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Grand Magnate
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Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Northern Utah
Posts: 3,465
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Grand Magnate
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Northern Utah
Posts: 3,465
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Hey, just wanted to say hi to a fellow Spinal person!!  Don't push faster than you should...all will be well! Sorry about the long post...
This fall will be two years since my 5th Lumbar surgery. When you ask how long you will be down...well it will somewhat depend on how well you handle pain. Of course lifting is a no, no. My second surgery was my L5 S1 fusion. Back then they made me wear a plastic type of well, I called it my turtle shell. I wore this for six months.
I'm going to jump ahead to my last fusion surgery...Walking was a key factor. When I was in the hospital, I walked as much as I could. When I got home I had someone set up to help dress and bathe me however I didn't need her. The Occupational Therapist at the hospital will give you some dressing aids that will help getting dressed a little easier.
I had a hard time changing my dressing but my hubby took care of that for me. I think for the first week friends and neighbors brought meals in.
As for driving as soon as I was able to run short errands without taking any meds that would cause problems with my driving...lower doses. If going somewhere where I was going to be there for a while I would take a pain killer as I arrived at my destination. You know your know body and will know your limitations. My doc said if it doesn't hurt then just be careful!!
I am my husbands full-time caregiver, he was diagnosed with MS in 1986. I had a home health care nurse dress him in the mornings...for about two weeks and then I kicked her out. She was not doing her job so I told her we didn't need her anymore.
Yes, I had my painful days however I had pains that I have had all my life that slowly left me. I was born with a mild form of Spina Bifida, extra ribs and a L6 vertebra. All in all I would do it again just to have some of the pain relief that was mine for so long.
Still there are things I need help with in the house but I do okay. I've learned how to let things just wait until I can do it...now more clean the whole house until it is done unless I want to suffer for a few days. I do a little bit everyday, spread it over the week. Let family help if they will. I learned when someone asks if they can do something for you, I would push a basket of laundry to them. If you say I'll call you they will be busy when you call....
Oh, five months after the surgery I went to Jackson Hole Wyoming to go dog sledding with my hubby...it was wonderful!!
If you need anything let me know!
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My best friends live in my computer....
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Suffered with back problems since birth...7 back surgeries to date, the last one being on 5/13/2015. Fibromyalgia, PTSD, Chronic Pain
“Being my sweethearts full-time care partner, I have to remind myself, when some well-meaning friend or relative questions my methods or motives, that I know more than they do because I Live this life 24/7, and they only come for short visits.” Tamiloo
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Gotta love my Olhipie! Dx'd RRMS 1986, SPMS 2004
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Watch my Olhipie Skiing....
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