Upcoming Surgery- one Prodisc-L and a fusion same time NEED ADVICE

[cathydownunder]

Kelly, Im an old-timer that doesn't get on here much anymore.

My first surgery was anterior....ADR +fusion. My second posterior.....stabilisation over the ADR+another fusion. (see my sig).
I was able to lie on my back and sides after each surgery......you have no choice really, you can't stand up .lol .and you're not to sit for too long.

I found my abdo muscles very sore, you'd be surprised at how much work they do everytime you want to turn over, sit or move. If you can strengthen them even a little before surgery it will help.

I took a small lambskin/wool baby crib underlay to hospital with me both times to put under the bottom sheet. It made the awful hospital bed álmost' comfortable. Not something many patients think of but a godsend.

Also with the anterior incision you have more risk of developing constipation......so keeping up the laxatives/fluids is imperative. I had prune juice brought in from home.......prevented the dreaded enema.



Re stairs: in my case the PT visited hospital daily and from day 2 I had to do mild stretching and was not discharged until I could walk up/down a flight of stairs.
Hope this answers some of your questions. If I think of anything else relevent I will post it.
cathy

[hayzer912]

Thanks for your thoughts and tips. Any tip on comfort is a great tip! Thanks again!.

Kelly