Spinal fusion
 

Hi there I am new here but would like to know what I need to take in hospital and hav at home following surgery. How long is my surgery L 4 S1 fusion with cage in l5. I have read if different things about fusions so glad about having Internet as years ago you would not know anything. I really hope urgent works as pain is o bad t moment I on go out anywhere and do everything on line ie: shopping presents etc. I should be having fusion in may as specialist said Tuesday this week x

I have just been reading what I wrote earlier and it does not make much sense my I pad seems to edit words I write I really just wanted to know what to expect really and anything I might need to take in to hospital with me, also how long I will be in theatre (operation time ) x

Hi Lelly, Welcome.

The hospital where the procedure is being done should have a patient advocate on-staff. You can call that person ahead of time with these questions, and they should have answers, or be able to tell you where/how to get them.

Googling: questions before spinal surgery may also provide some answers/information.

Best wishes,

Doc

Hi ~ I don't know how long your surgery will take, but you will probably need some help at home afterwards. I doubt you'll be able to do much for a few days when you get home.

They will get you up at the hospital -- they'll want you to walk around before you go home. You WILL have restrictions when you go home, such as no bending, twisting, lifting, probably no reaching, etc. You probably won't be able to ride in a car for awhile (other than the ride home from the hospital) and you will NOT be able to drive. When I had surgery, they gave me a "grabber/reacher so that I could reach things on shelves, etc. They also gave me a "thingy" to help me put my socks on. LOL It MIGHT be helpful to have a cane or walker at home for the first few days, as you might feel a little unsteady at first. Some people do -- others are fine. Also, having a commode by the bedside is often helpful so you don't have to walk so far to the bathroom. These things can be rented by some pharmacys or health stores.

You may want to cook some meals ahead of time and freeze them for your family so there won't be any cooking needed when you get home. You won't be able to stand on your feet for any length of time. And you won't FEEL like it either! Make sure the laundry is all done too. ;)

Also, have a talk with your doctor to make sure that you have APPROPRIATE pain medication for AFTER surgery! You're going to need it. There is PAIN after surgery, and just taking Advil or Ibuprofren isn't going to get it!!! So make sure they give you something that's going to take care of the pain!

I wish you the very best! And remember -- surgery doesn't always take care of the pain. Surgery just repairs mechanical problems. It is NOT the answer for pain. Many times we end up with the same pain or worse. I hope your surgery works for you. God bless & please take care -- and let us know how it goes, ok? Hugs, Lee :)

Hello: after surgery
 

Leesa pretty much covered bases on what to do right after surgery. I would definately address the pain situation for after you surgery. If you have been on medications before your surgery, they need to take that into consideration, as you may need a bit more after the surgery. I have had two fusions. I did not feel I got enough meds. after the second surgery. I had somewhat of a tolerance to the med. they gave me in the hospital. I hope you have some helpers when you get home. I can remember the best part of being home, about three days later, I was able to get in the shower. That felt great! I sincerely wish you all the best, and that you get a good resolution to your back problems. We will be here for you, waiting to hear how you do. ginnie

If your ins. will cover it, have the advocate see if you meet the criteria for a week at a rehab hospital. After eight surgeries, I feel the patient does not get enough rehab post op and require more before going home. Also check and see if your situation qualifies and is covered for a week of Home Health care. Best wishes.

Thank you for reply Just to let you know I live in the uk. X

Google: patient advocacy united kingdom

Doc

Many surgeons are not real communicative about your options after surgery. Too many assume you are "fixed" after they do their part. It is just the beginning much of the time. Use your patient advocate.

Jinnie did cover most of it about post op. I remember my Dr. asking me specificly if I would be alone when I got home or if I would have help or need help because he said for the first few weeks I would really need it and even asked if I would need or accept Home Health. My husband worked a rotating shift and took off work for a while so he could be with me and I was so happy he did. The Dr. called ahead and had a walker, bedside commode and hospital bed at my home by the time I got there.
I wish you the best and pray everything goes well. You will be in my thoughts.

Hi lelly
 

Having your hubby there for you, is the best thing of all. He can get you water, you meds, drinks, all those little things that for the first few days you will not feel like doing. when he does go back to work, have a neighbor check up on you. I am going to be doing a major surgery myself on May 2nd. and I am now starting to get those things in order, I will be no weight bearing for 3 weeks. Need a walker etc. I am arranging the help just like you are. I hope everything turns out for you and me both. ginnie

Hopefully I should get my date this week with any luck then I can arrange things I am ringing Wednesday so I will keep you updated.

Oh, best of luck! Definitely start arranging and summoning your resources now so you can have things in place for your recovery time!

I've had two previous spine surgeries and just got scheduled for another one. All experiences are different but it's a curious combination of being glad that the problem is fixed and there is some pain relief but also being frustrated by the physical limitations during recovery. Don't turn down any help! If folks are willing to help you out with meals and such, take them up on it! And you will need help getting around, both inside and outside of the house.

Thank you for reply, I finally got my date 21st June in Ipswich hospital Suffolk under dr sharp it's not long to wait as have t have pre ops and have lived with being house bound for 18 months now so 6 weeks More is not to bad my pain meds have increased to 70 transtec patch every 3 days plus top that with morphine sulphate and co codamol I will keep you updated on how every thing goes x

I hope your surgery went well yesterday!

Had two fusions so far
 

My first surgery fusion took about two hours after that I was placed on a pain pump and pain pills in between. All I took to hospital was pajamas and slippers and mags which I never got to read to sleepy for that. They wil
Get you out bed the next day and have you walk some show you how to get in and out car. You can't drive for 30days after, no lifting, bending, reaching they told me 6mo. But please take snacks they don't give much food. Hope this helps you

Hi my name is rick i am having surgery on july 5th and the doctor told me 4and a half to 5 hrs but they all are not the same

6 sleeps to go
 

Hi again I am going in 19 th next Thursday so not long now as I kept getting cancelled nerves are kicking in x

Hi Lelly,

Do you meditate? My wife swears by it for easing fears/anxiety/nerves. It can't hurt, and learning/trying it might be a good distraction from thinking/worrying about it. There may be some post-op benefits as well.

Doc