Fusion and DIY Home Improvements

[nolonger_superman]

So I've got sort of a random question. As my sig indicates I recently had L4, L5, S1 fused. Like many people, I enjoy trying (and that is being nice!) to do home improvements myself. I'm just curious given the fact that after fusion one clearly can't/shouldn't do EVERYTHING done before what sorts of projects I CAN do. I'm assuming I can still mow the yard(heavy non-propelled electric push mower), paint, etc. Would I be correct in assuming I should just not even attempt more labor intensive projects such as stacking stones for a retaining wall, building a deck, etc and leave those things to the professionals?

[KBear]

I'm assuming you are talking about down the road doing these sorts of things? As far as once you are healed, some people return and do everything they did before (which isn't wise in my opinion). I was told to never water or snow ski again (I suck at both, so no biggie ) Even though they didn't say no roller coasters, I'm sure that is something I probably won't do, or at least not ones that are jerky. I'm also careful about lifting and moving things, this is more because I now realize I'm not invincible and that since I've been diagnosed with DDD, the likelihood of more DDD down the road is pretty good and I don't want to rush that. I don't baby myself, but I'm also not an idiot about my spine like I was before (I never lifted properly, never thought twice about lifting something heavy by myself, and just thought I was young and nothing would happen to me.)
I would think building a deck would be okay. Lifting heavy rocks, not so sure I would do that. Unless you have help and use proper lifting techniques, though I'd probably just pay someone to do it.

[Justin]

So I've got sort of a random question. As my sig indicates I recently had L4, L5, S1 fused. Like many people, I enjoy trying (and that is being nice!) to do home improvements myself. I'm just curious given the fact that after fusion one clearly can't/shouldn't do EVERYTHING done before what sorts of projects I CAN do. I'm assuming I can still mow the yard(heavy non-propelled electric push mower), paint, etc. Would I be correct in assuming I should just not even attempt more labor intensive projects such as stacking stones for a retaining wall, building a deck, etc and leave those things to the professionals?

I would not lift anything heavy, especially stacking stones for a retaining wall. The stones might not be that heavy, but the repetitive movement is really going to do a number on your spine. Building the deck shouldn't be too bad on your spine--just make sure not to bend weird and add undue stress to your low back. Painting is doable.........just avoid painting ceilings...those are a killer!

Since your lowest two lumbar vertebra are fusion, you have a "new" pivot point above the two fusions. Thus, that level is going to inherently take a lot of force and stress. It behooves you to be careful with the activities you do post-op, as you could really "jump start" the adjacent segment degeneration that is seen with spinal fusions.

With all the above said, I renovated my house (complete gut and remodel) 2.5 years post-op from my 2-level artificial disc replacement surgery (lumbar spine) in 2006. I was sure to only take on projects I felt comfortable doing and if something was too heavy to lift or there was a project that was just going to be too taxing on my spine, I hired help.

Good luck!

[Cindylou]

All such good advice! I totally "ditto" the no-no on building a retaining wall, definitely no painting ceilings too. A deck "might" me okay, but I sure wouldn't tackle that.....hold on, I'm trying to remember how far along you are in your recovery.....until fusion has been successful. You just don't want to undo all the hard healing and recovery you are putting in at this time, you know? The best part is: you're asking all the right questions so I know you are vested in a successful recovery, so good for you! Cindylou

[KBear]

Yeah, painting the ceiling is out. I attempted to do just that a couple of weeks ago. Long story short, I can not find a match for the paint that is on our ceiling and after getting the wall paint on it, it was driving me insane that the paint didn't match exactly. I did a room and was absolutely exhausted after a few hours of that. I didn't realize how much strength and force it took to paint the ceiling. I gave the job to my husband and he did the rest the other day. Him not really having back problems, other than normal stuff, was hurting after finishing the other room and touching up my work.

[nolonger_superman]

All the kinds of responses I was expecting. Not to worry, and to clarify, I do not plan to do any of this myself for quite some time. Seeing as how I'm only 3.5 weeks out, I don't even know if the fusion took yet.

I'm just trying to get a feel for 12-24 months down the road. I've already decided I'm hiring someone to mow the lawn this summer, and that pains me as I love yard work. I figure I'll at least be able to spray and chop the Japanese Knotweed adjacent to my property(google it...such an invasive weed and darn near indestructible!).

Justin, good to know that I should eventually be able to do most things, obviously within reason. And also congrats on the remodel! Next time I'm in Philly(i'm about 2 hours north) I'll have a beer in your honor!

[Justin]

Justin, good to know that I should eventually be able to do most things, obviously within reason. And also congrats on the remodel! Next time I'm in Philly(i'm about 2 hours north) I'll have a beer in your honor!

Thanks, nolonger_superman. I'm always up for a beer! Let me know when you are in Philly and we'll meet up.