How do I take care of myself after spinal fusion surgery?
I’m having Global Fusion (Spinal) surgery in a few days and could use some tips on taking care of myself at home when I get out of the hospital. My husband is kind of freaking out, and I want to help make things as easy as possible…
Best answer:
Answer by Georgina R
I just googled it and I got:
“Following spinal fusion surgery, by whichever method, it is usual to stand out of bed on the day of surgery and to mobilize progressively afterwards.
Your hospital stay may vary from four to ten days depending on the type of surgery performed and your home situation. When there has been previous surgery, or where a multiple level fusion is undertaken the results may be less successful.
It has also been shown that smoking decreases both the chance of achieving a solid fusion and obtaining a successful outcome. Smokers are therefore advised strongly to endeavor to cease smoking before undergoing surgical intervention.
A blood transfusion is usually not required following a spinal fusion but a routine blood test may be requested to assess your general health or to assist the anaesthetist. Hepatitis and HIV screening tests may also be requested.”
Yep, also this is a REALLY good site http://www.spine-health.com/treatment/spinal-fusion/postoperative-care-spinal-fusion-surgery as it tells you what you need to do 1-2 days after (2nd page), after discharge or 3-6 days (3rd page), 1-4 weeks (4th page), 1-3 months after (5th page) and 3 months and after (6th page)
I wish you luck and hope you get better soon.
George
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It would have been easier to answer if you gave more details – which vertebrae, how old you are and staff like that. I had a fusion couple of years ago and you definitely will need someone to take care of you at least the first month and you will need some help in the next months until you are fully recovered. Be extremely careful, because if you mess anything you are going back to surgery and that’s something you don’t want! So here is what kind of assistance you’ll need-
First of all you do NOT lift anything heavier than a glass – this is a MUST – therefore you need someone to do shopping etc. You can’t bend(not that you shouldn’t you are just not able to) – so it’s kind of like you’re pregnant – you need someone to put your socks and shoes on, shaving your legs -staff like that – get easy to put shoes, a size larger. Also try rearranging all the stuff you use frequently so it’s on upper shelves and cupboards – you’d be extremely nervous and self pitying and you would want to do some things on your own :) Which reminds me- find some chair to sit when you are taking showers – you won’t be able to stand for long periods and anything slippery or difficult to get in or out like the bathtub is a BAD idea – so find a chair and you can shower on your own. You need to have someone with you when you go for walks and places to sit, preferably not far apart. And having sex is ok after the first week, but you should not lift both your legs at once for months after the fusion, so find more suitable position and make it slow – no sharp movements and it’ll be ok.
Oh, the question was how to take care of yourself – better use some help the first weeks, later on you’ll find which things you can do by yourself .Remember no heavy things and no bending for half an year at least! NO quick movements, no twisting also. MUST NOT! What you do and don’t do during recovery is in a way more important than the surgery itself. Take it from someone who messed it and needs surgery again. If you have more questions feel free to contact me. Good luck.