Almost 3 Months Post-Op Update

[briarrose]

I just got back from my 4.5 post-op appointment. Dr. Fras said my spine is fusing much faster than normal and he's really pleased with how I look. I asked him about the sit-ups/crunches and he said to not do them and try again in a few more months. He said it was normal not to be able to do them and kept reminding me that 4.5 months is not far along post-op. He suggested I try running but only start out at 1/4 mile or less. I'm afraid to try but maybe I will this weekend. I brought up the difficulty standing and he said that was normal too. Regarding the itching, he suggested I ask for Atarax or Vistaril from my PCP.

Overall, it was an encouraging appointment. I go back in February.

[debbei]

I just got back from my 4.5 post-op appointment. Dr. Fras said my spine is fusing much faster than normal and he's really pleased with how I look. I asked him about the sit-ups/crunches and he said to not do them and try again in a few more months. He said it was normal not to be able to do them and kept reminding me that 4.5 months is not far along post-op. He suggested I try running but only start out at 1/4 mile or less. I'm afraid to try but maybe I will this weekend. I brought up the difficulty standing and he said that was normal too. Regarding the itching, he suggested I ask for Atarax or Vistaril from my PCP.

Overall, it was an encouraging appointment. I go back in February.

YEAH Shell!! Great news!! I thought of you this morning as I packed 3 of the shampoo caps Do you think that's enough to bring?

[briarrose]

YEAH Shell!! Great news!! I thought of you this morning as I packed 3 of the shampoo caps Do you think that's enough to bring?

Hi Debbe,

I think 3 should be enough. I was in the hospital for 9 days and my husband washed my hair twice. You can always ask the nurses for another shampoo cap if you need it.

Shell

[txmarinemom]

... I've been having awful phantom itching for a long time now, and its getting worse. Dr Anderson said there's really nothing for it. ...

Sharon, many of us are on Gabapentin (generic Neurontin) or Lyrica for it, and have had success in controlling it to a large degree. I wonder why he told you there was nothing available?

Pam

[txmarinemom]

... He suggested I try running but only start out at 1/4 mile or less. I'm afraid to try but maybe I will this weekend.

Let me know how that goes ... it still feels kind of "jarring" to me, but not painful ...

Pam

[Qikdraw]

For running have you thought of using an eliptical machine instead? No impact at all, which for us I think is very important! We bought one a few years ago along with a recumbant bike and my wife uses them daily! I need to start back up on them as well.

You can get machines that just alter tension or also have different programs that can be used as well. My wife says its one of the best purchases we have ever made.

Shell there are also ab exercises you can do that use your legs instead of sit up type exercises. Those would be better than straining your back I think.

[briarrose]

Pam- I will let you know how the running goes. My plan is to run to my mailbox and back (probably 1/10 of a mile) on Friday evening so I have the whole weekend to recover. Was your first run post-op really painful?

Brad - I would love to try an elliptical machine but unfortunately money is extremely tight now so I can't buy one. Thanks for mentioning it though. When I graduate college and get a job, we may be able to afford one. I do have a recumbant bike but I don't feel like I get a good work out from it. The leg exercises I do help my abs a little, but nothing compared to good old crunches. I used to do Pilates a lot too but I don't even want to try because I know I won't be able to do most of it.

[txmarinemom]

For running have you thought of using an eliptical machine instead? No impact at all, which for us I think is very important!

Brad, I'd just like to note it's hard to make it around the bases on an elliptical.

[txmarinemom]

Pam- I will let you know how the running goes. My plan is to run to my mailbox and back (probably 1/10 of a mile) on Friday evening so I have the whole weekend to recover. Was your first run post-op really painful?

Shell ... no, not painful at all. I just started with walking a mile or two, then interspersing 30 yrd (or so) burst sprints, full out.

I just felt the impact more when I ran, and I am *sure* it's because every other muscle that absorbed the shock was weaker than before.

Pam

[Qikdraw]

Brad - I would love to try an elliptical machine but unfortunately money is extremely tight now so I can't buy one. Thanks for mentioning it though. When I graduate college and get a job, we may be able to afford one. I do have a recumbant bike but I don't feel like I get a good work out from it. The leg exercises I do help my abs a little, but nothing compared to good old crunches. I used to do Pilates a lot too but I don't even want to try because I know I won't be able to do most of it.

Shell,

I can understand the money crunch, I think a lot of people, including me, are feeling that. We were lucky that at the time we bought it both my wife & I were working and had the money to pay for it. My wife has been using it pretty consistantly for about 2 years now and the combination of the elyptical and recumbant bike, she has lost around 40 lbs. Now she is tight and trim, and gets compliments from strangers about her legs. lol I'm really proud of her. Now I need to get onto the machines before I weigh too much. lol

I hope you can find something that will not put too much of a strain on your back. Listen to Pam though, she'll have the best ideas I think.

Brad

[Qikdraw]

Brad, I'd just like to note it's hard to make it around the bases on an elliptical.

What? I would have thought you could lift that onto your back and still sprint around the bases!