Hi all, had a phone-call today telling me my pre-op appointment is this Friday. I go in on the 2nd January, op on the 3rd.

Getting a tad nervous now

Tender x

Tenderfot---I just wanted to wish you the best of luck !! Are you having acdf ? If so how many levels?

I wish you all the best. I had C3-7. I have an idea that worked for me for in bed. An incline back rest made out of gel, not just the foam. this allowed me to sleep in my own bed. Also if you don't want to wash your hair for a few days, there is a waterless shampoo at walgreens that works great. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. ginnie

Thanks Spiney 95 & Ginnie for your advice
Tender x

I have to agree with Lee about floor care, regardless of how you feel post op. The bottom line is you have a degenerative problem and it could continue at different levels. Floor care will always be risky regardless of the weight of the item. It is about the nature of the movement as well as the weight. Try to permanently move your pots and pans up to a waist high level. I keep my two most frequently used skillets and pots neatly stacked on the stove top. I use cast iron but would do the same if I used lighter weight cookware. Loading and unloading a dishwasher causes me pain. You will get the knack of doing light housework and picking up with a grabber. I would recomend cleaning and moving defensively on an ongoing basis. The doctor and/ or physical therapist will give you all sorts of activities to keep you in shape. Best wishes.

Thanks for your replies peeps.
ACDF was speculated at my last appointment in August, complete with fusion I'll find out more on Friday about their plans re my surgery.

Meanwhile my DH & me are considering hiring a recliner chair for when I come home. I've read it's a comfier place to sleep immediately post-op. Also looking at button fronted tops, which I could wear unbuttoned back -to-front if need be, rather than T-shirt / jumper types.

He's also thinking of taking my 1st week home off to look after me. Basically we're getting things in shape - food to eat etc.

Please keep your thoughts, suggestions & ideas coming, you don't know how much they are appreciated, thankyou!

Tender x

I found the king sized recliners most helpful. I say king sized so you can stuff all the pillows you need, where ever they are needed. If on your side you will need at least one large one between the legs to keep the spinal alignment correct and the knees more comfortable. A body pillow behind you when on your side gives good support and just feels good. U will feel better with a U shaped neck pillow. Come to think of it, I slept in a recliner for a year post op last time and used a body pillow front and back. I ended up buying the darn thing. I never know where I will sleep these days. Front button or zip clothing is easiest to deal with. Heap the praise and thanks on your dear husband. Not all mates are that co-operative and this won't be exactly a vacation for him either.

straws are important most ppl have bad sore throat for a week and soft foods)soup,yougart,pudding etc ---without straws i would have been a mess with the collar (smile)---plus straws helped me shoot down meds quickly without choking. Best Wishes!!

Hi all!

I'm listed for ACDF as they intend on removing both of the offending discs & using DBM & a cage in each gap. Have to ring the ward on the day to see if there's a bed for me, I know, that's standard.

No collar post op Hospitalised for 3 (usually) to 5 days.

Thanks mg neck prob, was thinking about straws

Tender x

Well I am not real familiar with the cages, I had bone graft and then titanium locking plates and screws with pins placed. This was the second surgery and I was able to go home very next morning and NO COLLAR! That was a blessing all of its own! The first surgery I also got to go home next day, but I had to wear that dreaded collar for 92 days!

First surgery with the collar recliner was DEFINITELY a must. Second surgery I didn't need anything, but a Sobikowa cloud pillow REALLY helped!