Can't lay down...what did you sit in after fusion?

tazdell · #1 10-06-2008, 02:32 PM

Hi,

I am seven days post op double fusion of the lumbar spine. my hips are killing me from laying on my sides too much. I don't own a recliner and am thinking about sending my husband to buy one for me. Please give me some ideas of how you all got comfy!! I am really sick of laying down and would love to sit up a bit!!!e

thanks for the tips......

tazdell

CindyLou · #2 10-06-2008, 05:54 PM

Tazdell,

Mine wasn't double fusion, but one level fusion, plus my 3 artificial lumbar discs, of course. We broke down after my ADR surgery last year and bought a recliner from The Relax The Back Store. I slept in that thing for weeks. You can't lay on your side, like you said, or you'll develop trochanteric bursitis which is extremely difficult to get rid of. That would be my best advice. Hang in there!

Harrison · #3 10-06-2008, 07:10 PM

...are expensive! So shop around. You may find that some of the newer designs from "conventional" brands like Lazy Boy are comfy. The damage? Hmmm, maybe $300 to $3000.

PS: Doing anything while vertical will help -- loading the spine and just taking it easy about the house is a really good thing. Push yourself a little bit to stay vertical, it will help in the long run....

Cirobi · #4 10-06-2008, 10:06 PM

Even though my experience was only a single level thing, my trick for reclining was to find the angle on my couch that had the best view of the TV and prop myself up with several throw pillows so that I was vertical enough to do whatever I needed to do to keep my sanity (including eat) but was keeping pressure off my back which sitting generally increased at the beginning. I now have a rather nice butt dent in my couch where I go to recline on a regular basis. It still feels great to recline in that spot after a long day of work.

I'm not sure if that's possible for a double fusion patient though as I don't know much about the logistics of a double fusion recovery.

~Sara

m&m · #5 10-06-2008, 10:52 PM

If you can swing it or find one used, I highly recommend a zero gravity chair. I haven't had lumbar surgery but have lumbar problems and have had cervical surgery and there have been many times that the only rest I can get is in the chair.

CindyLou · #6 10-07-2008, 01:36 PM

I know they are expensive, but I swear by my zero gravity chair.

Justin · #7 10-07-2008, 05:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CindyLou

I know they are expensive, but I swear by my zero gravity chair.

I second CindyLou's comments.

Tazdell, I hope you are getting somewhat comfortable.

Murph1231 · #8 10-07-2008, 06:43 PM

I would vote on getting yourself a recliner. I tried lying down, and boy was it painful getting up.

Eddie_G · #9 10-08-2008, 03:25 PM

I'm considering one of these:

I have balls (yes I do, many of them) I bring them to concerts & sporting events with a doctors note for the idiot security guards who dont understand back pain.
I have a donut.
I have a Panasonic massage chair ($2,500)
I prefer my bed since Im not working anymore.

ZorroSF · #10 10-08-2008, 04:13 PM

one word to describe this chair post-op:

"PRICELESS"

http://www.relaxtheback.com/zero-gra...tegory-6389767

make sure that whatever you choose it allows your toes go recline above your head. some zero g chairs aren't what they claim. I only found one and sometimes you can find them half price on ebay.