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  • Post Op questions

    Hi, I had a couple post-op questions. I should have asked these questions at my one month appointment, but I was still in a lot of pain at the time.

    1) How long did any of you go without driving?

    2) When were any of you allowed to swim and take a bath?


    Thanks for the repsonses!!

  • #2
    Hi Amber,

    Taking a bath depends on how safe you will be and you have to wait until your incision heals.

    Once your incision is healed, I can't imagine anyone that would want you to not go swimming, when you feel up to it, because it is great therapy.

    Driving, I think depends on the individual, I wasn't able to drive for several months, even though I was told I could. There are many here that drove much sooner than I was able to.

    I think it depends on the lenght of fusion, whether you're in a brace and how confortable you feel doing it. For me I didn't want to drive in my brace because it limited my mobility and I have never been good at driving using my mirrors to back up. And parrallel parking was a bitch for me. But everyone's different!!! And don't forget that!!!

    Shari
    Last edited by Shari; 04-16-2007, 02:06 AM.

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    • #3
      why won't I be able to drive?

      What is actually the inhibitor to driving, since everyone seems to find it a problem for some period of time?

      Is is the pain-killers affecting your responses, is it pain in the back, flexibility, arms, getting into the car, or what?

      Feeling scared as I live alone and drive everywhere and can't imagine getting a tram to work in a post-op state (if I can't drive I certainly can't stand up on a crowded tram!). I guess this is based on an assumption that some people are going back to work before they resume driving.

      Plus I've just got a new car!!!

      Gen
      Gen, aged 49
      Thoracic curve approx 64*
      Surgery starts 25 June (anterior), posterior 2 wks later (T5 - L1)
      Surgeon: Peter Turner

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      • #4
        The problem with driving is you won't be able to twist like you did before surgery. The motion of turning the steering wheel also can be a problem after surgery until you feel better. Also bumps in the road become painful! If you take pain medicine, you are not supposed to drive - if you get stopped or in an accident, it's driving under the influence.
        T12- L5 fusion 1975 - Rochester, NY
        2002 removal of bottom of rod and extra fusion
        3/1/11 C5-C6 disc replacement
        Daughter - T7 - L3 fusion 2004

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        • #5
          Thanks rainbow!
          Gen, aged 49
          Thoracic curve approx 64*
          Surgery starts 25 June (anterior), posterior 2 wks later (T5 - L1)
          Surgeon: Peter Turner

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          • #6
            I was told I can't swim for 9 months. I'm not sure about how long you can't drive but I agree with the bumps in the road issue. I think after a month you should be fine but it's up to your doctor and of course if you're still on the meds. Taking a bath is also up to your doctor because the incision has to be healed first. You can't even take a shower until 7 days after your surgery.
            { sarah }

            Posterior Spinal Fusion for a 76 degree curve in 2000 at age 19. Two rods placed, fused from T4 to L2. Curve reduced to a 29º.
            One rod broken and noticing increased pain in 2004. Curve progressed to 39º.
            March 2007 Revision surgery- Rods removed and discovery of unhealed fusion. Had new rods placed along with new bone from Thoracoplasty and BMP.

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            • #7
              My daughter took a shower 5 days after surgery. We covered the incision with saran wrap and waterproof tape to hold it down. I took one three days after my revision surgery using saran wrap also.
              T12- L5 fusion 1975 - Rochester, NY
              2002 removal of bottom of rod and extra fusion
              3/1/11 C5-C6 disc replacement
              Daughter - T7 - L3 fusion 2004

              Comment


              • #8
                Hey, thank you so much for all your responses. How long was it for all of you to really see the results from having your surgery done? Thanks!

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                • #9
                  Hi Amber,

                  How about seeing the results from your surgery the first time you stand up?! You are straighter and taller. Most lose their hump completely so you can see it is gone. (Hand mirror, looking over shoulder.) I had extra skin in my torso from shrinking so I seemed thinner right away. How does that all sound? Instant gratification! Sure you will be sore but, with all these positives it sure helps the mind to focus on the good aspects right away.

                  As for driving, the checking of blind spots and switching lanes are tough. Twisting is a no no. My back up camera helped a ton but you can't use it for everything. Also, the drugs make you unable to drive until you get the dose low enough to function normally. Best wishes.

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                  • #10
                    I couldn't take a shower or bath for a few weeks after surgery because of my incision. That all depends on how fast it heals.

                    I couldn't drive for 4 months and even then it was difficult. Bumps in the road are a killer pain wise and twisting to check for traffic at junctions etc was very difficult. Of course, this will vary on the length of the fusion and your age and things, but don't rush at it.

                    For your other question, my surgeon didn't allow me to swim for 6 months.

                    As to seeing results, it was a really "wow" moment from the time I woke up and found that I had lost my rotation (which was pretty bad). First time you see yourself in a mirror stood up it will blow you away!

                    Good luck with it all....
                    Double 63(T)/75(L) deg curve with big sideways shift - Surgery in UK on 8th February 2006.
                    Post op 30(T)/33(L)
                    http://warpedwoman.blogspot.com/

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                    • #11
                      Thank you both. I was amazed by my results. I can't wait till the swelling and numbness goes away!!!

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                      • #12
                        I drove after 6 weeks but very cautiously and only little drives. The twisting is the thing that gets you pshycologically afraid of driving but it is actually not so bad. I was also very scared of having even a small accident because I didn't want to dislodge anything. I had a shower in hospital on about day 5 and think I bathed at home at about 7 weeks. It was very difficult getting in and out. I had a hospital chair in the shower which was awesome. Didn't want to give it up. I was walking laps in the pool at about 4 weeks and swimming at about 8. I couldn't float until then. Good Luck!
                        Katie

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                        • #13
                          Driving
                          I was dirivng 6-weeks post-operation since I had to go back to work... But doctors do prohibit you from driving especially while you are taking narcotics.

                          Driving alone and after surgery was the scariest thing. Especially since your movement is limited and you cannot twist or turn as much to check your blind spots, etc. I have had many close calls (literally) changing lanes and almost driving into another vehicle. So, definately be careful!

                          Bathing/Shower/Swimming
                          My surgeon did not let me shower until 2-weeks post-operations...

                          I do not know how to swim and I would like to learn! How long should I wait before I start taking lessons? I asked my sugrgeon over e-mail, and he never responds to my questions...

                          I hear water therapy is great.
                          Sandy
                          23 year old female, Analyst, Maryland
                          Diagnosed with scoliosis at age 11; wore the same brace for 3 years and never saw a doctor again until age 23
                          65 degree curve reduced to 28 degree after surgery
                          Posterior spinal fusion (T-2 to L-2) with segmental instrumentation and iliac crest graft surgery, December 4, 2006
                          Dr. John Stinson, The Orthopaedic Center, Rockville, Maryland

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                          • #14
                            Hi Pips,

                            I had the "wow" moment too!!! It's amazing what can be done for us!!!

                            Shari

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                            • #15
                              I really appreciate all the feedback. I finally got to drive this past weekend ( 7 weeks post-op). I am only allowed to drive 30 minutes at a time. My top of my back is still pretty numb. How long did that last for all of you?

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