Hi,
My husband is probably going to have to have surgery on his spine. He's suffering from a pretty severe spinal stenosis. I'm not sure yet if he will need fusion. But it's pretty positive he'll have to have surgery.

My question is: what will I need at home after he has comes home from the hospital in order to take care of him or to help him? Any aids like shower stool, special things like that? I need to prepare for this ahead of time because I have perpherial neuropathy and a fractured ankle. If I need a nursing aide or something, I'd appreciate you giving me any info that you can. We don't have any family or support group. Just us.

Billye

Billye-

I would ask his surgeon if there is a chance that he can be admitted to an in-patient rehab place for a few days after surgery. That way, nurses will be available 24/7 in the place. He'll get meals served to him, a daily visit by a PA or doctor, and then occupational and physical therapy classes.

I had a 3 level ACDF in 2002 that left me almost completely helpless. I have no family, so my doctor insisted that I be put in an in-patient rehab place. I spent 4 days, and it was worth it to have the help available.

One thing you might consider doing for him, renting a hospital bed for a month. It runs around $150, and I did one for me because my bedroom is on the second floor. I just had my chair in the den moved, plopped the bed in there, and could watch TV or sleep. One piece of advice, put a sheet down on the carpet. The grease from the wheels got into my carpet.

joe

Joe,
Thanks for the info. They will be keeping him in the hospital for several days. And I may ask for a few more since I'm not getting around well right now. Any more hints anyone?

Billye