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This is perhaps the most serious problem I’m trying to pre-think.
First, the easy part . I need a new mattress - probably a new bed too, considering THE Operation. I dread shopping for the mattress especially. Inevitably, after trying a few in the store, I lose track and can’t tell them apart - at least, not well enough to choose with confidence. That’s probably why I’m still sleeping on one son’s old bunk-bed cheapo, while avoiding two expensive new ones (“new” meaning they’re almost unused, anyhow) . They’re just too firm for me.
How many mattresses can you test out on any given day, before burning out? Objectively, the soft ones seemed to be most sleep-worthy, but I goofed twice. Getting those two that turned out to be too firm. They seemed OK in the store (the pillow-top was deceptive) and I also got them because I'd been told (by orthopedic doctors) that firm was good for me and “ought to” feel right. They made me ache.
Now I have to get serious. If extreme pain/discomfort is unavoidable for an indefinite time, I ought to minimize it by getting a bed that’s as comfortable as possible. (Starting to identify with Goldilocks!
)
But wait! Maybe I don’t have free choice like before. What am I required to sleep on, post fusion - at least, for the first three months? (Six months? More?)
I’m sure there are medical requirements for what to use after the surgery. They may even change after the initial period. Are surgeons more strict about what they want you on at first, then loosen up? If worst comes to worst. I guess, I could use one bed to start, then change mattresses after bone fusion is (hopefully) well -established. My over-firm mattresses, might be just the ticket to start. I can’t imagine it being OK to use a really squishy soft mattress, even if they feel best to me now. Not if bending etc. is verboten. I’m already having trouble picturing how I can control my sleeping position!
What about the bed itself? Height? Location? Bed-rails? I’ve read recommendations here for placing beds so you can climb into them from either side. Why? Also about something called “log-rolling” to lie down, get up or even to change sides (?). I’ll try to find it in the search engine. But what about other rules? Like about pillows? Can you prop yourself up semi-reclining in the day (thinking bed "chair pillows" with arms). Maybe then I could use a laptop in bed, on my knees or a rolling cart. If not at first, maybe later.
Maybe the rules differ according to your fusion levels (or by surgeon). Again, I’m SO glad I avoided that high neck fusion for cervical stenosis. That would probably have meant even head pillows were disallowed for sleep at night! )
I‘ve wondered whether renting a hospital bed would be a good idea. My brother did after hip joint replacements even though it meant giving up their living room for a while. The only time I’ve slept completely comfortably in the last decades was ten days I spent in the hospital (painless condition). But I bet I wouldn’t be allowed to adjust a bed like that! Still, the rails might be necessary… (cf PT II). I'm sure I have to get rid of this junky bunk-bed mattress. But what to replace it with?
First, the easy part . I need a new mattress - probably a new bed too, considering THE Operation. I dread shopping for the mattress especially. Inevitably, after trying a few in the store, I lose track and can’t tell them apart - at least, not well enough to choose with confidence. That’s probably why I’m still sleeping on one son’s old bunk-bed cheapo, while avoiding two expensive new ones (“new” meaning they’re almost unused, anyhow) . They’re just too firm for me.
How many mattresses can you test out on any given day, before burning out? Objectively, the soft ones seemed to be most sleep-worthy, but I goofed twice. Getting those two that turned out to be too firm. They seemed OK in the store (the pillow-top was deceptive) and I also got them because I'd been told (by orthopedic doctors) that firm was good for me and “ought to” feel right. They made me ache.
Now I have to get serious. If extreme pain/discomfort is unavoidable for an indefinite time, I ought to minimize it by getting a bed that’s as comfortable as possible. (Starting to identify with Goldilocks!
)But wait! Maybe I don’t have free choice like before. What am I required to sleep on, post fusion - at least, for the first three months? (Six months? More?)
I’m sure there are medical requirements for what to use after the surgery. They may even change after the initial period. Are surgeons more strict about what they want you on at first, then loosen up? If worst comes to worst. I guess, I could use one bed to start, then change mattresses after bone fusion is (hopefully) well -established. My over-firm mattresses, might be just the ticket to start. I can’t imagine it being OK to use a really squishy soft mattress, even if they feel best to me now. Not if bending etc. is verboten. I’m already having trouble picturing how I can control my sleeping position!
What about the bed itself? Height? Location? Bed-rails? I’ve read recommendations here for placing beds so you can climb into them from either side. Why? Also about something called “log-rolling” to lie down, get up or even to change sides (?). I’ll try to find it in the search engine. But what about other rules? Like about pillows? Can you prop yourself up semi-reclining in the day (thinking bed "chair pillows" with arms). Maybe then I could use a laptop in bed, on my knees or a rolling cart. If not at first, maybe later.
Maybe the rules differ according to your fusion levels (or by surgeon). Again, I’m SO glad I avoided that high neck fusion for cervical stenosis. That would probably have meant even head pillows were disallowed for sleep at night! )
I‘ve wondered whether renting a hospital bed would be a good idea. My brother did after hip joint replacements even though it meant giving up their living room for a while. The only time I’ve slept completely comfortably in the last decades was ten days I spent in the hospital (painless condition). But I bet I wouldn’t be allowed to adjust a bed like that! Still, the rails might be necessary… (cf PT II). I'm sure I have to get rid of this junky bunk-bed mattress. But what to replace it with?
Cervical stenosis op'd 3-07, minimally invasive
There actually ARE outfits made say, for kids with fragile bone syndromes. Kind of like a football player only more so. Made so they can't hurt themselves. I guess a turtle style brace is the nearest thing. That's what I need. (ch Nights thread Pt II) 
Like a mollusk wearing my house!
)
They increase my morale too, which is dangerous. 
!
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