FOR THE LADIES ONLY - I have a weird question

[LynetteG]

This morning while I was in my shower, and shaving certain private areas - if you know what I mean, I had this sudden thought that - how the heck am I going to continue doing this after surgery? While I was having this thought I was bent completely over in an arc to reach where I was shaving - sorry for the info but I'd really like to know how other people manage to keep this area nice and tidy after surgery? I know it's a weird question - so sorry :)

[lisa7]

OH MY GOD!! You are too funny Lynnette!! LOL!! It's a valid question which I don't think is weird. Shaving is difficult especially right after surgery. I'm fused to L4/L5 so I can bend over a little but I pretty much go about the task blindly and hope for the best. I learned how to do that when I was very pregnant! : ) It's kind of funny when I think back about all my worries prior to surgery on how I would perform certain tasks and come to find out I just became very adaptable to my new limitations. I just do things as if I've always done them that way. It's weird. It's my new normal. Once you can maneuver in the shower after your surgery you'll just figure out for yourself how to do things. Believe me, it will get easier and easier to take care of yourself with every passing day. : )

[LynetteG]

Thanks Lisa7 - glad I gave you a laugh :) :)

[Vali]

Lynette, in the first 6-8 weeks, you are probably not going to really care about it. I know myself, i pretty much lived in my flannellete (sp?) pjs (it was winter) and only got dressed to go for my walks. Having said that....If there's a will, there's a way! And yes, you will find what works for you. Word of advice...invest in a electric/battery operated shaver for those early days or consider waxing (last about 6 weeks). To all scolis..have a good weekend!

[ADMoul]

I read on here somewhere that someone put their razor on some kind of long stick or brush handle. If you have those little seats in your shower, you can at least prop your leg up. I do that to just wash feet and legs with the bath brush. I also switched to shower gel/liquid soap so I'm not constantly dropping the bar of soap! It is true that you just learn to do things differently. I have grabbers both up and downstairs and they pick up just about anything--even pieces of paper. I'm still in that early recovery no bend/lift/twist stage, but I have been able to function pretty well with the grabbers.

[mgs]

If you're going to go with a waxing. . .it's the perfect time to pop your Percocets!!!! (just saying. . .)

[JenniferG]

I was the one who taped her razor to a long handled wooden spoon. But I just cracked up at a vision that entered my mind while reading Anne's post...of using your grabber to hold the razor...:D:D:D

Sorry. :o

[rainbow2010]

You don't lose that much flexability, it just changes and you adapt. It is just like being 8 months pregnant when it comes to bending. I can't see much in the shower as I have to take my glasses off:D

[naptown78]

I use a shower seat and have no problems at all. Change of topic but still related to the flexibility issue: I got in the back seat of a 2 door car today, took me a little longer than it used to because I am not as bendy but I did it! Being fused to the sacrum just takes some adjustments but is definitely doable.

[sheri66]

Lynette,LOL....I wanted to ask that question but I was to embarrassed.I am fused to sacral and it is very difficult.I have to use a mirror and go really slow.
Naptown78,That is great that you got in the back seat.I cant even imagine trying to do that.Were you sore afterwords?

[LindaRacine]

Add me to the list of people who went to a salon for waxing.

[Shari]

To All,

This one really made me laugh until tears. Just picturing everyone and then remembering myself. Things are not always funny at the time, but as you look back, somethings make you laugh like hell.:D

I have to thank you for the flood of chuckles you guys/gals have given me.
This brought back many other funny memories for me.

Thanks again, laughter hurts right after surgery, but it helps to heal!!!:)
Shari

[LynetteG]

That was great info guys - thank you all, and for your funny little anecdotes. I guess I won't care too much at first, then I'll either find a way somehow like you guys, or go get a waxing for the first time. I've always heard how painful waxing is, but mind you, after spinal surgery, I'm sure a waxing can't be as painful as having steel rods put in your back :)

[sillycoffeegirl]

Lynette, I was worried about that too. Now that i am trying to do that post op, its like Lisa said. I pretty much cant do the arch thing anymore but i have to do it blindly with feeling around. lol Not trying to be gross. But I am gaining a lil flexability each week i think, but i dont think i will be able to bend that much again. So far I seem to get most of it okay. :)

[debbei]

This morning while I was in my shower, and shaving certain private areas - if you know what I mean, I had this sudden thought that - how the heck am I going to continue doing this after surgery? While I was having this thought I was bent completely over in an arc to reach where I was shaving - sorry for the info but I'd really like to know how other people manage to keep this area nice and tidy after surgery? I know it's a weird question - so sorry :)

Lynette,

Last summer (my first fused) I managed. Now that it's winter, all bets are off! LOL It can be done, but it's not easy when you can't exactly see what you're doing down there.

Whoever said previously that you won't care in the first few months was absolutely right. After that, you'll do what you have to do.

[LynetteG]

You ladies are the best - thanks for all your answers :) :) :)