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  • Preparing for surgery

    Hi, I am scheduled to have surgery next month and I'm trying to do everything I can to prepare. Any practical suggestions would be appreciated. Did any of you find a shower seat or a raised toilet seat helpful?
    Also, the plan is to fuse L-1 to L-5. If anyone has had simular surgery I would be interested to know how far you can bend and other limitations of motion.
    In some ways I feel like I'm getting ready to have a baby!!
    Thanks for any help you can give me!
    Last edited by First Mate; 08-11-2009, 07:20 PM.
    Diagnosed age 10. No treatment
    Thoracic curve:?
    Lumbar curve: 50 degrees with rotation
    Surgery Sept.16,2009
    Fusion T-11 to pelvis
    Dr. Frank Rand
    New England Baptist Hospital

  • #2
    Hi First...

    You might find this helpful:

    http://www.scoliosislinks.com/PreparingforSurgery.htm

    As to how far you'll be able to bend, I have more levels fused, so I'm probably not the best person to answer that question. The one thing I can tell you is that your specialist will probably discourage you from any bending for at least 3 months. After that, I think you'll find that you'll be very stiff to start with, but will find more flexibility as time goes on.

    Best of luck with your surgery.

    Regards,
    Linda
    Never argue with an idiot. They always drag you down to their level, and then they beat you with experience. --Twain
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Surgery 2/10/93 A/P fusion T4-L3
    Surgery 1/20/11 A/P fusion L2-sacrum w/pelvic fixation

    Comment


    • #3
      Thanks Linda

      The website looks looks like it will help a lot. Three months without bending --wow--I had no idea--. Thanks for the info.
      Diagnosed age 10. No treatment
      Thoracic curve:?
      Lumbar curve: 50 degrees with rotation
      Surgery Sept.16,2009
      Fusion T-11 to pelvis
      Dr. Frank Rand
      New England Baptist Hospital

      Comment


      • #4
        L1 to L5 is a short fusion. How bad is your curve? Does it cause you pain? Why do you feel it necessary to have the fusion now rather than later?
        Sandy

        Thoracic curve was 55 degrees, now 30
        Lumbar curve was 68 degrees, now 26
        Rib rotation was 17 degrees, now 0
        Degenerated discs and sacral arthritic spurs, plus significant spondylosis
        Fused 8/13/09 at age 43 from T-9 to pelvis with iliac screws anchoring hardware to the pelvis, plus osteomies by Drs. Anthony Moreno and Geoff Cronen, Tampa, FL

        Comment


        • #5
          An explanation

          Hi Sandy,
          Im sure my curve is not as severe as most. It is 50 degrees with rotation. I do experience conciderable pain. After two doctors advised surgery I saw Dr. Rand at New England Baptist Hospital. An MRI showed arthritis and degenerative changes. Dr. Rand described it as "collapsing". Since I am 65 now and the scoliosis is progressing at one degree a year and the arthritis is getting worse I decided to have the surgery now---while I'm still young!
          Diagnosed age 10. No treatment
          Thoracic curve:?
          Lumbar curve: 50 degrees with rotation
          Surgery Sept.16,2009
          Fusion T-11 to pelvis
          Dr. Frank Rand
          New England Baptist Hospital

          Comment


          • #6
            Hi First Mate,
            I just noticed you are a Massachusetts person, so I checked your profile. You are definitely in good hands with Dr. Rand. My fusion is L2 to S1 and in the beginning everything you do is an effort, because you have to learn new ways of doing things. Now that I am 1 year and 8 months post-op most everything has become much easier. When I bend down to pick up something, I just bend my knees a lot more than I did before. I used to be able to touch my toes, but now I can come to 4 inches of touching my toes. I don't have any problems emptying the dishwasher or the clothes dryer. I usually get on my knees to change the sheets on the bed or when I get something out of the back of my kitchen cupboards. I have been able to do a lot of gardening this year, so even though I have to do a lot of things differently, I really don't feel that I have severe limitations. I am so happy I had my surgery and my experience at the Baptist Hospital was very positive.

            As far as raised toilet seats, etc., any equipment you will need will be arranged for you once the Physical and Occupational therapists determine what your needs are. When you go for your pretesting appointment, you will talk with a Nurse or Social Worker (I can't remember which) and she will advise you as to what kinds of things you will need, such as a firm chair to sit on when you come home and whether you will have help at home, etc.

            At 11 months post-op I was cleared to go back to roller-skating and I feel my strength and stamina are pretty much back to my old normal now. I am still seeing improvement. Feel free to PM me with any questions. You will get a lot of support from the people on the Forum.

            Sally

            PS: Are you a sailor?
            Diagnosed with severe lumbar scoliosis at age 65.
            Posterior Fusion L2-S1 on 12/4/2007. age 67
            Anterior Fusion L3-L4,L4-L5,L5-S1 on 12/19/2007
            Additional bone removed to decompress right side of L3-L4 & L4-L5 on 4/19/2010
            New England Baptist Hospital, Boston, MA
            Dr. Frank F. Rands735.photobucket.com/albums/ww360/butterflyfive/

            "In God We Trust" Happy moments, praise God. Difficult moments, seek God. Quiet moments, worship God. Painful moments, trust God. Every moment, thank God.

            Comment


            • #7
              I used my shower seat for 2 or 3 weeks, and I STILL have the raised toilet in my bathroom (master bath.) LOL I should probably get rid of it now, but I'm just so used to it! I really NEEDED it probably for a few months. My other best friend was 2 grabbers I keep around the house. I STILL use one when I do laundry. Why should I bend over or squat down if I don't have to??

              Good luck,
              __________________________________________
              Debbe - 50 yrs old

              Milwalkee Brace 1976 - 79
              Told by Dr. my curve would never progress

              Surgery 10/15/08 in NYC by Dr. Michael Neuwirth
              Pre-Surgury Thorasic: 66 degrees
              Pre-Surgery Lumbar: 66 degrees

              Post-Surgery Thorasic: 34 degrees
              Post-Surgery Lumbar: 22 degrees

              Comment


              • #8
                We got rid of the raised toilet seat a month ago (4 months after 1st surgery). I found it necessary and the nice thing about it is that I used it in the shower for the first 2 or 3 showers after I was allowed to shower. The heat from the shower felt great on my back, however, I felt really light-headed so needed the seat for safety. The hospital physical therapist arranged for its delivery about an hour after I arrived home from the hospital. Our insurance covered all but $9.89 of the cost. The best 10 bucks I ever spent!

                As far as getting aids ahead of time, I was sent home with a ‘spine kit’ which had a ‘reacher’ and a thing to aid in putting socks on and a walker. I only use the reacher now but the sock aid was great when I needed it. Also, before the surgery I found a really long shoehorn in the kid’s area of IKEA. It was $.99! I about flipped when I saw it – and boy did I use the heck out of that too! Not sure if they still have them or not….yes they do so I’ve included the link to the site.

                http://www.ikea.com/us/en/search/?query=shoehorn

                Good luck with your upcoming surgery!
                Julie - 51 yrs old

                Dx'd 1973 - 43* thoracic curve / rotation
                Wore Milwaukee brace 1973 - 1979
                Pre-surgery: 63* thoracic / 52* lumbar curves


                Surgeries: P - March 16, 2009 - Fused T3-S2 with pelvic fixation
                A -April 14, 2009 - Fused L5-S1
                Achieved +70% Correction
                Dr. Khaled Kebaish, (and team) Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore


                Standing x-ray
                New Spine 03/19/2009
                New Spine Lateral 03/19/2009

                Comment


                • #9
                  Thanks!

                  Thank you all for the advice. I guess there is no rush to get equipment ahead of time. I will probably wait and see what the therapist thinks I need. I will, however get the $.99 shoehorn!
                  Thank you, Thank you, Thank you.
                  Diagnosed age 10. No treatment
                  Thoracic curve:?
                  Lumbar curve: 50 degrees with rotation
                  Surgery Sept.16,2009
                  Fusion T-11 to pelvis
                  Dr. Frank Rand
                  New England Baptist Hospital

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    First Mate
                    Actually, the only thing I bought before my surgery were a fancy pair of sandals or clogs and never bothered with the shoe horn since it was quite a lot of work getting the socks on. After a few months it was easier to do.

                    I would definitely recommend a latex foam topper for the bed. 2-3 inches thick, it will double your cherished sleep time. This you would have to buy. The rear wound area is very delicate and hard to sleep on and the foam helps considerably.

                    The hospital will determine what you will need at the hospital. They will bill your insurance company for these items. The walker, grabber, etc.

                    Walkers are kyphotic generators. You don't want to be leaning forward all that much while walking. Also, the lifting the back of a hospital bed will bend the newly fused spine "kyphotic" You really want to maintain a straight or normal position especially in the immediate days right after you are fused.

                    I used old ski poles for walking. They work better for warding off friendly dogs who want to jump on you.

                    Make sure you have lots of soft pillows........

                    You should be on a surgical diet, eating only the best of foods to boost your immune system. You want to enter the hospital in the best of shape.

                    My advice on step stools, is to throw them out. Falls are not allowed. Find somebody tall.
                    Ed
                    49 yr old male, now 63, the new 64...
                    Pre surgery curves T70,L70
                    ALIF/PSA T2-Pelvis 01/29/08, 01/31/08 7" pelvic anchors BMP
                    Dr Brett Menmuir St Marys Hospital Reno,Nevada

                    Bending and twisting pics after full fusion
                    http://www.scoliosis.org/forum/showt...on.&highlight=

                    My x-rays
                    http://www.scoliosis.org/forum/attac...2&d=1228779214

                    http://www.scoliosis.org/forum/attac...3&d=1228779258

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      Thanks Titaniumed

                      Sandals may have been fine for Reno but I live in Chelmsford, Ma (near NH boarder) and I neen my socks!!
                      The foam topper sounds good as I have trouble sleeping under the best circumstances.
                      Are you serious about the ski poles? You sound like a joker and I'm so new at this!
                      OK--no step stools--no falls. My poor husband.
                      I am eating well to get prepared. Hope it helps.
                      Thanks for all your tips--I really appreciate them.
                      Kathy
                      Diagnosed age 10. No treatment
                      Thoracic curve:?
                      Lumbar curve: 50 degrees with rotation
                      Surgery Sept.16,2009
                      Fusion T-11 to pelvis
                      Dr. Frank Rand
                      New England Baptist Hospital

                      Comment


                      • #12
                        I am not the one to give any post-surg advice, because I'm pre-surg as well. But. . .if you don'talready have them, try Uggs boots or slip-on shoes - you don't need socks with them (just don't get the black lining, because the black does rub off on your feet.) I live in WI. . .and it is frigging cold here in the winter, and I've worn Uggs, almost exclusively, for the past several winters. . .socks on/socks off problem solved.

                        My elderly aunt, who needs help with balance when walking any significant distance (like across a restaurant floor) SWEARS by the ski pole route!!
                        Fused T-3 to L-3, Aug 25
                        Hardware removal surgery, Nov 2, 2010
                        Fused T-10 to L-2, osteotomy, Feb 22, 2011

                        Comment


                        • #13
                          To mgs

                          Uggs shoes/boots sound like they will work. I actually have the Ugg slippers (a Christmas gift from one of my kids) and I love them. The ski pole thing is new to me but worth a try.
                          Good luck on the 25th. I'll be thinking warm thoughts.
                          We'll have to compare notes after our surgeries!
                          Take care
                          Diagnosed age 10. No treatment
                          Thoracic curve:?
                          Lumbar curve: 50 degrees with rotation
                          Surgery Sept.16,2009
                          Fusion T-11 to pelvis
                          Dr. Frank Rand
                          New England Baptist Hospital

                          Comment


                          • #14
                            I agree with Ed on the foam topper--one of my best pre-surgery investments. On here I also found out about satin sheets & even satin night shirt/pj's. It made it so much easier to "logroll" in and out of bed or to turn. Still using all of these things. When I happen to sleep in a different bed with cotton sheets I can definitely tell the difference. The ski pole thing is for real. My p.t. suggested it but I never got to that point and went to 2 canes and then just walking. I wish I had tried it & done the walker a shorter time.
                            Janet
                            Janet

                            61 years old--57 for surgery

                            Diagnosed in 1965 at age of 13--no brace
                            Thoracic Curve: 96 degrees to 35 degrees
                            Lumbar Curve: 63 degrees to 5 degrees
                            Surgery with Dr. Lenke in St. Louis--March 30, 2009
                            T-2 to Pelvis, and hopefully all posterior procedure.

                            All was posterior along with 2 cages and 6 osteotomies.

                            Comment


                            • #15
                              I've worn the Ugg slippers all Winter and they've been great, no bending. But it's warming up now so I've gone back to my old scuff type slippers. I've got used to wearing my joggers without untying the laces. They are just loose enough to just shove my foot in!
                              Surgery March 3, 2009 at almost 58, now 63.
                              Dr. Askin, Brisbane, Australia
                              T4-Pelvis, Posterior only
                              Osteotomies and Laminectomies
                              Was 68 degrees, now 22 and pain free

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