physical therapy

[asccbodypro]

Just wondering if anyone could fill me in on how therapy will go once one is out of the hospital.....are you given exercises at the hospital to do at home? Do you go and see a physical therapist weekly? My doctor said lots of walking! Which I typically try to do, but since the holidays and cold weather I haven't been walking outside as much. I do make sure to get the treadmill in 3 times/week and I also have an elliptical that I am going to start getting on everyday....or my husband threatened to put up for sale on ebay lol I also do weight training @ my chiropractors office. First I have my adjustments than workout and than he has to adjust me again because nothing stays where it should. I am usually at the office for 2-3 hours. Another good reason for surgery. I feel like I spend more time at the chiropractor (god bless him because he has done a lot for me) than I do at home!

Also, here's another stupid question......does anyone whose had surgery have a pillow top mattress? If so, how hard has it been for you to get in and out of it. We bought it because my back had gotten so bad, and it is very comfortable for me NOW. Just not so sure it will be after surgery.

Another dumb question: because I am new at this........what is this TAGS box I see at the bottom of the page here. What am I supposed to do with that lol....I am not a good computer person Thanks so much!

[Karen Ocker]

Pt

Physical therapy for me began when I stayed at a rehab hosp for 2-3 weeks--which I highly recommend. Covered by insurance, good pain relief and unloads the family. One cannot do this on one's own. Walking is great though. I have a sleep on air mattress. At the rehab hosp you are taught correct ways to move while healing, getting into and out of the car etc.

I recently stayed at a hotel with a pillow-top mattress and it was very comfortable--but my surgery was 6 years ago and I am pain-free.

[Susie*Bee]

I am older than you by quite a lot, so things should be much easier for you, especially in the condition that you are in. My surgery was in Chicago-- about 2+ hours from where I life. I was in the hospital for 11 days and had a little PT there-- walking, log-rolling, walking up and down stairs, etc. Very basic, but very difficult for me at the time. I was told the best thing was to walk, walk, walk once I got home... Also, when I got home from the hospital (and I was there for 11 days), arrangements were made with a local hospital to have PT come to my home for a few weeks, 2-3 times a week. They got me started with pretty basic arm and leg exercises -- using a theraband, etc. Then I was to continue on my own. Later, at around 5-6 months post-op, my surgeon had me go to PT (actually my request) because I needed additional help regaining strength to my arms and legs. I went to PT 2-3 times a week for about 2 months, and it REALLY helped a lot. I stuck with the regimen at home-- even bought a treadmill and a total gym and ankle weights and hand dumbbells... My surgeon lifted some more restrictions at 11 months and had me return to PT for some core strengthening work, for a couple more months. Again, this was just what I needed. I am so glad I was able to have PT later on like that. My therapist left me with two alternating programs that are intended to work my muscles well...

I think if you do a search you might find info on pillow top mattresses. I would think it would be ok for you. You just have to log roll out of bed.

Regarding the tags-- I have only seen them actually used a couple of times (that I was aware of), but if you got to FAQs you can read about them.

I know this was kind of long. Sorry if it's not much help.

[debbei]

For the first 6 weeks, I walked at least 30 minutes per day. Then after my 6 week checkup, they wrote a prescription for PT. I started at 2 months post op and am going 3x a week for 8 weeks. I love it, and have gotten so much stronger than when I started. I also try to do my treadmill on the days I don't have PT.

THe therapist will give me exercises to do at home once my 8 weeks are over. I will need light hand weights, leg weights, those rubber band thingies and an exercise ball.

[titaniumed]

My therapy was similar to Suzie Bees where a PT girl would come out and we would do some relatively minor things. I had an A/P and my shoulder was broken, and was totally whooped so we had to take it slow. Yes, I'm probably the only person who has ever done a scoli surgery, with other broken body parts.

After I had my shoulder fixed on Oct 6th, the P/T on my arm really helped my back out also. I'm still at it.

My surgeon insisted on "outside walking" not indoors. The fresh air thing, you know?

I have a medium tempurpedic and had to use foam on top of it. It wasn't soft enough. Quite a few people here have mentioned that foam was the way to go. I went with 2 inches thick, If I had to do it again, Id go 3 inches thick.
Ed

[fierceliketiger]

I am going to start PT soon, so I dont know too much about that.
About the mattress, We have a fairly firm mattress with a small pillow top and it was REALLY hard for me to lay on my back for the first two weeks. In week 3 we bought a memory foam topper, and it was AWFUL. I felt even more like a turtle. I couldn't get out of the hole I had sunk into. It was only 3 inches, but wow, was it hard. Then, when I tried to change positions, I would fall back into the hole I had created from the previous position (which hadnt filled in). Also, it retained heat like CRAZY, which, for me sucked. I was grouchy, sweaty, and stuck. Also, when I tried to get up, using my arms, my arm would start sinking! The very next day I had my fiance take the thing off the bed, and dealt (much more happily) with my hard bed. After about 3 1/2 weeks the hardness wasnt a problem.
I think as long as your pillow top is not memory foam/isnt too thick you should be fine. Really though, either way you will find a way to work around it.

[asccbodypro]

I am going to start PT soon, so I dont know too much about that.
About the mattress, We have a fairly firm mattress with a small pillow top and it was REALLY hard for me to lay on my back for the first two weeks. In week 3 we bought a memory foam topper, and it was AWFUL. I felt even more like a turtle. I couldn't get out of the hole I had sunk into. It was only 3 inches, but wow, was it hard. Then, when I tried to change positions, I would fall back into the hole I had created from the previous position (which hadnt filled in). Also, it retained heat like CRAZY, which, for me sucked. I was grouchy, sweaty, and stuck. Also, when I tried to get up, using my arms, my arm would start sinking! The very next day I had my fiance take the thing off the bed, and dealt (much more happily) with my hard bed. After about 3 1/2 weeks the hardness wasnt a problem.
I think as long as your pillow top is not memory foam/isnt too thick you should be fine. Really though, either way you will find a way to work around it.

LOL! Sorry, but I can picture myself having the same problem because I do it now and I haven't even had surgery yet! My husband will laugh at me and ask if I need help! Hopefully you'll be able to look back and laugh. I think your right, I will just deal with my mattress. I would imagine nothing in the first few weeks would make you to comfy. Please keep me informed as to how your physical therapy goes. Being a personal trainer I will give you this advise.....Listen to your body!!!

[asccbodypro]

My therapy was similar to Suzie Bees where a PT girl would come out and we would do some relatively minor things. I had an A/P and my shoulder was broken, and was totally whooped so we had to take it slow. Yes, I'm probably the only person who has ever done a scoli surgery, with other broken body parts.

After I had my shoulder fixed on Oct 6th, the P/T on my arm really helped my back out also. I'm still at it.

My surgeon insisted on "outside walking" not indoors. The fresh air thing, you know?

I have a medium tempurpedic and had to use foam on top of it. It wasn't soft enough. Quite a few people here have mentioned that foam was the way to go. I went with 2 inches thick, If I had to do it again, Id go 3 inches thick.
Ed

Ed,

Did you go in to surgery with a broken shoulder or did they break it during surgery? Talk about having your body beat up! I can't even imagine trying to move after having your back surgery done with a shoulder that is just as bad. Must build lots of character

Susan

[CherylPJ]

memory foam

Oooo. I disagree about memory foam. I love it! I use a 4" topper and a small memory foam pillow. I also have a small memory foam wedge that can be a life saver. (I have a steeper wedge that is not memory foam and assemble them with the memory foam on top, if I want the greater angle.)

I didn't have the memory foam topper available until one month after surgery.

I do have a problem with getting too hot, but I think that is my body thermostat on the fritz.

(6 mos. past surgery and too old for hot flashes )

[Pooka1]

Ed,

Did you go in to surgery with a broken shoulder or did they break it during surgery?

I think he wasn't taking direction so they had to get a little rough with him.

[LynnMarie74]

Just wondering if anyone could fill me in on how therapy will go once one is out of the hospital.....are you given exercises at the hospital to do at home? Do you go and see a physical therapist weekly? My doctor said lots of walking! Which I typically try to do, but since the holidays and cold weather I haven't been walking outside as much. I do make sure to get the treadmill in 3 times/week and I also have an elliptical that I am going to start getting on everyday....or my husband threatened to put up for sale on ebay lol I also do weight training @ my chiropractors office. First I have my adjustments than workout and than he has to adjust me again because nothing stays where it should. I am usually at the office for 2-3 hours. Another good reason for surgery. I feel like I spend more time at the chiropractor (god bless him because he has done a lot for me) than I do at home!

Also, here's another stupid question......does anyone whose had surgery have a pillow top mattress? If so, how hard has it been for you to get in and out of it. We bought it because my back had gotten so bad, and it is very comfortable for me NOW. Just not so sure it will be after surgery.

Another dumb question: because I am new at this........what is this TAGS box I see at the bottom of the page here. What am I supposed to do with that lol....I am not a good computer person Thanks so much!

HI! I was given small little things to do w/my butt/feet/etc. And walking to "load"' the spine. My house is pretty small, so pacing back & forth all day stinks. I was not told @ this point to go some where for PT. I got a hospital bed for home as I knew my comfie soft bed that I miss ohh so much would not work. I did try it out and it was horrible. To high off the ground....pillow top like yours! BUt everyone's different so give it try!

[fierceliketiger]

I started physical therapy a week ago (at about the 7 week mark). I am up to walking 6 miles a day, also doing all sorts of exercises from PT. Bridges with the ball, some upper body work, mostly lower body and core exercises. :-)

[LynnMarie74]

I started physical therapy a week ago (at about the 7 week mark). I am up to walking 6 miles a day, also doing all sorts of exercises from PT. Bridges with the ball, some upper body work, mostly lower body and core exercises. :-)

Wow! You and Debbei are making me look bad! I must be babying myself too much. Debbei you've been working out before your big day and are doing well now with it...and fierceliketiger.....6 miles a day???? My God I didnt get that much BEFORE my surgery!!! I think I should have waited til SPring to do this.....OR maybe I need to quite being a wimp & get moving. I just feel so crappy all the time, walking is the last thing on my mind...honest. Im 3 weeks tomorrow and could barly walk thru Walgreens last evening(1st venture out since I got back from the hospital to buy some Benedril!! Little old ladies w/canes where moving faster than I was. I just took my sweet ole time and when someone got too close, I would freak & say "please dont run into me-thanks" I was like a lunatic! lol Funny now, horrible yesterday!! Back to PT...do you (you meaning everyone who reads this) think I will end up having to go for PT after my post-op? I think it would be good for me to get motivated or something, instead of feeling sorry for myself!!!

[fierceliketiger]

Don't worry, going out takes it out of me as well! I can barely walk around walmart once before I am just exhausted.Plus being around lots of people makes me pretty tired. I can't do 6 miles right off the bat. I have to walk it in at least 2 sessions, so 4 miles at a time, then 2. It took me a while to get there too. I started walking about 1/2 mile a day when I left the hospital, and just moved it up since then. So, it took 6 weeks to get to 6 miles. Yesterday I skipped walking altogether because PT kicked my butt!

[LynnMarie74]

Don't worry, going out takes it out of me as well! I can barely walk around walmart once before I am just exhausted.Plus being around lots of people makes me pretty tired. I can't do 6 miles right off the bat. I have to walk it in at least 2 sessions, so 4 miles at a time, then 2. It took me a while to get there too. I started walking about 1/2 mile a day when I left the hospital, and just moved it up since then. So, it took 6 weeks to get to 6 miles. Yesterday I skipped walking altogether because PT kicked my butt!

I still think thats amazing! Damn snow & cold air! I would be more apt to walk outside...or the mall. The mall sounds fun BUT again, I am deathly afraid of the car...in reference to the Walgreens adventure yesterday!! Ughhhhh.........I curse Scoliosis!!! ARGGhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!