Spinal Surgery and Turkey

[Irina]

This is a random question, but I am just curious. Several years after the surgery, when you are all healed, can/should you put the turkey in and out of the oven? I understand that there should not be any lifting restrictions after a year, but to pull the turkey off the oven you have to bend forward and lift 14-18 pounds, which is not the most ergonomic way to lift something heavy. Is that Ok to do or pulling turkey off the oven should be husband's job if he wants to eat that turkey?

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

[titaniumed]

Irina

My biggest problem with Thanksgiving has to do with overeating. Sometimes, I cant help it, and really pay a price! Its hard to process that much food. If I don’t post this weekend, you know what happened. (smiley face) I have found that digestive health is critical to how I feel....

I can certainly lift a turkey out of the oven, regardless of bending over and being in a bad position. I do have permission to lift 100# I also don’t have to worry about discs below a fusion mass since I’m fused all the way down. I think of it as a benefit.

I know this is hard to believe and even I had my doubts, but as time passed I would lift more and more. This happened after I was 18 months post during the very slow process of rebuilding of my soft tissues. My strength came back during the 2nd and 3rd years of my recovery.

It’s always best to simply ask for help lifting things. I actually had the bagger girls load my groceries into my car for the longest time after my surgeries, and had them load the bags 1/2 full. You simply say I have a million dollar spine and I’m fused from the neck to the knees. (smile when you do this) Unloading the car at home might take a few more trips...I don’t do this anymore because I’m completely recovered now.

Have a happy Thanksgiving!
Ed

[Wish2bstraight]

Happy turkey day to you

I would err on thesideof caution and have hubby lifttheturkey out of the oven. Better to be safe than sorry. I have not had my surgery yet, and I ask for help all the time. Enjoy.

[Susie*Bee]

I have hubby do it, but I'm not fused all the way down and still have weight limitations-- closer to 20+ a little. Besides, my PT instructions for lifting anything low= to squat, bring it close to your body, then stand with it. (BTW, that's the correct way for anyone, but especially someone already at risk.) The oven door ruins that... And the turkey is unstable as it can shift in the pan a little. If there's someone around, why risk it?

[jackieg412]

I would also ask for help in this matter.Why not?I am sure if there was an emergency I would lift what was necessay--like a grandchild,but I would think anything that you can be helped with---should be!

[susancook]

Husband...yes, taking any chance for difficulty in doing it yourself...NO!
Susan

[debbei]

I'm 4 years post-op. In the beginning of my post op period, I did ask for my husband to do most of this stuff, but not anymore. We always fry our turkey outside (and that's hubby's job), but I was putting some really heavy pans in and out of the oven yesterday. Plus, my range is a Wolf, and the racks are lower than conventional ranges. I do just fine.