ADR surgery ETA one week

[adrigail]

Hi,

I am busy at work trying to make arrangements and lists for those that will cover my workload while I am gone. It suddenly occurred to me that I haven't even thought of any preparations for home!

Can anyone give their thoughts on things that I should put in place at home (or at work)? Most of my time has been spent arranging to have this done that I haven't put any thought into what happens AFTER it's done.

Do you have any advice on what/how to handle my spouse's fear? She is a very stoic woman, who literally hides all of her stress and fear. I know she's scared but there's no way she will let me see it.
My kids don't really seem to be scared, and their lives are so busy that they probably don't have a ton of time to think about it. But I imagine when they see me when I first come home that it will freak them out.
They know I'm in pain, and they are very sensitive to it, to and including ratting me out to the wife when I do stupid things with my body that they know will hurt me. I think they will be watching me like hawks after the surgery.

Thanks in advance for your thoughts.
Mike

[jss]

Mike,

Two things I've read on this site that the lumbar patients mention are:

• Use the pain medication to stay ahead of, not catch up with the pain
• The sticks with a handle/lever on one end and pinchers on the other can be very helpful

I know you're going to do great!

Good luck, Jeff

[Dingie]

I purchased a large rubbermaid plastic cart with 3 shallow tub levels. I was not allowed to lift anything heavier than a paper bag for months. THis proved invaluable in moving things around the house, laundry, dinner to the table.

Definitely get a grabber, buy the best one you can, I broke several of them. I was squatting to clean my closet when I got home, a little OCD I asked Dr. Clavel if that was okay by email as my hubby was going insane. Dr Clavel said..if it is an emergency that you need to squat yes, but I can't think of one so don't. I did have 3 levels, so maybe your restrictions won't be so severe.

Make sure if you have access to pain meds that you fill them before you go. Stock up on your favorite movies/books for the first week or so. If your bed is hard I would get an overlay. I used one in Spain, but didn't need it when I got home.

But it's been a year and I feel fantastic. Best of luck!

Laurie