There's no way around it: Recovery from spinal fusion surgery is a long and hard road.
It will likely take at least several months for you to be moving like normal, and even then you'll have some activity limitations.
Though people with chronic back pain are used to pain upon movement, there are movements you can take for granted now that won't be easy or possible immediately after surgery.
When thinking about post-surgery tips, it's important not only to focus on making recovery manageable but on doing things that will increase the likelihood of a successful surgery.
The following tips can help you through recovery.
1.
Don't smoke.
Smoking increases the likelihood that the fusion won't take, meaning the bones in the spine won't fuse together.
Compared to the general non-fusion rate of 14%, active smokers have a failure rate of 26%.
2.
Bring everything you need to make yourself as comfortable as possible to the hospital.
While you're in the hospital, you'll need toiletries.
You may also want to bring slip-on shoes and clothing that is easy to get in and out of, such as loose-fitting satin clothing.
Some patients say that placing a trash bag beneath them in bed makes it easier to slide in and out.
Trash bags can also be used on car seats and at home in bed.
3.
Bring a noise-blocker to the hospital.
Unless you sleep like a rock, you'll likely have a difficult time getting sleep in a hospital.
Ear plugs or a music player, such as an iPod, are good options to help facilitate sleep.
4.
Plan ahead to make your home "recovery friendly.
" You may be able to easily dodge obstacles and reach needed items at home now, but after surgery these things will be difficult.
Make sure well-travelled pathways from the bedroom to the bathroom and kitchen are cleared.
Keep all items you usually use at waist-height or above, as bending over will be off the table.
5.
Get a cooler or mini fridge.
While it's important to get moving as soon as possible after surgery - three to six days after, generally - you don't want to be walking around the house a bunch during your first few days home.
Keeping essential foods and drinks close to hand is a good idea.
6.
Keep a bedside table stocked with a computer, a phone, a remote, a book, your favorite movies, etc.
When you're in pain and your mobility is limited, it's important to have things nearby that you enjoy.
Stock up on fun things beforehand.
7.
Consider a shower chair.
You'll definitely want a shower sometime soon after your surgery, but standing long enough to thoroughly wash yourself may be difficult for a while.
Investing in a shower chair can help.
Also, make sure you have a mat in the shower to prevent slips.
8.
After a week, make things more challenging.
Your doctor and surgeon should be consulted about how much and what types of activity you can do when.
It can be easy, though, to sink into immobility since you just had surgery and you hurt.
Understand that mobility is crucial for recovery.
Get rid of the mini fridge or cooler and the bedside table once it's time to move around more.
9.
Have a few people you can call for help lined up.
Even if you live with someone, that person might not be around all the time or able to help in the way you need.
It's good to make arrangements with other people ahead of time in case you need extra help.
See http://www.
spine-health.
com/treatment/spinal-fusion/postoperative-care-spinal-fusion-surgery for additional tips on post-surgery recovery from day one to three months and beyond.
It will likely take at least several months for you to be moving like normal, and even then you'll have some activity limitations.
Though people with chronic back pain are used to pain upon movement, there are movements you can take for granted now that won't be easy or possible immediately after surgery.
When thinking about post-surgery tips, it's important not only to focus on making recovery manageable but on doing things that will increase the likelihood of a successful surgery.
The following tips can help you through recovery.
1.
Don't smoke.
Smoking increases the likelihood that the fusion won't take, meaning the bones in the spine won't fuse together.
Compared to the general non-fusion rate of 14%, active smokers have a failure rate of 26%.
2.
Bring everything you need to make yourself as comfortable as possible to the hospital.
While you're in the hospital, you'll need toiletries.
You may also want to bring slip-on shoes and clothing that is easy to get in and out of, such as loose-fitting satin clothing.
Some patients say that placing a trash bag beneath them in bed makes it easier to slide in and out.
Trash bags can also be used on car seats and at home in bed.
3.
Bring a noise-blocker to the hospital.
Unless you sleep like a rock, you'll likely have a difficult time getting sleep in a hospital.
Ear plugs or a music player, such as an iPod, are good options to help facilitate sleep.
4.
Plan ahead to make your home "recovery friendly.
" You may be able to easily dodge obstacles and reach needed items at home now, but after surgery these things will be difficult.
Make sure well-travelled pathways from the bedroom to the bathroom and kitchen are cleared.
Keep all items you usually use at waist-height or above, as bending over will be off the table.
5.
Get a cooler or mini fridge.
While it's important to get moving as soon as possible after surgery - three to six days after, generally - you don't want to be walking around the house a bunch during your first few days home.
Keeping essential foods and drinks close to hand is a good idea.
6.
Keep a bedside table stocked with a computer, a phone, a remote, a book, your favorite movies, etc.
When you're in pain and your mobility is limited, it's important to have things nearby that you enjoy.
Stock up on fun things beforehand.
7.
Consider a shower chair.
You'll definitely want a shower sometime soon after your surgery, but standing long enough to thoroughly wash yourself may be difficult for a while.
Investing in a shower chair can help.
Also, make sure you have a mat in the shower to prevent slips.
8.
After a week, make things more challenging.
Your doctor and surgeon should be consulted about how much and what types of activity you can do when.
It can be easy, though, to sink into immobility since you just had surgery and you hurt.
Understand that mobility is crucial for recovery.
Get rid of the mini fridge or cooler and the bedside table once it's time to move around more.
9.
Have a few people you can call for help lined up.
Even if you live with someone, that person might not be around all the time or able to help in the way you need.
It's good to make arrangements with other people ahead of time in case you need extra help.
See http://www.
spine-health.
com/treatment/spinal-fusion/postoperative-care-spinal-fusion-surgery for additional tips on post-surgery recovery from day one to three months and beyond.
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