So I'm nearing week 10 post-SCS and I have to ask all y'all seasoned SCS veterans here...

I have such a logical mind and I'm just struggling with this.

So at the 11-week, 6-day period, I can't lift more than 10lbs, bend, twist, or reach - but at the 12-week zero-day I can do ... all of the above? Can I pick up my 2-yr-old granddaughter (not overweight but she's a BIG girl for 2)? Can I pick up a 50lb box @ work? Can I bend double at the waist to pick something up?

I am S C A R E D of moving this thing, even after this time. BTW, don't know if I shared this, but I think I DID move it slightly and...it moved in the RIGHT direction giving me BETTER coverage. So, if I moved this slightly at the 4 or 5 week point does that 'reset' the 12-week clock at all? If it slipped slightly then whatever scarring that's there was perhaps ... ripped slightly?

Dunno, I just have to think everything through to the max cuz I'm so analytical (not to mention I don't want to repeat that surgery anytime soon!)

It's funny you say that!! I've wondered the same thing. Is it like a switch flips? I ad to have a revision, so I'm terrified to move period. Coupled with the blood clots, I'm a hermit. I'm interested in input from others.

The restrictions are all, and I mean ALL scarring related. The doc wants to be comfortable the product and wiring are scarred in to the full betterment of the patient need. This is why I will not be able to say SURE tote that barge, and lift that bale [although that song from Showboat is certainly a good tune] and will absolutely defer to your doc.

There are others here who have learned the hard way a bale of hay is kinda on the heavy side when they are affected by a lead which shifted.

I deferred on the side of caution. Besides, my family would not allow me to do things..... even after I was less at risk.

Erring on the side of caution,
Mark56

I'm sure it is all about 'case-by-case' and perhaps I need to ease into things a bit...but I'm such a perfectionist I want to know EXACTLY what I can/can't do, ya know? In our home it's just my beloved and me and she's a little 5'2" lady that is not strong enough to do some of the things around the house that have been left for me to handle (like crawling under a sink, heating a pipe with a torch, breaking it free so we can replace a faucet). She's tried a few things (like the aforementioned faucet) and simply couldn't handle it - that's fine, that's what I'm here for - but do I dare do something that requires me to twist up my body a bit to get into this rather small opening (especially with me being about 40lbs overweight )? I know, no one out here has that answer - it's just frustrating not knowing exactly where those limitations are. So probably not the faucet job but so - when?? It has to be done at some point.

One positive is my doc is supposedly ordering PT for me and the gal I'll be seeing is one I've had before and she is good!! Her focus will be strengthening the extremely weak leg and building some cardio (as well as plenty of stretching out that pathetic leg - this is something I am really dreading!).

Anyway, thanks for letting me vent (as usual). I do plan to call the doc and ask some pointed questions about all that and hopefully get some answers in the next 2 weeks...and hopefully the PT gal will have some good ideas as well.

long handles, big wrench, short work of cranky faucet..... well, anyway, it sounded good.

been there, done that, big body, twist this way n that, spill a little cussin, all because I'm fat.

pipes are always hidden, leaks are hidden more, gotta fix em soon or you lose the whole darn floor.

yup,
i actually fixed a faucet this past season
took a while,
never what one estimates,
Mark56

Please do what you are told, not what you think you can get by with. Years ago, I was dumb enough to throw a big birthday party for a toddler grandson the day after I came home from a three level discechtomy/laminechtomy. I had it all set up before going into the hospital with all of the paper goods picked up, balloons purchased and helium, and cake ordered. I just needed someone to pick them up on the great day and set up for me. I weas an absolute wrech the following day after having grandchildren crawling all over me and pretending that everything was WOMDERFUL. Most of us have similar stories. Before going in the hospital, even for same day surgery, take stock of any repairs that need to be done and do it then or have it done. Those things have a way of becoming a crisis at the worst time. Take care, be blessed and well..............and behave yourself.

HMMMMM, , I wonder WHO on earth could you be referring to dear Mark!
If I drop the hint that I have horses, will that make it easier to figure out??

Indeedy, Andy, please DO err on the side of caution!
I have a precious grand-boy whom I adore to pick up, but he's 26 lbs at this point. Alot of it of course depends on HOW you pick yours up.....I'm sure you know to lift with your knees and not your back bent, yes? Ok, you can slap me for that insult upon your intelligence!

Anyway, I'm glad you are thorough with your thoughtlife, Andy. Had I been moreso, I doubt I'd have been back at the operating table.

Rae

I have had way too many occasions of NOT thinking things through and paying the price for it!

Indeed, I know about lifing with knees versus back - it's just not something that's been an option for me most of my life but over the past 10 weeks I've been working hard at remembering to bend the knees, not the back, for whatever I'm doing. I mess up sometimes and thankfully haven't suffered any major migration from it but anything I've lifted that I thought would be pushing that line a bit I have remembered to bend the knees. In fact, naughty me, I picked up the above mentioned G'Daughter today (I know, I shouldn't have done that yet) and definitely remembered to use the knees - I don't think I bent my back at all with that. I was a bit shocked at how heavy she was but it was too late to back off at that point. I did not feel ANY pull in the back nor any change in stimulation so I think I'm okay but I really do need to be careful.

Ah yes, I dont' think there's such a thing as being 'tooo' careful.
However, even tho I'm 2 yrs scarred in, I still question some of the reaches and stretches I attempt to make at times. I could be pushin my luck I guess.

But DARNIT! It's just WAYYY too precious to be able to pick up my Aidyn. He's like magic to my arms. Sadly tho, I know there will come a day when it will obviously become too much to handle.

This little guy is what is keeping me 'young'

I did not want to hand out NAMES you know..... so, uh, well, , just the learning situation.
Thank you for taking it so VERY well,
Yup,
Moi