Announcement

Collapse
No announcement yet.

August 1: 23 days and counting - gathering needed stuff and questions

Collapse
X
 
  • Filter
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts

  • August 1: 23 days and counting - gathering needed stuff and questions

    Hi Everyone,

    Well, today is August 1st and surgery is scheduled for the 23rd. Seems weird to now be in the same month as the surgery. It makes it seem closer.

    Today I did all of the preliminary tests: doctor visit, MRI, Chest xray, blood test and other output testing. I think everything is okay.

    Since we needed a new bed, we splurged and bought a Sleep Number with bases that raises and lowers both ends. Keep threatening to put both ends up so my husband will wake up looking like a taco. Hmmm...everyone has to have a goal.

    Got an over the bed table that tilts. Still need to buy some grabbers and a long shoe horn. Hmmm...a sock aid too. That will require some search

    What else?

    In the meantime, I plan on walking outside when I feel well enough, but when weather is bad, what about an eliptical machine? Has anyone used one of those in the first six months? I wasn't thinking of using the part where your arms move--there are grab bars you can keep your arms stationary and just move your legs. Any thoughts?

    Another question: Will I be able to put on t-shirts (loose fitting) or will it be button down shirts for a while?

    Okay, enough questions.

    Once again, I cannot thank everyone enough for your help and guidance as I approach the surgery date.
    Discovered scoliosis when 15 years old.
    Wore Milwaulkee Brace for 1.5 years.
    Top curve 85 degrees, bottom curve 60 degrees

    Surgery completed August 23, 2011 (during an earthquake, can you believe that?)
    Dr. Charles Edwards, II
    The Spine Center at Mercy Hospital in Baltimore, MD
    Before and after xrays:
    http://www.valley-designs.com/myspine

  • #2
    How do you feel at this point: excited, nervous, both? My surgery is set for Aug 30. Ask your doc if the hospital will provide a take home kit for you (raised toilet seat, grabber, walker, etc.). How many nights does your husband plan to spend at the hospital, if any? We, too, had a new bed delivered and it is such a blessing! We live in a hilly neighborhood; I wonder if it will be ok to walk the neighborhood on an incline.

    Keep us posted on your countdown.

    Warmly,
    Doreen
    44 years old at time of surgery, Atlanta GA

    Pre-Surgery Thorasic: 70 degrees, Pre-Surgery Lumbar: 68 degrees, lost 4 inches of height in 2011
    Post-Surgery curves ~10 degrees, regained 4 inches of height

    Posterior T3-sacrum & TLIF surgeries on Nov 28, 2011 with Dr. Lenke, St. Louis
    2 rods, 33 screws, 2 cages, 2 connectors, living a new life I never dreamed of!

    http://thebionicachronicles.blogspot.com/

    Comment


    • #3
      When I went down to college last year, I decided to try an elliptical. That was about 8 months after surgery, and it was awesome. They are so much better than running, both on your knees and your back. So I would strongly recommend that, but at what point in your recovery, I'm not sure. I know for a fact that I would have been able to do it a few months earlier than 8, but I didn't have one at home. But you'll be able to tell.

      It seems like I've heard of lots of people who can raise their arms above their head without much of a problem even during the week at the hospital, but I couldn't without a lot of pain. So I avoided t-shirts for quite a while.

      I hope your surgery goes really well and that you're extremely happy with the results!
      Katie

      My blog: http://scoliosis-braceyourself.blogspot.com/
      My video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8NG9hMohsU0

      5 Boston back braces
      Spinal fusion- Nov. 17, 2009, senior year of high school
      52 and 57 degrees pre-surgery, 22 and 20 degrees post-surgery
      Dr. Kim Hammerberg, Shriners Children's Hospital, Chicago
      Back into volleyball and music as a senior in college!

      Comment


      • #4
        On the day of my preliminary testing, the reality of actually going through with the surgery hit me. I tried really hard to focus on all of the positives of having the surgery during the month (not that I wasn't a nervous wreck!) and made all of the preparations for the house. You will definitely need an elevated toilet. Dr. Lenke's office had a spine kit that I purchased which included a grabber, sock aide, and tongs (I couldn't believe I would need them for wiping, but I did for several months) I added a cushion from another couch to our family room couch to make it higher. My husband taped a razor to a long plastic handle so that I was able to shave my legs. I had no problem getting shirts over my head but I know some do. Your new bed sounds perfect! I would think you would have to be at least 6 months post op before using the eliptical, but it probably depends on the length of your fusion and maybe your age. Be sure to check with your surgeon. Dr. Lenke mainly stressed walking. I am allowed to do water aerobics at six months post op and some exercises at home. Best of luck to both of you ladies.
        Karen

        Surgery-Jan. 5, 2011-Dr. Lenke
        Fusion T-4-sacrum-2 cages/5 osteotomies
        70 degree thoracolumbar corrected to 25
        Rib Hump-GONE!
        Age-60 at the time of surgery
        Now 66
        Avid Golfer & Tap Dancer
        Retired Kdgn. Teacher

        See photobucket link for:
        Video of my 1st Day of Golf Post-Op-3/02/12-Bradenton, FL
        Before and After Picture of back 1/7/11
        tap dancing picture at 10 mos. post op 11/11/11-I'm the one on the right.
        http://s1119.photobucket.com/albums/k630/pottoff2/

        Comment


        • #5
          I am SO jealous! I would have LOVED to have a bed that propped up! I think you'll really appreciate that, especially for when you need to eat in bed. I can't tell you how many meals I wore! =) I didn't have any trouble getting shirts on/off...socks, pants were a little tough in the beginning. But everyone's different, so just have both options if you're worried about it. I have found as far as recovery goes, it's better to have too many options that you don't end up needing/using, than needing something and not having the energy/time/etc to get it.

          Here is a list I made that came from my other experiences with back surgery/recovery, other's suggestions, and so forth. Hopefully you'll find it helpful!
          http://herscoliosisjourney.blogspot....s-surgery.html

          Blessings on your surgery!
          Rebecca
          Age: 28
          Dx w/ scoli @ age 12 S curves T-40* L-42*
          wore night bending brace as teenager
          Curves changed to 50's plus or minus
          herniated disc L2-3, Discectomy October 2007
          fusion L2-3 November 2008
          Revision L2-3 Fusion, Removal of hardware August 2009
          Curves measuring 52 T&L September 2010
          Fused T4-L4, all posterior December 27th 2010
          gained almost two inches in height

          Before and After Exterior
          Before and After X-rays
          My blog: http://herscoliosisjourney.blogspot.com/

          Comment


          • #6
            Doreen,

            I feel nervous and try not to think about the surgery too much. I know that I have to have it as my curves are pretty bad and if I don't, not sure how much longer I'd live after retirement age (organs will get smushed together and will have trouble functioning).

            I try to think positively that I will be "taller and look thinner". I am going to do my best to keep my sense of humor.

            I have my pre-surgery meeting with surgeon on the 12th. Will ask about a hospital provided package then. The hospital I am going to has a dedicated spinal surgery wing/area.
            Discovered scoliosis when 15 years old.
            Wore Milwaulkee Brace for 1.5 years.
            Top curve 85 degrees, bottom curve 60 degrees

            Surgery completed August 23, 2011 (during an earthquake, can you believe that?)
            Dr. Charles Edwards, II
            The Spine Center at Mercy Hospital in Baltimore, MD
            Before and after xrays:
            http://www.valley-designs.com/myspine

            Comment


            • #7
              I just returned from my two month post op appointment today, and am doing very well. It's such a great feeling to be over the surgery, after dreading it for a long time. It went well, and although it has been rough, it's been worth it. I wished in the hospital that I had a sheepskin or foam pad to put over their bed, which was pretty hard. The pain decreased markedly when I was transferred to rehab which had better beds. Also, take your own pillows, so you don't have to sleep on the ones with plastic under the case. I was able to put on tshirts even in the hospital without a problem. You might want to have some bras that don't close in back, but you'll probably not want to wear them for a few weeks. I'm still wearing my sports bras. I lost ten pounds in the first six weeks, and many people lose more, so don't invest too much in a new wardrobe. However, even though I had lost weight, my belly really bloated up for awhile, and a couple of friends had to go shopping for some big stretchy pants for me. I had taken some of my exercise pants to the hospital, and ended up not wearing anything but a gown there-- then when it was time to go home, I couldn't get the old pants up over my belly. But now, I'm wearing one size smaller pants, and two sizes smaller tops and dresses-- hurray! THat's partly because of my new waist-- I gained two inches in height and my waist is actually back. Also, partly because of the weight loss. Yoga pants still feel much better on the incision than jeans or dressy pants. I feel more like myself than I have in years, despite the restrictions and everything else. And, right now, for me, I have less pain than before the surgery, so that's something to look forward to. Good luck with everything. The bed sounds like a wonderful investment.
              Diagnosed at age 13
              Milwaukee brace ages 73-74
              Pre surgery 58 degree curve and lordosis
              Surgery June 7&9, 2011 Fused L-4 -T-4 Age 52
              Post surgery 26 degrees
              Surgeon Yu-po Lee

              Comment


              • #8
                I just thought of two other things:
                These shoes are almost house slippers. They have warm fuzzy insides, and they slip on with no difficulty, and they have a good stable sole:
                http://www.zappos.com/merrell-encore...-brown-leather
                I have worn them almost constantly since the surgery, even though it's summer. (But not so hot here in San Diego as other places). However, you might have a hard time finding some this time of year. Merrells makes a shoe similar to this every fall, with just a little variation, so if you look at shoes.com or zappos.com, you might be able to find the model for this coming season on sale now.

                Also, Spanx makes some front closure bras that are pretty comfortable in the back. They are also pretty pricey, but you might want to take a look. If you are wearing a brace after, you will probably not want underwires, and be assured that the brace will take care of any lifting problem you may have.
                Diagnosed at age 13
                Milwaukee brace ages 73-74
                Pre surgery 58 degree curve and lordosis
                Surgery June 7&9, 2011 Fused L-4 -T-4 Age 52
                Post surgery 26 degrees
                Surgeon Yu-po Lee

                Comment


                • #9
                  Thank you Paula for all the wonderful information! I will bring my own pillow--plastic sounds pretty awful.

                  I liked your comments about a waist, that was one comment my surgeon said to me that I would have a waist. I guess I don't have much of one right now. I am wondering how much height I will gain. I tried to do a calculation from looking at a picture of my spine xray and I figured if I was totally straightened up (not possible, but still), I would be five inches taller! Talk about a new wardrobe. Well, I can dream.

                  I guess they will play it by ear if I go into a rehab facility or not. The surgeon says he doesn't do the brace--but I do need to purchase a Lumbosacral Corset--just to give me the feeling of more support as I get used to the new "fused" spine.

                  The one big difference from others getting this surgery is that they are in pain and I really am not in any big pain....but I do know its getting worse and my organs will get smushed in time and will, as the first doctor stated, fail.

                  Hey, what about foam? Do people use memory foam or someone had mentioned latex foam on their beds? The bed we bought had a little--like 1.5 inches...but I piled on a two inch thick memory foam topper for now....but am wondering what I should do when I get back.

                  Sigh. so many questions....
                  Discovered scoliosis when 15 years old.
                  Wore Milwaulkee Brace for 1.5 years.
                  Top curve 85 degrees, bottom curve 60 degrees

                  Surgery completed August 23, 2011 (during an earthquake, can you believe that?)
                  Dr. Charles Edwards, II
                  The Spine Center at Mercy Hospital in Baltimore, MD
                  Before and after xrays:
                  http://www.valley-designs.com/myspine

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    Ugg slippers are find-able in all seasons...available on the internet
                    (as well as in stores)...some have good soles, and they are comfortable slippers...

                    Doreen, i am pretty sure you are supposed to stick to flat areas to walk in right after surgery....if i do have surgery, it would be a problem for me also, as the street our house is on is a hill...my surgeon said he would not even want me on any kind of machine for exercise for 3 months...which is why i would only have surgery in the spring...but that's just me...

                    best of luck
                    jess

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      You are correct, Jess. Doc confirmed to NOT walk on any type of incline, so glad I asked! She also said to stay off our treadmill too because if I'm on meds, I could easily lose balance and fall off. She said if I need to, have someone drive me to the mall to walk on flat ground. My daughter sure was excited to hear that!

                      I'll ask my daughter if I can borrow her pedometer to gauge my walking progress when that time arrives.

                      I'm thinking of buy an overbed table like they have in hospitals. Does anyone know where to get on at a good price?

                      Warmly,
                      Doreen
                      44 years old at time of surgery, Atlanta GA

                      Pre-Surgery Thorasic: 70 degrees, Pre-Surgery Lumbar: 68 degrees, lost 4 inches of height in 2011
                      Post-Surgery curves ~10 degrees, regained 4 inches of height

                      Posterior T3-sacrum & TLIF surgeries on Nov 28, 2011 with Dr. Lenke, St. Louis
                      2 rods, 33 screws, 2 cages, 2 connectors, living a new life I never dreamed of!

                      http://thebionicachronicles.blogspot.com/

                      Comment


                      • #12
                        Doreen,

                        Here is the table I bought:

                        http://www.medicalsupplydepot.com/Be...ide-Table.html

                        Item UNV09396 if the above link doesn't show it.

                        It's a table that tilts--but it has an area that doesn't tilt--to put your drink.

                        The company above has free shippping and my table arrived in four days. I was impressed!

                        Regarding flat surfaces for walking, I am truly blessed: I think we live in the only area in WV that is flat! PTL!!!

                        Thank you Peachrush7 for your blog...that is very helpful. I hope I recoop as fast as you...but we both know God is in charge!
                        Discovered scoliosis when 15 years old.
                        Wore Milwaulkee Brace for 1.5 years.
                        Top curve 85 degrees, bottom curve 60 degrees

                        Surgery completed August 23, 2011 (during an earthquake, can you believe that?)
                        Dr. Charles Edwards, II
                        The Spine Center at Mercy Hospital in Baltimore, MD
                        Before and after xrays:
                        http://www.valley-designs.com/myspine

                        Comment


                        • #13
                          Originally posted by djkinkead View Post

                          Thank you Peachrush7 for your blog...that is very helpful. I hope I recoop as fast as you...but we both know God is in charge!

                          You're so welcome! I'm glad it's helpful! I've tried to add as much stuff as I can that I have learned from the great people here, and from my 4 spinal surgeries. The better prepared for a surgery I was, the better the recovery.

                          Hope you're able to stay calm and focus on the positives of the "other side" that are coming soon! =)

                          Blessings!
                          Rebecca
                          Age: 28
                          Dx w/ scoli @ age 12 S curves T-40* L-42*
                          wore night bending brace as teenager
                          Curves changed to 50's plus or minus
                          herniated disc L2-3, Discectomy October 2007
                          fusion L2-3 November 2008
                          Revision L2-3 Fusion, Removal of hardware August 2009
                          Curves measuring 52 T&L September 2010
                          Fused T4-L4, all posterior December 27th 2010
                          gained almost two inches in height

                          Before and After Exterior
                          Before and After X-rays
                          My blog: http://herscoliosisjourney.blogspot.com/

                          Comment

                          Working...
                          X