How disabled are you after fusion when you get home?

[NancyC]

I am scheduled to have spinal fusion (either T12 to L5 or L2 to L5, we haven't decided yet) and what I would like to know is after you are discharged from the hospital, how disabled are you? (yes, I know everyone is different, but in general)

I have a roommate (an ex-boyfriend) who is brain injured, but fairly functional and I'd like to know how much I have to lean on him for support.

Will I be able to go to the bathroom by myself? Walk around the apartment unaided? Stand long enough to prepare food?
What about showers?

Should I get a home nurse to come in once a day? (it's free, here in Canada)

Any advice you can give me would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

[Hooch]

On release from the hospital after 4 or 5 nights I could do all of those things, but painfully and slowly. It's more longer tasks like cleaning and washing that will present a problem early.

Mind you, you are having a lot of levels done, so it stands to reason you will be more banged up.

[Katie]

Hi Nancy, and welcome. Wow, you sure are having a lot of levels addressed. I think we only have one other member with that many.

I had fusion done last March at L4-S1 and was able to do most things, very carefully. I wouldn't have needed the help of a nurse per se, but a homecare worker who could do meals and a bit of cleaning would be great for a couple of weeks.

We spent a couple of weeks post-op in the country where we had the surgery, and when we came home my husband had to go out of the country for work for a week. I was able to keep the wood stove going and look after myself, but would not have been able to do that sooner, say for the first three weeks. But I spent a huge amount of time sleeping..up to eighteen hours a day. I think it was my way of healing.

Take a look at the thread about things to have ready after surgery...it is life saving as to what you will need. Things like a picker-uper....the long stick with tongs on the end Also, going to the bathroom is tough...the wiping part

The more help you have, the faster the recovery. This is a critical time in the healing process.

I live south of Ottawa....are you a neighbour??

[Katie]

Oh, as to showers, I took my first one the day after surgery and one daily after that. The incisions weren't an issue. They changed the dressings afterwards.

I was glad to have my hubby around to help me with the balance part for awhile. Shaving legs was a begger, but did it in the hospital, with help from dear heart What a bonding moment!

It is best to move a fair bit after surgery, but don't overdo it. When you get tired, stop, then go again later. No lifting, bending or twisting for a few months, and no driving for three months for me at least.

[NancyC]

Hi Katie

Thanks for answering my questions - I'm pretty nervous and know very little. When you say I am "having a lot of levels addressed" does that mean the number of vertebrae being fused? I thought I saw a glossary somewhere here, but maybe I'm dreaming....

You made me LOL about your husband shaving your legs - I could just picture it!

So, where do I find this thread about things to have ready after surgery? Sorry, just joined yesterday and am trying my best to negotiate around.

I had both hips replaced last year so I have one of those grabber things, a seat for the shower, an elevated toilet seat...

You say you needed your husband for the first three weeks - was that mainly for helping you move about, or just keeping the house clean and cooking for you? Do you hurt alot when you come home?

Sorry, we're not neighbours - you're south of Ottawa where? I grew up in Montreal and lived there all my life up until the past few years when I moved to Calgary. I still miss the East and one day will go home.

Again, thanks for answering. I am getting a better picture of what to expect.

~Nan

Hi Nancy, and welcome. Wow, you sure are having a lot of levels addressed. I think we only have one other member with that many.

I had fusion done last March at L4-S1 and was able to do most things, very carefully. I wouldn't have needed the help of a nurse per se, but a homecare worker who could do meals and a bit of cleaning would be great for a couple of weeks.

We spent a couple of weeks post-op in the country where we had the surgery, and when we came home my husband had to go out of the country for work for a week. I was able to keep the wood stove going and look after myself, but would not have been able to do that sooner, say for the first three weeks. But I spent a huge amount of time sleeping..up to eighteen hours a day. I think it was my way of healing.

Take a look at the thread about things to have ready after surgery...it is life saving as to what you will need. Things like a picker-uper....the long stick with tongs on the end Also, going to the bathroom is tough...the wiping part

The more help you have, the faster the recovery. This is a critical time in the healing process.

I live south of Ottawa....are you a neighbour??

[KBear]

Here is the thread Katie referred to: Spine Surgery Recovery: "Must Have" Items & Postoperative Tips