Multilevel posterior fusion and mobility

Hi Firstsurgery, any time there is a fusion involved there will be some loss of mobility, most people adapt to any deficiency. Are there certain activities that has you concerned & have you discussed this with your dr? If you haven't already, please get a second opinion on the proposed surgery. I am not saying your dr isn't competent, any time someone has a surgery recommendation it never hurts to get a second opinion.

Will you have someone at home to help you after surgery? Being prepared ahead of surgery is vital. Now is the time to make sure you have easy foods that can be heated in a microwave, bottled water, plenty of healthy snacks, bendable plastic straws, cold packs, buy a grabber/reacher, it's used to pick up objects off of the floor. We have several & I like the metal one better, these can be bought at drug stores or Walmart. I don't know what type of bed you have, if it's an adjustable one, great, otherwise a lot of people find it much more comfortable to sleep in a recliner for a bit because it's can be difficult getting in/out of a regular bed. If you are a female buy some button up shirts, front closure bras, if you have long hair consider shortening it. Most find it very difficult to shampoo their hair & dry it if it's real long.

If you will click on CP101 & scroll to the end there is a list of items that prior members found very useful preparing for surgery.

Before I forget, welcome to the forum!

Something you may want to consider is discussing with your surgeon that you will be alone after surgery. Depending on your insurance coverage you may qualify for some in home nurse visits. These visits will be limited to medical care only, no cooking or cleaning. We have a mod here that had posterior surgery many years ago & he was sent to a so called "rehab facility" from the hospital because he lived a lone. It was a disaster & he left there & went home. He was able to manage at home alone.

Do you have a relative or a neighbor or two that can check in on you? Be sure to take all of your medications on a schedule as directed by the dr. Set a timer if you need to for a reminder. Take up area rugs if they tend to slip around on your floors. Slip on shoes are great as long as they are not slippery on the bottoms. Now is the time to look around your home to make it safe for you to move around in safely. I think you will be ok with your daily things, it's just always nicer to have someone close by.

I understand your concerns about future situations, but we've had several members in the past that has had successful posterior surgery. The recovery time is longer than the anterior approach, but they looked forward to the end result of feeling better & having better quality of life. One member as an example, said she was thankful her car had the backup camera, it made driving so much easier, sometimes it's those little things.

I don't know when you see the surgeon again, but make a list of any questions you have. Same with making a list of things you will need to prepare for your surgery. I will add if you don't have a cup with a handle, get one. If you have problems with constipation from pain medication, get a stool softener, something like Miralax. I am glad to read that you have neighbors willing to check on you!

Take care.