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!
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! 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

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

Tender x

Hi Tenderfoot,

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