How soon can you get your hair done after surgery?

[LisaB]

I went to the hair salon in our hotel the day after they released me from the hospital. I just wanted my hair washed as I was starting to go nuts. They propped me in the chair with pillows so I was comfortable reclining slightly over the shampoo sink and washed and blow dried my hair. I felt wonderful after that. I did it again yesterday. They were all so nice.

[mbeckoff]

I went to the hair salon in our hotel the day after they released me from the hospital. I just wanted my hair washed as I was starting to go nuts. They propped me in the chair with pillows so I was comfortable reclining slightly over the shampoo sink and washed and blow dried my hair. I felt wonderful after that. I did it again yesterday. They were all so nice.

Wow you were brave

[jsully]

I did 2 weeks after. I brought a pillow, it made me feel better It didn't hurt to get my hair washed. It felt good to let someone else do it. I colored my hair right before surgery and had a pedicure. Then I got another pedicure at 5 weeks. I cut my own toenails with no problem a couple weeks ago and colored my own hair last week.
Janet

[Back-out]

Trades offs in function - especially for thoracic fusion length?

I wish someone could indicate just what differences make it harder/easier to cut toenails, lift arms (to do hair) and other difficulties which seem to vary so much between patients. I'm sure fusion length makes a big difference, but it sure doesn't seem to be the only or even main factor.

I know what physical functions matters most to me to preserve: being able to sit (to work at table top easel and laptop), and being able to wipe my bottom - WELL! In other words - independence in THE most intimate/urgent personal care and being able to work in my areas.

If I can't preserve these two functions, I'm not sure any trade-off - even in pain - will be worth it (can you tell I'm going through one of those spells of much reduced pain, that blows the minds of us awaiting surgery? ).

Someone said those of us awaiting a long fusion, need counseling about what to expect and I see the point as I think of my primary goals! Surgeons I've seen - variable in many ways - all DO seem to underplay loss of function and difficulty of rehab. I'd really like to know more, especially according to proposed fusion length. That goes extra especially because I will probably be part of the decision making for where to start the upper fusion, as it's more discretionary.

[Back-out]

Does everyone but me have pedicures - or is it just after surgery?

Just out of curiosity, how many of you ALWAYS have pedicures? I've never had one in my life and I'm starting to feel odd (wo)man out! I'm not even sure I have friends for whom this a part of their beauty routine!

Or is this just something "everyone's talking about" because of the bending limitations post surgery? Will this be a novelty for others of you too (as it will be for me, if I give them a shot)?

[ADMoul]

Did the haircut/color thing at about 5-6 weeks with no problem. Like Susie, I had my brace on and brought a pillow along. My hairdresser, who's more like a friend, would have come to the house if needed. I started the pedicure thing at about 8 weeks or so--had no trouble with the massaging chairs. My husband did my toenails before that but I think the pedicure thing is going to be a permanent habit. That's a really nice way to unwind!

[JenniferG]

I've never had a pedicure either Amanda. I colour my own hair too. But I most certainly couldn't reach my toenails, even with my foot on a chair, in the first 12 months! Well, I could touch them, but not able to manipulate a pair of nail cutters.

Re the bottom wiping. There are gadgets available if you have problems. Apparently kitchen tongs do the job as well though it sounds tricky. The good news is, you probably won't have to use them permanently. And there'll never be a need for someone else to do the job, so scratch that one off your worry list. I have a fairly long fusion but could manage it myself, thank goodness.

Glad you're enjoying a bit of relief from the pain atm.

[Susie*Bee]

Just out of curiosity, how many of you ALWAYS have pedicures? I've never had one in my life and I'm starting to feel odd (wo)man out! I'm not even sure I have friends for whom this a part of their beauty routine!

Or is this just something "everyone's talking about" because of the bending limitations post surgery? Will this be a novelty for others of you too (as it will be for me, if I give them a shot)?

I've never had one... It always seemed kind of yucky to me to have someone messin' with my toenails. But that's just me. Maybe someday I'll change my mind. And I hated the year that poor hubby had to cut my nails. Of course, he didn't like it much either!

[jsully]

I did have a hard time wiping the first week or so. Baby wipes definitely helped. As embarrassing as it is I did have to have my husband help the first couple times. As far as pedicures go, I don't always do them. It is more like a treat because the nail polish lasts so much longer. I also have always colored my own hair.
Janet

[foofer]

Just out of curiosity, how many of you ALWAYS have pedicures? I've never had one in my life and I'm starting to feel odd (wo)man out! I'm not even sure I have friends for whom this a part of their beauty routine!

Or is this just something "everyone's talking about" because of the bending limitations post surgery? Will this be a novelty for others of you too (as it will be for me, if I give them a shot)?

Hi Amanda,

Glad you are in less pain and onto other worries It's always something, isn't it? You ask the questions I never think about, and then I sit here and think, "oh yeah, how WOULD you do that?"

I have colored my own hair at times and also use hairdressers at times, depending on how my frugality resolve is weighing in. I hate doing it myself and put it off for days...I keep telling hairdressers that I want to let my gray grow in, as I don't have all that much of it. When I tell this to hairdressers, they save me from myself. One told me she would chase me down and pour it on my hair in the middle of town if I did that

As for pedicures- Love Them.
In late 2007 and mid-2008, I had bunionectomies and osteotomies w/ screws on each foot. My big toe used to grow behind my 2nd toe. It was ugly and painful- I had to change to different shoes at work three different times a day to stay in less pain. So now I love foot pampering, but only in summer. I make myself suffer through Oct- May without pedis. It's all expensive, but I tell myself it's part of my job description- have to be coiffed.

The girl stuff is fun.

[foofer]

Yes

JamieAnn,

I vote yes on having your hair done before surgery. Absolutely.

I wish you all the best in these coming weeks

[debbei]

I've never had a pedicure either Amanda. I colour my own hair too. But I most certainly couldn't reach my toenails, even with my foot on a chair, in the first 12 months! Well, I could touch them, but not able to manipulate a pair of nail cutters.

Re the bottom wiping. There are gadgets available if you have problems. Apparently kitchen tongs do the job as well though it sounds tricky. The good news is, you probably won't have to use them permanently. And there'll never be a need for someone else to do the job, so scratch that one off your worry list. I have a fairly long fusion but could manage it myself, thank goodness.

Glad you're enjoying a bit of relief from the pain atm.

Here is the "Bottom Buddy" you won't need any help if you use this with baby wipes! I can't recommend it highly enough:

http://www.amazon.com/Bottom-Buddy-T...4291238&sr=8-1

[Radiogirl]

I recommend having it done prior to surgery. I had an appointment scheduled for one month after surgery and had to cancel. Couldn't go until 2 months after, and wow, was that uncomfortable.

[heartland]

I had my hair cut before my first surgery it kept it out of the way
and I had my hair washed after my second one [I was too tired to have it done the first time] and it felt really nice

[naptown78]

My hair

Just to join in the chorus: With both of my surgeries, I had my hair cut and colored right before my surgery and had no problem whatsoever going to the salon about 6 weeks post op. I have a long fusion and I can do everything I need to do. I have never had a pedicure so can't comment on that but it sure sounds like a great idea! I can reach my toes with some squirmng so I just do my own. I've always been Miss Independence, where there's a will , there's a way!