A toenail-clipping poll!

[nzgirl]

PS: Goodness Linda, you could lose a toe using those clippers! (see above 2 for link) I have similar things for pruning trees in my gardens! I guess losing your toes might solve the problem of clipping, but you kind of need them for balance.

[Singer]

Wow, I got some great suggestions here! I love the extension-clipper gadget Linda linked -- when you're finished with your nails, you can go outside and trim back your azaleas!!!!

[Singer]

Important clipping update

I just managed to clip the nails on my left foot to perfection by crossing my leg over my right knee. I couldn't quite reach the right foot yet -- the right leg isn't flexible enough. But Hubby is happy that he only has to do one foot -- that's my Christmas present to him.....

[SusanGP]

Joining the toenail-clipping poll!

I am 7 weeks post-op, fused from T-10 to S-1 and so glad to see this poll!!! I sometimes feel that I am unable to do anything for myself in the personal area. I definately can't cut my toenails and I have tried all of the suggestions on the poll. Maybe I don't have much flexibility or...

LindaRacine, I was so glad to see your link, I may just order the tool to clip my own toenails. I can only shave the top of my legs, definately not from my knees down. And my husband is definately not into cutting my toenails or shaving my legs. I still have to wear the brace and it keeps me from doing a lot, but then if I follow my doc's orders I should not twist, bend, or lift.

This forum is great. I don't post often but I do read quite a bit and love the info. I will jump in there in the future when I have something to add because all of you really have helped me. My curve was 62 thorocolumbar pre-op and I don't know what it is post-op. Can you believe I did not ask that question?? I am straighter and a couple of inches taller. Still having quite a time adjusting to all the limitations but knowing the alternative I am glad I had the surgery. I am supposed to be weaning myself down off the pain meds but the pain is still quite strong, so... I just keep trying... Thanks to all of you for posting on this forum. God Bless,
Susan

[txmarinemom]

I love the extension-clipper gadget Linda linked -- when you're finished with your nails, you can go outside and trim back your azaleas!!!!

LMAO, Singer ... I needed that. Thanks! ;-)

Regards,
Pam

[JoAnn5]

Welcome, Susan GP!! So glad to have you join us!!

Hang in there, your flexibility will get better, and so will your pain. Don't rush yourself! This a long and slow recovery that you have good days and bad....two steps forward and one step back... you know how that goes... but you WILL make it!!

[CStadler]

Yikes Carol...

Just because you can do it doesn't mean you should. Weren't you told not to bend more than 90 degrees?

--Linda

Hi Linda,
Yes I had the 90 degree restriction but at 6 weeks my surgeon told me I could bend forward but not lift anything while doing that and also not to go further than was comfortable. I was always very flexible (lots of yoga) and being a small person I think helps as well. It is also easy for me to bring my foot up behind myself but I found it easier to lean slightly forward.

I did ask if anyone knows if you are allowed to sit on the couch and lean sideways with a pillow under your ribs. I know it is not sitting straight but sometimes it is so hard to get comfortable.

[Singer]

I wouldn't dare sit that way myself, as I'm always careful to keep my hips and torso even and aligned. It IS really hard to get comfortable for the first few months.

[Geish]

I plan on using this as an excuse to get regular pedicures!