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Melissa, I have seen folding grabbers on the internet, but that wouldn't give you much time to get them. You might go to a Shopko pharmacy or some other pharmacy that sells medical equipment OR go to a medical supply store and see if they have them. By that, I don't mean you, I mean your husband or have a friend go and see. I hope you find some. You will still have a little time for someone to find you one once you are in the hospital. How long are you supposed to be in the actual hospital? I hope you have a speedy recovery. It will be nice to be able to look people in the face. =)
I think I kind of know a little bit how you feel. My Botox injections paralyze my neck muscles so that when I'm on my hands and knees (like gardening, playing with grandson, etc.) I literally can NOT lift my head up. I get terrible head and neck aches from trying. I had them inject a different spot higher up this time and it helped with the headaches but I still can't lift my head. I also still get neck aches. So I'm empathizing with you. Although my pain is probably nothing compared to what you experience. I can imagine that your muscles are "frustrated and angry", meaning painful and inflamed, by trying to pull your head up and not being able to since your neck is fused. This is hopefully going to let them rest.
Be happy!
We don't know what tomorrow brings,
but we are alive today!
Never argue with an idiot. They always drag you down to their level, and then they beat you with experience. --Twain
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Surgery 2/10/93 A/P fusion T4-L3
Surgery 1/20/11 A/P fusion L2-sacrum w/pelvic fixation
I have one that I use sometimes-- and I remember some people just swearing by them. Best wishes. Praying for you!
I just looked a little closer and I know we just bought mine right at a Wal-Mart store in a not-so-big place... but maybe they're not available everywhere. Most cities have health supply stores where you can buy things like reachers or even sections in a drug store that have "special needs" items... The gopher was so popular, though, that they advertised it on TV and it was readily available at one time.
71 and plugging along... but having some problems 2007 52° w/ severe lumbar stenosis & L2L3 lateral listhesis (side shift) 5/4/07 posterior fusion T2-L4 w/ laminectomies and osteotomies @L2L3, L3L4
Dr. Kim Hammerberg, Rush Univ. Medical Center in Chicago
Corrected to 15°
CMT (type 2) DX in 2014, progressing
10/2018 x-rays - spondylolisthesis at L4/L5 - Dr. DeWald is monitoring
Good luck, Melissa! I will be thinking about you and sending prayers your way.
Evelyn
age 48
80* thoracolumbar; 40* thoracic
Reduced to ~16* thoracolumbar; ~0* thoracic
Surgery 3/14/12 with Dr. Lenke in St. Louis, T4 to S1 with pelvic fixation
Broken rods 12/1/19; scheduled for revision fusion L1-L3-4 with Dr. Lenke 2/4/2020
Not "confused" anymore, but don't know how to change my username.
Same here Melissa-- praying for your surgeon and team and all to go smoothly, as well as your recovery. Your sweet yet courageous spirit through so many hardships has truly inspired so many on the forum. Surely this will be "the time" for the final successful surgery. Hugs, Susie
71 and plugging along... but having some problems 2007 52° w/ severe lumbar stenosis & L2L3 lateral listhesis (side shift) 5/4/07 posterior fusion T2-L4 w/ laminectomies and osteotomies @L2L3, L3L4
Dr. Kim Hammerberg, Rush Univ. Medical Center in Chicago
Corrected to 15°
CMT (type 2) DX in 2014, progressing
10/2018 x-rays - spondylolisthesis at L4/L5 - Dr. DeWald is monitoring
I wanted to tell you that when I was in the hospital, somehow I got a wedge pillow that fit under my knees. But then, when I went to Rehab for a week, they gave me a Grabber, Sock Helper thingy and a hook to grab things. These were the BEST presents I received!!!!
I wouldn't worry about getting one now, ask the hospital or Rehab center you go to, when they're teaching you how to roll, etc., more than likely they'll give you one.
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