Hybrid Surgery L4-5,L5-S1 How long will I need help?

[Metalneck07]

I'm having Hybrid Surgery(L4-5 ADR,L5-S1 ALIF) on September 28th.I found the thread "How long did it take to heal from surgery" very useful information. Though I have a few more questions since I'm a mom of five whose husband works out of state for weeks . "How long will I need help"? "When will I be able to cook dinner"?"How long before I can drive my children to school"?"How long can I expect to use a walker or cane or will it not be needed at all"? Thank you for any input on this.I would say this is one of my biggest worries up there along with having the surgery.So many questions.
Thanks
Caitlin aka Metalneck07

[KBear]

I would try to arrange help for 6 weeks with kids, chores and driving. Then, depending on how much the kids can help, have them do the chores. See if some church families will bring meals a few times a week (this was wonderful for us). Maybe have a friend or family come by once or twice a week to help with chores.

[ajj1001]

You'll be on "no lifting, bending, twisting" for a period of time so this is pretty limiting as to your activities. Lots of prep moving things to waist height, putting things in smaller containers in the kitchen, having a small kettle and generally setting up the house so you can get to things will help. I would say that you will be ok to do basic things for yourself after 6 weeks but looking after others could take a lot longer.

I hired a cleaner and was looked after for a couple of months after my two level adr. Fusion recovery is much more restrictive as you are trying to give the spine the best conditions for bone healing.

[trkdoc714]

Caitlin,

Recovery from an anterior surgery is a long recovery. If possible, try to get help 24/7 for at least 6 weeks. I was told that recovery from fusion would have taken longer than the ADR (by the surgeon offering the fusion). Other fusion patients can give you a better idea of the time needed.

I'd think care for your little ones will require help for a longer period, maybe as long a 3-4 months to keep you from dislodging the hardware while bone growth takes place.

You're only going to get one chance at a great recovery. It's okay to get "selfish" and concentrate on you and you alone during this time. A great recovery will allow you to be a great mom in the long run!

Good luck to you!

Bob

[KBear]

I agree with Bob. I had 24/7 help for the first 6 weeks. I made sure I was never left alone with my kids, that either my husband was here to care for them, a friend, or they went to someone else's house. I didn't drive for 6 weeks, which I could have after 2 or 3, but I felt more comfortable not driving, so I didn't. My husband did all the chores and I had a friend come by to help with that too.

After the 6 week mark, I still had help with the kids, but did have them alone some. They were 5.5 and 3 years, so old enough to understand that mom could not carry them, or do certain things and the older one could help the younger with snacks and drinks. I still had my husband cleaning the house and a friend coming over to help with laundry and stuff. I did small chores that didn't require bending, twisting, lifting; things like wipe the counter off, wash dishes in the sink (did not do dishwasher, since I would have had to bend) and put them away, and things like that. I was extra careful, even more so than required because I did not want to chance not healing. I think it was after 3 months when I resumed most normal activities; but even then I still had help.

Oh, and since I know that you will probably still need to grocery shop and stuff. I would have my friend take me to the store and I would count that as time toward walking. That way I wasn't wearing myself out trying to grocery shop and go walking. My friend was able to lift anything heavy for me or bend to the lower shelves and also load the car and put the groceries away at home; but this still allowed me to get what I needed and not count on someone else to do it for me. There were times I used the motorized cart in the store too, if I was pooped and needed a break, I would use that (yeah, got some stares on that one being so young and riding on it- LOL) I also had a handicap tag that was good for the first 3 months or recovery.

[Cindylou]

Kathy and all....such good advice. Side bar: Kathy, that is some friend you have. Cherish her.

[Metalneck07]

Thank you everyone for the great advice. I have to say though I don't think I realized how much down time was involved with this surgery.As well as how much help I will need.Unfortunately living here in Georgia we do not have any family at all. Plus we have not lived here long and have not really made that close of friends. Over the years because of my husband's job we have moved alot and never really make close friends. I definetly could say that's probably half the reason my back is so messed up by doing things that I should have never been doing.I know that you really have to stick to guarding your back after surgery or risk having everything good turned bad.Having had two surgeries on my neck
took time but nothing like back surgery.I guess there's alot to consider.Thanks again for the info.Oh one question still out there "walker or cane needed and if yes how long" ??
Caitlin aka Metalneck07

[KBear]

Thank you everyone for the great advice. I have to say though I don't think I realized how much down time was involved with this surgery.As well as how much help I will need.Unfortunately living here in Georgia we do not have any family at all. Plus we have not lived here long and have not really made that close of friends. Over the years because of my husband's job we have moved alot and never really make close friends. I definetly could say that's probably half the reason my back is so messed up by doing things that I should have never been doing.I know that you really have to stick to guarding your back after surgery or risk having everything good turned bad.Having had two surgeries on my neck
took time but nothing like back surgery.I guess there's alot to consider.Thanks again for the info.Oh one question still out there "walker or cane needed and if yes how long" ??
Caitlin aka Metalneck07

I used a wheelchair off and on for a week. I had surgery out of state and had it so if we were out and I got too tired I could sit. I used a walker for a week and half or two weeks. I then used the cane and had it until about 4 weeks post op. I'm pretty clumsy, so I went with too much safety, just in case.

Also, do you have a church you go to where you could get help? Could your older kids help out enough? Maybe if you did some money incentive the kids would be more apt to pick up the extra slack?

[Cindylou]

I had 3 lumbar levels done and didn't use a wheelchair at all. They wanted me up and walking. The walker was my bff for about the first 3 or 4 days. I used a cane more with my fusion and hip scopes. Plan for all of it, and see what your body needs. :thumpup:

[Metalneck07]

Thank You all for the very useful information.I do believe the best plan of attack is a plan that covers every worse case senario.At least then you know every aspect is covered.I'm glad I do have time to plan.Plus having had surgery allready twice on my Spine in some sense can be helpful.Can't believe I just said that !!!!!!!!! Anyhow thanks for the input.
Caitlin aka Metalneck07
*Just a note I tried to take out the words "at senario"but weirdly enough they are not there to edit.*