Spinal fusion
 

My friend, who has the messed up back, is having a fusion on 2/7. I would like to know about how much help she might need and for about how long if anyone has a guess. I can't recall if LizaJane needed help or not.

She also has 2 fairly large dogs. I wonder if she is going to be able to get down to pick up feed and water bowls?

Cathie

Depends on the type of fusion and how much is involved. My mother had 12" of steel rod put in her back and 16 screws--that was 2 yrs ago last November and she sometimes wishes she never had it done. She still walks with a cane and is in lots of pain, now they are talking hip replacement and she wants nothing to do with more surgery.

Your friend may need lots of help for a while.

Can you send your friend to the spine board? I do have a list of things to bring to the hospital, as well as things to have at home, if she didn't get a list on her own. In terms of help..I hired an aide in the hospital for the first day, and when I came home I had the help of my son and friends in terms of taking care of the house and food. I was walking in about a week, as I recall.

Does that help?

Like Darlindeb said, It depends on what kind of fusion.
I had 2 fused in my neck after the disks were replaced with titanium and it was an outpatiant procedure. I was home that afternoon. It hurt like hell after the post op meds wore off and they gave me some good pain meds that worked OK, but I was able to do just about anything in moderation soon after.

Hope this helps!

Hi, I would like to know what and where your moms pain is? My daughter who is severly mentally challenged has expierenced chrinic pain,urinary retention,
chronic constipation and the list goes on. The doctors will not help us because she can not talk to tell where her pain is. I feel so sad inside to watch this and not help.