This is specifically for those of you who still have some time before your surgery, are having long fusions down into your lumbars, and may be a little out of shape... Something I'm learning the hard way, post-op, and wanted to pass on in case it would help others. (Sheesh! it's rather embarassing to admit!)
First, if you are good at squatting, skip this. If not, read on. My fusion is 20" long, T2-L4, and I'm not supposed to put any strain on those last two lumbar vertebrae, and am supposed to only bend a little, from the hip... My problem is that I have not squatted for as long as I can remember--maybe never, for all I know! But that is how I need to move up and down now--like for my job of putting books away on lower shelves, or at home--getting things from lower shelves in cupboards, refrigerator, etc. I am going to physical therapy now, to build up the strength in my legs. I always thought they were strong, so don't be fooled like I was. (I'm also working on my arms/shoulders, but will talk about that in a separate post.) I need to learn to squat, keeping my back straight and perpendicular to the floor. Easier said than done if your "center" or sense of balance has never been able to do that. It looks like a long process for me to learn to do that. YIKES! Good thing I'm not going back to work this next semester! It looks like I'll be working on this stuff for a long time. Currently I'm going to pt 3 times a week, plus doing about 2 hours' worth of pt on the other days at home. I'll be going to pt through December, but will need to continue at home after that.
My suggestion to you is that if you can't squat, start working on it now, before your surgery, if at all possible. I know some of you may have too much pain for that. I probably did. Maybe your doctor could even prescribe pt ahead of time. Just a thought. Best wishes!
First, if you are good at squatting, skip this. If not, read on. My fusion is 20" long, T2-L4, and I'm not supposed to put any strain on those last two lumbar vertebrae, and am supposed to only bend a little, from the hip... My problem is that I have not squatted for as long as I can remember--maybe never, for all I know! But that is how I need to move up and down now--like for my job of putting books away on lower shelves, or at home--getting things from lower shelves in cupboards, refrigerator, etc. I am going to physical therapy now, to build up the strength in my legs. I always thought they were strong, so don't be fooled like I was. (I'm also working on my arms/shoulders, but will talk about that in a separate post.) I need to learn to squat, keeping my back straight and perpendicular to the floor. Easier said than done if your "center" or sense of balance has never been able to do that. It looks like a long process for me to learn to do that. YIKES! Good thing I'm not going back to work this next semester! It looks like I'll be working on this stuff for a long time. Currently I'm going to pt 3 times a week, plus doing about 2 hours' worth of pt on the other days at home. I'll be going to pt through December, but will need to continue at home after that.
My suggestion to you is that if you can't squat, start working on it now, before your surgery, if at all possible. I know some of you may have too much pain for that. I probably did. Maybe your doctor could even prescribe pt ahead of time. Just a thought. Best wishes!
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