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#1
06-07-2006, 03:14 PM
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Considering surgery...Question on bathroom stuff
A little gross but I have to know and I know you all will be honest. I have IBS w/diarrhea a few times a week, bad stomach pains, etc. etc. I'm not really worried about the constipation as I know exactly what to eat to bring on the bowel movements BUT I seriously need to know...can you take care of clean up in the bathroom yourself - to put it in a nice way - right after surgery or do you need someone to do that for you? My mom and husband would be my caregivers but even after 9 years of marriage I just can't imagine him having to do this! I know it's probably the last thing to worry about but when you have IBS and are in the bathroom constantly this does tend to be a big deal. I've tried doing this w/o moving my back just to see but when you're really not in pain it's hard to tell what all you're moving.
I was reading Corkscrew's posts about his wife being in the bathroom with him but I didn't know if that was everyone or maybe if it depended on how far the fusion was...I have a T7 - L2 curve so I would imagine I wouldn't be fused the whole way down (but I don't know for sure how that works). Thanks everyone. 
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#2
06-07-2006, 03:20 PM
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There are some embarassing topics, but necessary. When I finally could go to the bathroom (my last day in the hospital) I did need help and only for two times after that. I was then flexible enough to use the bathroom independently. Just remember everyone is different.
__________________
Jenn 37 y/o female 60 degree lumbar 45 degree thoracic 1st time anterior/posterior surgery May 8th and 10th 2006 T 5 to S 1 NYC
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#3
06-07-2006, 03:22 PM
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Hi...
An excellent question. I think it depends on how long and how low your fusion is. Fortunately, if you do need help, a toilet tissue aid can do the trick: http://www.beabletodo.com/Detail.bok?no=37 Regards, Linda
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#4
06-07-2006, 03:36 PM
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I just knew Linda could steer us to some kind of device. This has been a big concern of mine as well since I too suffer from IBS and I will require a long fusion to the sacrum. At least I don't have to worry about feminine hygiene stuff. I believe that would require some dexterity as well. All this stuff to think about.
Chris
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Surgery 6/23/08 to treat 80 degree thoracolumbar curve (age 59) Fusion from T4 to sacrum Dr. Purnendu Gupta University of Chicago Medical Center “Pray, hope, and do not worry. Worry is useless.” – St. Padre Pio
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#5
06-07-2006, 03:37 PM
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My goodness. What haven't they thought of! I didn't know such a thing existed. Thanks.
__________________
40 y.o. married w/a 9 and 12 y.o 62 degree curve T7 - L2 Never had surgery/Thinking about it and gathering all the info I can!
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#6
06-07-2006, 04:25 PM
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Post op IBS
Usually the pain meds will stop diarrhea cold.
 There is an excellent self-help web site to get a grip on this which helped me: helpforibs.com Actually, since I also have IBS-well controlled using their hints-I was not troubled while on post op pain medicines.
__________________
Original scoliosis surgery 1956 T-4 to L-2 ~100 degree thoracic (triple)curves at age 14. NO hardware-lost correction. Anterior/posterior revision T-4 to Sacrum in 2002, age 60, by Dr. Boachie-Adjei @Hospital for Special Surgery, NY = 50% correction 
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#7
06-07-2006, 05:16 PM
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I appreciate the question. With surgery from T2-S1 required, I want to be prepared for things like this. I've been married for nearly 34 years, but I have always been totally private in the bathroom. I don't want my husband to help me in this area! Letting him help me shower early on is all I intend to expect of him in the way of personal hygienne! Guess I need to look into ordering the "helper".
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#8
06-07-2006, 05:41 PM
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I really don't want my husband doing more than helping w/ the shower too, Marcia!! I may need that device too! Like I said in another post, they measured my arms at 5'9"or more so I hope(if you can move your arms a bit???) I'll be able to manage! Ly
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