It certainly did Ginnie! I'm tender now as I've once again, been a bit too busy with pans & meals & stuff. I had to stop doing things & sit down for a while, then cracked on again when my DH came home.

I've bought o.t.c. cocodamol tabs 8 mgs codeine phosphate with 500mgs paracetamol today as the others were too strong at 30mgs codeine as I only need deep ache relief not severe pain relief. I've just taken one as I had my MST 1/2 an hour ago & don't want to risk anymore yet. It'd probably be ok but I just want to be careful :)

People keep telling me I've been through the wars but mg neck problem, you knock spots off mine! And that shower of yours sounds heavenly! :smile:
Tender x

[Thanks Tender ---Im so glad your doing so much better !!

You're welcome mg neck problem. Post-op pain wise yes. The rest, I'm just pushing myself. My DH works long hours so I can't expect him to come home & start again.

I'm just making a few simple meals which DH helps me with, doing some dishes, DH does the rest & laundry which he carries to an indoor airer puts on a chair & I hang the washing on the airer.

Anything heavier than that, forget it. I spend the rest of my time dozing or on the net. I tried to do a bit of shopping today but I couldn't do it. I tire out soooo easily but I'm told to expect that. Concentration is a bit lax yet too. All in good time I guess, just got to be patient, not my middle name lol.

Tender x

Just to clarify, I wanted to buy a few things but after having my wound checked I couldn't walk the distance to the shops so DH drove me to get the cocodamol, then took me home.
Tender x

I asked about this at my appt today & the nurse specialist understood exactly where you were coming from.

She explained, as has been a subject of debate on a different thread I started regarding collars, that:

1) it's often down to surgeon preference
2) If physio/ activity is started many weeks following surgery, neck stiffness / weakness often delays recovery
3) Insufficient evidence available to support the benefit in delaying physio & consistently wearing a collar.

I also asked about vacuuming, mopping etc & was told I CAN do those jobs AS LONG AS I DO IT IN SHORT BURSTS. She emphasised that I should be as active as I felt comfortable. The main issue I MUST be careful with is NO heavy lifting, raking or digging, YET.

I have carbon cages with a boney mixture (DBM) plus some of my non-diseased bone in the mix. Fusion of my 3 vertebrae should be more or less completed from 3-6 months! I saw the xray & the gaps where the discs have gone are very evident as were the cages, but you couldn't see what they looked like.

As a matter of interest, on the way home my DH informed me that the rear suspension springs on Fairway cabs are also made from carbon fibre!

Tender x

HI There Tender !!!! Thanks for looking into it --just take things slow --give yourself time to fuse a few months . I walked alot around the blocks with my dog. Just to keep body moving. How are you feeling this week??

Hi mg neck problem, you're welcome :)

I'm ok, still some difficulty swallowing like I have to pour gravy over chips to eat them, chew well then swallow, that sort of thing.

Apart from my MST I take otc cocodamol only when I need it & haven't for 24 hrs now :). I'm still a little achey & tender but it's bearable. Still a bit restless overnight tho'.

Bladder behaved today (didn't retain) which was the reason for my appt today, doh! It's going to be reviewed at my follow-up with my neuro surgeon.

I'll try to take things a step at a time as I know it's in my best interest to do so.

Thanks,
Tender x

Just for safety's sake PLEASE don't vacuum! Like my neuro and 2 others told me, spinal patients should NOT vacuum -- EVER. It's the back & forth motion that does it -- and now ESPECIALLY since you're healing from a FUSION -- good grief, don't do it! :eek: Why risk it?

If you do wear a collar, use it off and on. Continuous wearing will make your neck muscles weak. So wear it for 2-3 hrs, and then take it off for 2-3. Then back on for the same, and then off. Etc. That way having it on gives you some relief, and off gives your muscles some relief. ;)

I'm a little concerned with your bladder misbehaving. :( I hope it straightens out soon! Keep me informed on that, will you? I really DO care about ya! Thanks alot Tenderfoot! And take care. ;) God bless. Hugs, Lee

Leesa I don't yet feel strong enough to vacuum, mop or anything similar so haven't tried & will head your warning :wink:

I only wear my collar when travelling & now I'm no longer grounded, subject to the snow :(, when I finally take a walk outdoors.

Until my GP gets the letter from the Spinal Nurse, I asked & been given ducosate sodium capsules to keep me "going" in case constipation from the mst is the culprit re my bladder issues, as it can cause problems in that dept. I will keep you informed Leesa & thanks again :wink:

Tender x

Hi Tenderfoot,

Its been a min or two just checking in to see how your doing?