Planning another revision - this time to ilium

[mgs]

I saw Dr. Tribus today for a consult. He did my 3 spine surgeries, in '09,'10 and '11 - fused from T-3 to L-3. I had great years until the past couple, but now am in pain. The surgical plan is ASF L3 to S1 and PSF L1 to - ileum. After surgery, 6 weeks using a tilt bed so that I can go straight from lying down to standing and thus avoid the sitting position, to protect the fusion in those first weeks. If anyone has been through this, I would appreciate any sharing of your experience. During the tilt bed period, how are bathroom activities handled? After healing, ladies, could you shave your legs? Any other considerations, short- and long - term, to be aware of? With my previous surgeries, this forum was invaluable for both my pre-op preparation and for getting through the recovery period.

[LindaRacine]

I've never heard of anyone having a no sitting for 6 weeks. I'd be so intimidated to do that. It seems to me that you would need to either be in a skilled nursing facility, or have a caretaker with you at home. Good luck!

[mgs]

Doctor's note on MyChart, 5/09/24:

We also discussed that because her fusion will include the sacrum, we would require her to discharge to a nursing facility after surgery, as she will need to use a tilt table in order to transition from lying to standing. We will restrict her from sitting for about 6 weeks if able to encourage the highest chance of healing

According to a separate MyChart note, no hip flexion greater than 30*. Dr. Tribus said that I would be allowed to sort of lean back against a wall or counter and bend at the hips a very small amount - which might be a more comfortable position when eating. From his demonstration, I liken it to being allowed to sit on/against the very edge of a high barstool, with your feet remaining on the floor. But as far as getting in and out of bed or up and down from a chair, no.

It does sound like a wild ride!

[mgs]

The idea of 6 weeks using a tilt table, no hip flexion greater than 30*, and being away from home for so long...ugh. Dr. Tribus did say that one option is to stop with L4/L5, but that further fusion would likely be necessary later. Maybe that is good enough for now, and I should kick the can on fusing to S1 w/pelvic fixation, and the tilt table, for as long as I can? The NSF forum is my go-to for info, and learning from shared experiences. I've read several people's posts about their fusions to S1 w/pelvic fixation, but not one person has mentioned a tilt table nor a hip flexion restriction (I can't imagine what 6 weeks of "no sitting" will be like). Maybe this is a new practice in managing postop pelvic fixation, to better the chance of fusion? Thoughts, anyone?