Some of these things have probably been answered lots of times already but here we go. Hope all you post-ops can help.
Short-term--how in the world do you sleep? Do you actually sleep on your back?? I'm one of those side/fetal position sleepers and I tend to move around a lot at night. Once you're in bed, do you have to stay in one position all night unless someone helps you?? I'm talking about the first few weeks home. I know in the hospital I'll be so doped I won't even care.
The Wolpert book recommends button-front clothing for a while--nothing that requires you to raise your arms to put it on. Is that pretty much the case? If so, how long until you can (or have someone) pull a top over your head without pain? If I'm doing a rehab week, should I bring along some easy sweats or something other than bed wear? Dr. Lonner is recommending that extra week so that I would still be near his office in case something goes wrong in that early recovery pd. However, he said if I do "too well" insurance will boot me home anyway.
Now this is a long-term way-down-the-road question. I am a lap swimmer. I average 4-5 miles a week in the summer and try to get in at least a mile or 2 weekly during the school year. (Don't be too impressed--it's the only thing I can do athletically.) Anyway, a friend of mine with a long fusion said she can't even kick anymore. Dr. Lonner was kind of vague when I asked if I will still be able to swim. He said yes but with modified strokes, doubtful that I would be able to swim that far, etc. etc. Kind of depressing because I think the swimming has helped my back and my breathing. (passed that test with flying colors Are there any post-op swimmers and how do you manage it?
I think that's it for now. Yes, I'm a little type A, pathologically organized, anal/retentive, whatever...It'll be quite a new experience for me not to be in control for a while! I still can't believe how fast this is happening!!!
Anne
Short-term--how in the world do you sleep? Do you actually sleep on your back?? I'm one of those side/fetal position sleepers and I tend to move around a lot at night. Once you're in bed, do you have to stay in one position all night unless someone helps you?? I'm talking about the first few weeks home. I know in the hospital I'll be so doped I won't even care.
The Wolpert book recommends button-front clothing for a while--nothing that requires you to raise your arms to put it on. Is that pretty much the case? If so, how long until you can (or have someone) pull a top over your head without pain? If I'm doing a rehab week, should I bring along some easy sweats or something other than bed wear? Dr. Lonner is recommending that extra week so that I would still be near his office in case something goes wrong in that early recovery pd. However, he said if I do "too well" insurance will boot me home anyway.
Now this is a long-term way-down-the-road question. I am a lap swimmer. I average 4-5 miles a week in the summer and try to get in at least a mile or 2 weekly during the school year. (Don't be too impressed--it's the only thing I can do athletically.) Anyway, a friend of mine with a long fusion said she can't even kick anymore. Dr. Lonner was kind of vague when I asked if I will still be able to swim. He said yes but with modified strokes, doubtful that I would be able to swim that far, etc. etc. Kind of depressing because I think the swimming has helped my back and my breathing. (passed that test with flying colors Are there any post-op swimmers and how do you manage it?
I think that's it for now. Yes, I'm a little type A, pathologically organized, anal/retentive, whatever...It'll be quite a new experience for me not to be in control for a while! I still can't believe how fast this is happening!!!
Anne
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