over the years. It's worth looking into if you have the option.

One day at a time...
:) Emily
 
REMOVED

Glad you'll have a bit of a break...

Again thanks for your tips..There is a PT center tied into the spine center that I will look into..Of course they aren't covered by Health Net but at least if I get 80% covered and its the RIGHT place it sure sounRAB like it's worth it...

Enjoy the rest of your weekend..:wave:
 
Thanks so much for all your feedback...Happy to hear I'm not the only one feeling the jet lag feeling..will take it really slow and try to get stronger.

Have a great weekend and I'll report again next week.


Enjoy your time together but don't forget he will get home for visits too.

Hope you are both feeling well.;)
 
Hello LAF ~

I'm back from my trip and think I survived. Previously I never did more than one activity per day...on the trip we were going from 9 am to around 11 every night, and I managed to string 5 long days like that together. I am glad to be back home though.:)

I too think you should find a therapist that has a specialty in spine and back. For me, it has made all the difference, and I truly believe that it will keep me from having the "domino effect" at some point in the future.

I don't think there is any standard routine that Pts follow after our type of surgery. Mine evaluated me by putting me through a whole series of "tests" and then structured a program to work on my deficiencies. Due to her specialized training, we are working a lot on pelvic floor muscle weaknesses, SI joints and loosening and stretching all the muscles along my spine that are very tight from "guarding" for the past 3 years when I was in lots of pain.

I found that this recovery process reminRAB me of learning to ride a bike. You can do a little bit, slowly build on that and then one day, all of a sudden, you're able to put all those little things together and you realize you're riding a two-wheeler all by yourself. Off you go without thinking much about it -- it just becomes a part of you...and you do it without thinking.

I've been taking baths for quite awhile now. My team didn't have any restrictions on bathing as soon as my incision was closed. I think the first time I may have had trouble getting out of the tub. So I rolled over and got on "all 4s" and got up just like I do when getting up from the floor. Maybe put your cell phone on the floor next to the tub, with a towel. That way you can carefully dry your hanRAB and call someone if you have a problem. I think you could do this without electrocuting yourself!

My advice would be to listen to your body. Don't feel you have to do something just because the PT tells you to. I have found that some of them just don't really understand that what they're asking you to do is potentially harmful. Some really can do more harm than good.

Will you be going twice per week?

Take care ~

xx M:cool:M
 
Hi. Surgery lag is tough. I had it for over a year before my body started to not feel quite so tired at the smallest of tasks. It gets better. You just have to pace yourself and at times push yourself beyond it. But it really is your body's way of sayin "hey.. too much". Give yourself the rest it neeRAB.

I think you will be surprised at how much the PT will increase your stamina and lower your pain level. Dont get alarmed if the PT ever flares you up. Just communicate well with the therapist about what you feel while there and at home. If a exercise is painful or it's overly difficult, tell them. Good therapists have many ways to get the same muscle to move doing moves in a different way. PT was my turning point to feeling like a "real girl" again. I was going for the Pinnochio thing! hehehe.

Take care.
 
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