Fusion L5/6 What to Expect

[Kat]

My fusion is now scheduled for July 26 at 7:30am. I know I will be in a brace for 3 months. My question is what kind of activity level can I expect when?
I have an event I have chaired for several years now in the middle of September. Even through my years of back pain I have always managed to do this event and it makes me feel so good. I know that since I will be post-op from a fusion, I have delegated the duties that would involve bending, twisting, etc, but wonder what I might be able to do. Will I be able to drive a short distance? Can I sit? How long?
I know I will have a gazillion questions as the date approaches, but right now, this event is foremost. Thank you for all your support!

Hugs,
Kat

[NCFUSED]

Kat,
I had L5-S1 Fused (PLIF) on May 17th. I was allowed to drive 2 weeks after surgery. Right now I am in a back brace which I will wear anywhere from 3-4 months depending on how well the fusion takes place.

As far as sitting, week 1-3, started at 30 minutes thru week one with the brace, could sit in bed at a 30 degree angle w/o the brace also.
Week 2 thru 3 1 hour to 2 hours. Now at a little over a month post op, I can handle @ 3 hours at a time, as long as I can get up and stretch a bit.

As far as driving, I have no issues, though I havent driven very foar or more than 30-40 minutes at a time.

Right now, bending is not an issue as long as I bend at the knees and go down slowly. I recommend for you to get a cane for the first few weeks to help you get out of bed, and for bathroom duties.....

Hope this helps, IF I can answer any other "fusion" questions just ask or PM me....

Best of Luck! John

[Kat]

Thanks John!
I think I pretty prepared for post-op recovery. I will be recovering at my mom's and she has a shower with a grab bar, seat and removable shower head. She also has a grabber, raised toilet seat, walker and one of those crafmatic beds with heat and massage(Very cool).
I more worried about what I will and won't be able to do and when.

Hugs,
Kat

[NCFUSED]

I think you will be able to attend your event come mid september, as long as you take it easy there and pace yourself.....

[NCFUSED]

Kat,
One more thing, if you dont already have one, you may want to look into getting one of those "Space foam" mattress pads, I think the most popular one is Tempurpedic, but I purchased one at Costco for about half the price and from testing them out, I see no difference.

A few months ago I saw quite a few posts here about how much they helped, and after spending the 1st few weeks after my fusion really uncomfortable, I can now rest better with the pad.

I stated that your Mom has a craftmatic bed, but the pad may help as well...

Wishing you a Speedy Recovery!!!
John

[Kat]

Thanks John! I saw that thread too and I am seriously thinking about it. I have been having a harder and harder time with sleep...either getting to sleep or waking up multiple times in the middle of the night. I am always SO tired. Do you have any problem with keeping cool on the foam???

Hugs,
Kat

[NCFUSED]

No not really, my wife likes to keep me frozen at night by keeping the AC real low...

We have a mattress that had the foam built in the top, but it wasnt enough to keep me real comfortable. So we added the foam top and it helps a great deal. I researched a few companies that make them, and the one Costco sells was the best for price (@$111 for Queen) and thickness (2 1/2").

Im sure Temperpedic is real god but there was over a $100 diff between the one I bought and it...

I also like to sleep on my side so I bought one of those knee cushions also.... the 2 combined have helped me get better sleep....

Have a Happy 4th!!!

[Kat]

Hello everyone, this is Kats husband. She had talked about this site for a while so I thought I should hack into it and give you all a report on her surgery today. It only took 2 hours and they said 3. So I asume everytthing went really well. She is in some pain from the incesion in her abdomen but seems to be doing really well. She was sleepy most of the day and barely ate dinner( she doesnt eat much antyways). Thanks for all the support she gets on here. She should be back in 3 or 4 days with more.
Todd

[NCFUSED]

Todd,
Please Let Kat know she is in our thoughts & prayers...

Wishing her a Speedy Recovery and a Painfree Future,

Fellow Fusie,
John

[mross]

I'm glad to hear that surgery went well! Feel free to contact me if you have any questions - although I'm only 6 days ahead of you .

Meredith

PLIF L5/S1 7/20/05