Sitting still a big pain in the behind

[djkinkead]

Hi everyone,

It's been about eleven days now post surgery and I still can't find any good place to sit without the spine deciding to cause major pain.

My sleep number bed that raises and lowers has been truly a blessing, but eventually will have to leave it. I sit at dining room chair for dinner (for what little I eat), but would like to know how soon others were able to sit in at least a padded chair for over five minutes without experiencing great pain.

Best practices welcomed!

In the meantime, I am praying for those of you still battling the fear of the upcoming surgery.

[debbei]

from what I recall, nowhere was comfortable for very long. I couldn't stay in the same position, no matter if sitting, laying, walking, etc., for very long. I had to keep changing it up.

I think it was at least 2 or maybe 3 months before I could sit on a normal sofa (with extra pillows behind my back.) FOr the first few months, it was a straight-backed chair that was my favorite, with extra pillows behind me.

It will get better in time. I know it's hard to be patient when you're in the middle of it.

[jeneemohler]

The same here... It was uncomfortable to stay in any one position. My life revolved around walk, sit, lay, walk, sit, lay...

My sofa was too soft and not supportive enough. It was a couple months before I could sit long enough to watch a movie with the hubby... I found that an ergonomic computer chair that I had, and a camping lounge chair, such as the picture attached, worked pretty well as alternatives. The chair reclined far back enough to take pressure off my spine and felt pretty good as an alternative to laying in bed so much. But again, I couldn't sit for long periods of time, in the beginning. I also used different sized pillows and those smooshy microbead pillows to prop wherever it was needed; and one of those airplane blow-up neck pillows, where I could vary the firmness, for behind my head. They all worked great.

chair.doc

Just remember, that it will all be better in time. It is really difficult to wait day after day, and progress seems fleeting. But it happens. I went from not being able to watch a movie while sitting in the sofa until 2 months post op- to climbing to the top of a Mayan temple at 6 months post op! It will seem like forever those first few months, but you will get there!

[loves to skate]

Hard chairs, OK, but padded chairs, it took months. Even sometimes, I am uncomfortable on a very soft chair. I always seek out the firmest chairs where ever I go.
Sally

[JenniferG]

"My life revolved around walk, sit, lay, walk, sit, lay... " That's exactly how it was with me too.

Lying down and walking were my preferences. It slowly gets easier over that first month or so.

[LindaRacine]

I was uncomfortable in any chair except my recliner, which is relatively firm, for about 4 months.

[boomergal]

I'm so glad your surgery went well and that you made "the great escape" from
rehab. That place sounded terrible.

I had dinner at the kitchen table the night I got home but found it very
uncomfortable. I also couldn't sit on the sofa or any other chair, hard or soft
in our house. For the next 5 or 6 days I had all my meals on a tray in bed. I
found I could eat a lot more because I was comfortable. (I made sure I took
walks too, though, so I got some exercise.) After about three days home I had my
husband go out and look at recliners. He tried one out at Raymour and Flanigan,
came home and told me about it, and then ordered it by phone. It's a power
recliner, called the Mexi Lift Recliner (I knew I wouldn't be able to operate
the lever kind easily.) They have guaranteed delivery in 3 days. It was pricey,
but I love it. I notice it's on sale now.

http://www.raymourflanigan.com/recliners.aspx?pcnid=1

All my best wishes for a smooth recovery.

Mary, Age 54
Surgery with Dr. Boachie 7/5/11, fused T2-T12
Pre-surgery T60, L52
Post-surgery T26, L33
Next surgery scheduled 9/21/11

[titaniumed]

Soft down pillows are a good thing. I had them placed in many places, on chairs, in my car etc.

The first month is the hardest. Its also when you are on meds and prone to constipation which can be extremely painful. Try not to let this happen, go “nuclear” if you have to. A $1.90 bottle of “Magnesium citrate”(sold over the counter) will save a trip to the emergency room.

I found hot baths to be very relaxing and worked the best for pain. I took 5 per day for 3 months.

Hang in there, it will get better soon.
Ed