I started to add this to Melissa's thread but decided to turn it into its own.
There was talk there about how one can't sit (at a computer or in general, I guess) only ten days after surgery - and I gather, for a good while after that too. I assume this applies mostly to those whose fusion extends to the pelvis or at least, sacrum.
So, about this sitting business, how long does that difficulty last? Realistic answers only please - I realize there's a range of outcomes. (My projected fusion is to the pelvis). I've been counting on the post op period to get to writing projects. Not immediately of course, but after a month or two. What about drawing at a slant top drawing table? (Usually you sit at them, on high adjustable stools - backless). It will be a colossal bummer if I can't do one or the other. I guess I can use a laptop on my knees in bed, but...
Guess I'm having trouble imagining what I will feel like and what positions I can manage, post op - even to how I will lie in bed. (And how high my bed should be).
Being swamped with more and more questions as I try to picture the whole thing.
Like, what does it feel like when you try to sit?? Can anyone describe it? What stops you from sitting? Pain or problems with balance or insufficient core strength to support your newly straightened spine or - or what?
Also - on a different topic. How much PT do you attend after surgery? Not thinking so much of the rehab facility (though I wonder about that too). but once I'm out of a residential setting. How long does the PT period last, and how much can one do at home? This has major meaning in terms of my insurance coverage. When can one start driving oneself to PT appointments, for that matter?
I live in a medically unsophisticated area. I wonder if the OTs and PTs will be - well, good enough, to know what to have me do.
Specialists seem to be the way to go with this surgery, where garden variety orthopods are way over their heads. Maybe ordinary PTs are too. Do PTs need special training in helping people recover from a reconstruction/fusion? I've thought of renting a place near the surgeon for a few months for the initial period to overcome this problem to a degree (defining "initial period" as until my three month check-up - barring anything out of the ordinary).
My medical coverage crosses state lines so that will help, though, of course, the rental will cost money. And then there’s the matter of hiring help when family burns out. Which reminds me, how long should I ask my S.I.L to help me - if she can, of course?
Whew, out of breath! Hope I'm not making a nuisance of myself. At least, many of these questions are probably of interest to others too. Many thanks!
There was talk there about how one can't sit (at a computer or in general, I guess) only ten days after surgery - and I gather, for a good while after that too. I assume this applies mostly to those whose fusion extends to the pelvis or at least, sacrum.
So, about this sitting business, how long does that difficulty last? Realistic answers only please - I realize there's a range of outcomes. (My projected fusion is to the pelvis). I've been counting on the post op period to get to writing projects. Not immediately of course, but after a month or two. What about drawing at a slant top drawing table? (Usually you sit at them, on high adjustable stools - backless). It will be a colossal bummer if I can't do one or the other. I guess I can use a laptop on my knees in bed, but...
Guess I'm having trouble imagining what I will feel like and what positions I can manage, post op - even to how I will lie in bed. (And how high my bed should be).
Being swamped with more and more questions as I try to picture the whole thing.
Like, what does it feel like when you try to sit?? Can anyone describe it? What stops you from sitting? Pain or problems with balance or insufficient core strength to support your newly straightened spine or - or what?
Also - on a different topic. How much PT do you attend after surgery? Not thinking so much of the rehab facility (though I wonder about that too). but once I'm out of a residential setting. How long does the PT period last, and how much can one do at home? This has major meaning in terms of my insurance coverage. When can one start driving oneself to PT appointments, for that matter?
I live in a medically unsophisticated area. I wonder if the OTs and PTs will be - well, good enough, to know what to have me do.
Specialists seem to be the way to go with this surgery, where garden variety orthopods are way over their heads. Maybe ordinary PTs are too. Do PTs need special training in helping people recover from a reconstruction/fusion? I've thought of renting a place near the surgeon for a few months for the initial period to overcome this problem to a degree (defining "initial period" as until my three month check-up - barring anything out of the ordinary).
My medical coverage crosses state lines so that will help, though, of course, the rental will cost money. And then there’s the matter of hiring help when family burns out. Which reminds me, how long should I ask my S.I.L to help me - if she can, of course?
Whew, out of breath! Hope I'm not making a nuisance of myself. At least, many of these questions are probably of interest to others too. Many thanks!
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