can one do stairs soon after ALIF?

[CindyLou]

Does anyone know if stairs are ok after ALIF? I don't go in for another week to ask my surgeon some of these questions. I have all bedrooms either upstairs or downstairs. Am wondering if I need to set up a temporary bed in my living or dining room, in case stairs are contra-indicated. My surgery is two weeks from today.

[OsteoRach]

hi cindylou,

i had an L5/S1 alif and i had to do stairs before i was allowed home (day 5 or 6 i think). ive never had a problem with stairs since and to walk anywhere outside i have to walk up about 15 stairs which i did from day 1 at home. however ive never had problems with leg strength,

good luck with your upcoming surgery,

rachel

[CindyLou]

Thank-you Rachel. Very good news. How many days were you in the hospital total? I think my doctor said typically 4-5 days. Nothing is ever typical tho. I was in the hospital in Bogen Germany for 10 days, for my 3 adr's. Discharged 1 day, and then back in to be opened completely back up to clean up an infection. Also had to have 2 blood transfusions. I am praying for an easier go of it this time. The post surgery pain levels scare the s___ out of me. Anyway, please keep me in your prayers as surgery approaches. I really want/need for this to go smoothly.

[cathydownunder]

CindyLou
Same advice as per Rachel. The physical therapist "tested" me up and down a flight of stairs on about day 4/5. Couldn't go home till it was accomplished but there were no problems.
This last surgery I discharged late on day 5 which is about average. Last time I had a bleed and was kept in 9 days.
I see you had a low blood count last time and had transfusions that you think caused the infection. My surgeon wouldn't transfuse me,saying that it would right itself with diet and supplements over time. His opinion is that transfusions create "other" problems. I wonder if that's what happened to you? Just a thought.
Soon you'll join the "second surgery club", not a membership we want to have is it?
I hope and pray that it's the last for you.
Cathy

[Terry]

CindyLou:

I hope everything goes smoothly for you and no complications this time. I am also hopeful that this will be the last for you and that you can get back on the bicycle and feel the wind going through your helmet. Take good care of yourself and at least you aren't traveling half way around the world for this surgery.

God be with you.

Terry Newton

[CindyLou]

Thank-you Cathy and Terry. I'm just glad I should be able to make it up the stairs to sleep when I get home. Yes, Cathy, I have wondered if the transfusions caused the infection. I did politely decline them, but the female doctor in Bertagnoli's practice, her name is escaping me at the moment, said it was absolutely necessary....blood platlets were heart-attack low. In that case, I said, start an IV on every limb. Thank-you for the well wishes and prayers. Terry, I have only ridden an old-fashioned 3 speed with a wicker basket on the handle bars this spring. Mostly just up at the cabin, on the country roads. Not exactly on par with your 1,000 miles! But certainly better than a boot in the butt. Good going for you my man! Ride strong.

[OsteoRach]

hi cindylou,

my hospital stay was 7 days, i prob could have gone home at 6 but was quite happy as the staff were fantastic,

just remember when you are walking up the stairs to keep you body upright and drive through your butt / hip, try not to lean forward...

good luck