OK, I'm at 11 days post op and doing better than expected. Pain has not been too bad and is decreasing day by day. I can now go about
about
6 hours before I need another Percocet. Overnight is no problem; I sleep for 6-7 hours with no meds. The power recliner has been a godsend. I tried sleeping in bed but find I get up after a few hours and go to the recliner. I also use the soft freezer packs on my neck and shoulders several times a day.
As far as personal care I can pretty much take care of myself. I do need a bit to assistance getting in and out of the shower (for safety's sake). But with the grab bar installed, the shower chair and the showerhead wand I can get along pretty well. My hubby helps me with drying off and applying lotion on my back and changing the pads in the cervical collar. I need to wear it 24/7 for 6-8 weeks (possibly up to 3 months) and it only comes off briefly to change the pads. A dressing over the wound is put on only while showering.
I have been very careful to stick to the BLT rules: No Bending Lifting or Twisting.
My neurosurgeon ordered Home Health Care to come out the week I arrived home from the hospital and it was very useful. There were two visits, the first with Physical Therapy who did an evaluation of my overall post-op physical condition and abilities. I passed with flying colors! He then ordered a visit from Occupational Therapy later that week. I learned a few new things to help with recovery such as how to effectively use the aids I was given and also a few exercises to help prevent DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis) from sitting too much. I especially like the "tracing each letter of the alphabet with your toes while sitting" exercise. The OT said this action exercises more muscles and tendons in the legs than the toe raises, leg lifts, or knee bends (though I continue to do those a couple of times a day as well).
I walk around the house, but have not been outside yet. My first trip outside will be to the backyard this coming Wednesday; we have an anti-gravity chair I can settle into as I enjoy the fresh air and listen to the bird song.
My son is coming back for a visit over Mother's Day weekend so we'll be going out to lunch at a nearby seafood restaurant we like overlooking the King Harbor Marina.
On Monday the 11th I go in for my first post-op appointment with the neurosurgeon's PA where my staples and sutures will be removed. I imagine they'll also do an x-ray to see how the fusion is coming along. On the 12th I see my PC Dr. for a check-up and finally on June 3 a post-op appt. with my neurosurgeon to evaluate my status and arrange for PT (when the collar comes off).
Last but not least, I have to say I had a HUGE head start on being ready for surgery, the lack of severe pain, as well as the great progress as far as healing by reading the book "Prepare for Surgery, Heal Faster: A Guide of Mind/Body Techniques" by Peggy Huddleston and listening to the relaxation and healing CDs that came with the book. I would highly this book to anyone facing surgery, and would hope that in the future it will be given to patients by their surgeon to help prepare and lessen the trauma of surgery and promote the healing experience.
Again, thanks to everyone here for the good thoughts and support. I'm convinced it really made a difference.
Post Edited (Birder Nancy) : 5/4/2015 3:10:06 PM (GMT-6)