Dressing Stick and Sock Aid

[Irina]

I am reading David Wolpert’s book and getting a lot of information there. I have a question that wasn’t covered in much detail there. For how long have you used a dressing stick and sock aid (especially if you are fused to the sacrum)? Please tell me you don’t have to use it forever as the picture of me pulling my pants on with that stick makes me cringe… Are these tools only needed during the first year and then you ditch it? Yes??? What about leggings or pantyhose? Are these going to be out for good or there are some creative ways to pull them on?

[Spring72]

I am reading David Wolpert’s book and getting a lot of information there. I have a question that wasn’t covered in much detail there. For how long have you used a dressing stick and sock aid (especially if you are fused to the sacrum)? Please tell me you don’t have to use it forever as the picture of me pulling my pants on with that stick makes me cringe… Are these tools only needed during the first year and then you ditch it? Yes??? What about leggings or pantyhose? Are these going to be out for good or there are some creative ways to pull them on?

I used the sock aid for a few months, I was certain I would have to use it forever! Now I can put them on at 6 months on my own with no problems. I used the dressing stick once and a while to help pull up my underwear and pants just to the point where I could reach them for a couple months and then was able to do it on my own. As far as the pantyhose...I haven't tried, I don't see how it is possible at this time but I don't believe it will be out forever. I never really wore them anyway so I never gave it much thought. I also lifted my arms above my head right after surgery and thought I wouldn't be able to because other's couldn't. We are all so different, even when we have the same length fusions, etc.

[golfnut]

I never needed the dressing stick, but used the sock aide for at least 6 months. I have managed to get panty hose on twice, but it is not easy. I usually go bare legged. It took a long time to be able to tie my tennis shoes in the middle, but can now do it. Everything gets easier each month.

[JenniferG]

I had neither. There were times I wished I had something. Looking back, I think vision of me getting dressed would have been hilarious. Stockings/tights? Forget 'em for the first 6 months. At least.

[Confusedmom]

Only 16 weeks in here, but I use a chair, dressing stick, grabber and sock device every day. I could go without some, but it would hurt more. So why?

I do not have any problem getting shirts over my head and never had to wear button-ups.

[nanlo]

I didn't need the dressing stick, although I used my trust grabber for that purpose for the first couple of weeks after surgery. I loved the sock donner though - used it for maybe 6 months. I am almost two years out now, and panty hose (or anything else) are no problem for me.
Cheers,
Nancy

[Confusedmom]

Wow, that's great, Nancy! I hate pantyhose, but good to know I'll be able to wear them someday if I need to!

[Irina]

I didn't need the dressing stick, although I used my trust grabber for that purpose for the first couple of weeks after surgery. I loved the sock donner though - used it for maybe 6 months. I am almost two years out now, and panty hose (or anything else) are no problem for me.
Cheers,
Nancy

Great, Nancy! If I do this surgery, it won't be for cosmetic reasons, but it would be a huge bonus. If I get it, I'll live in dresses and would want to wear panty house in the office. This dress would be like a carrot stick for me during recovery :-) I don't wear dresses because I look ridiculous in them, the only ones I can wear are with a jacket on top. It would be such a thrill to be able to wear any dress I want!