Back Surgery?

[jeepin' jen]

Ok friends, I need insider tips! A loved one is scheduled for back surgery in the next couple of weeks (specifically a fusion L4 or 5 to S1). We're trying to get everything squared away to ensure the recovery doesn't absolutely suck.

For those with experience with similar surgeries, any must haves?

 

[Jeff B]

A walker and a toilet seat riser was most important for my knee replacement. I would think both would be very helpful for a back surgery too.

 

[kaiser715]

Here's some stuff that helped when I had the kidney done:

Things we did beforehand:

Hired retired nurse (our neighbor) to stay 2 days and first night at home to give wife a break.
Arranged for a neighbor meet us as soon as arrived home to help inside if needed, carry stuff in, etc.
Had several friends/neighbors alerted that they may be called if needed anything done.
Arranged phone tree with several friends and family members to relay phone calls sharing progress reports.
Set up recovery station at recliner prior to hospital, with every thing in reach (books, tablet, phone charger cables, kleenex, remotes, water, etc)
Set up drawer at bedside for meds and medical supplies prior to hospital
Prepared some meals and foods ahead of time, froze
Be sure pathways in house are clear of clutter and safe (especially if managing with walker)

Stuff we either had on hand already, or bought:

Urinal jars for bedside at home (amazon better quality & lid seal than take home from hospital)
Long handled silicone shower brush
Walker (stability walking first day or two, and great help getting up from toilet)
Electric lift chair (had from wife's knee replacement, but really helpful first 5 days) (Hard to get out of regular recliner, was able to easily start using regular on 6th or 7th day)
(Doctor might say that recliners are off-limits with back surgery. When renee had her knee done, manual recliner not allowed, but electric lift chair was OK)
Bought a couple of LED floor reading lamps (great for bed, because with remote control, did not have to reach and twist for switch on lamp)
Small pillow to hold against belly when coughing, sneezing, hiccups. Took to hospital.
Picker-upper stick

 

[VortecJeep]

I’ve had 3 back surgeries, all on L5-S1.
First two were discectomies in 2016 and 2017.
Third one was a fusion in 2018.

I did not need any medical devices such as walkers or anything. My favorite chair to sit in was a zero gravity camp chair from Academy.

My advice from experience:
walk multiple times a day.
If the doc prescribe PT, do it.
Once the doc fully releases you for all physical activity, focus on core strength. A strong core will help keep things in place and prevent future injuries. I’m stronger now than I ever was before those 3 surgeries because I never want to have to go thru that again.

 

[No fries]

I’ve had 3 back surgeries, all on L5-S1.
First two were discectomies in 2016 and 2017.
Third one was a fusion in 2018.

I did not need any medical devices such as walkers or anything. My favorite chair to sit in was a zero gravity camp chair from Academy.

My advice from experience:
walk multiple times a day.
If the doc prescribe PT, do it.
Once the doc fully releases you for all physical activity, focus on core strength. A strong core will help keep things in place and prevent future injuries. I’m stronger now than I ever was before those 3 surgeries because I never want to have to go thru that again.

PT for any surgery is ALWAYS a key part to recovery. Make sure the PT at home is done too when recommended.

 

[kaiser715]

I am doing PT now. My therapist said something interesting last week.... Doctors should require PT *before* surgery. To establish a baseline, work on core strength if needed, etc

 

[jeepin' jen]

Thank you all so much - great info & a huge help with getting us prepared!

PT was completed prior to surgery & is definitely a non-negotiable in my book! Once the doctor gives the go-ahead, that'll get scheduled during recovery. I have a feeling heavy lifting days will be replaced with yoga & walks.

 

[YOUNGBLOOD13]

Just had it done on Thanksgiving. Vortec pretty much nailed it. One other thing, they are going to be in miserabke pain. Be ready for it, meds, ice packs, hot water bottle, pillows, a fan, anything comfort related. It hurts and they told me what I already knew, "if we told you you wouldnt do it"

 

[jeepin' jen]

Just had it done on Thanksgiving. Vortec pretty much nailed it. One other thing, they are going to be in miserabke pain. Be ready for it, meds, ice packs, hot water bottle, pillows, a fan, anything comfort related. It hurts and they told me what I already knew, "if we told you you wouldnt do it"

Oh gosh that sounds awful! Hopefully you're on the other side of the pain & doing well with recovery now!

 

[R Q]

I am doing PT now. My therapist said something interesting last week.... Doctors should require PT *before* surgery. To establish a baseline, work on core strength if needed, etc

I've had two total knee replacements, right and left of course. One of my biggest issues was getting the first one to get back to "normal" asap. Before I had the (second) left one done I spent a lot of time stretching and strengthening it so I could heal up better and man did it help!

 

[skyhighZJ]

Y’all are too serious here. Wheeling, beer and pot!!! Fixes everything!! Dr.s are clowns.

 

[ghost]

I'm in FL helping with my parents this week who both just had back surgery. There is some great advice in here especially the PT. The pick up tools have been used a lot. Both used shower chairs and potty chairs. Both my parents went to a rehab hospital for about 10 days after the surgery and both said that was the best decision.

 

[jeepin' jen]

I'm in FL helping with my parents this week who both just had back surgery. There is some great advice in here especially the PT. The pick up tools have been used a lot. Both used shower chairs and potty chairs. Both my parents went to a rehab hospital for about 10 days after the surgery and both said that was the best decision.

Prayers for speedy recoveries! The pick up tool is definitely on the list. A friend is bringing me a shower chair just in case because we have super deep jacuzzi tubs that will be a bitch to step in & out of.

I tried to get these recovery shoes but got shutdown

 

[rodney eppes]

I had mine two years ago. My older brother has done his twice. All good advice here, but I disagree with Youngblood on the Pain. Maybe he had something different, or wasn't given Pain pills. I don't know, but Neither my brother or myself, experienced much pain. I was given three different pain pills to help out. I only took about half of them. I replaced my 40 year old Waterbed, with a new Adjustable bed, right before my surgery. Figured I would break or damage the back repairs, trying to get out of the Waterbed! LOL. I got the 2" lift extensions on the bed legs so I can just slide out of the bed In a standing position. My vertebra alignment was set with bone grafts. I was afraid I'd break them if I bent over! But I did have good mobility motion. I had early morning surgery, & went home the same day, after recovery. I'm sure I spent the first night in my Lazy-Boy recliner. I wasn't suppose to drive for the first 5 or 10 days; don't recall which. But after a few days, well, McDonalds is less than a mile from me. LOL. Showers only for the first 10 days, & someone to change the bandage for 7 or 10 days. I had a friend stay with me the first week, & after he had to leave, another friend would drop by to change the bandage, for the next 3 days. I got a lot of tips & help from my brother, who had experience in this. One thing he had to clear up, after a couple days, where the operation was, you will end up Black & Blue! It's only Bruising, & nothing to be alarmed about. It too will clear up.