FW: Post surgery jitters - equipment

[Guest guest]

In case my descriptions weren't very accurate, here are Pics of the type of

toilet seat I used and the Bed Rail.

Dee

From: deeinbc@...

To: tetheredspinalcord

Subject: RE: Post surgery jitters

Date: Sun, 6 Mar 2011 11:14:53 -0800

I didn't have a bar for the bathroom -- what worked for me was actually a raised

toilet seat with bars attached. I got everything I needed from the Red Cross

Equipment Loan program -- all I needed was a doctor's note -- does anyone know

if you can get items like this from the American Red Cross or a similar

organization? , your family doctor's office should know. The other thing

I had this second surgery which would have been great for the detether was a bed

rail -- it just fit under the mattress and was amazing -- made it so much easier

to log roll out of bed. I got that from the Red Cross as well. My cane was

covered by my extended health.

It would be helpful to have a bar in the shower to hold onto but I didn't and

managed just fine -- I found if I needed to I could grab onto the shower handle.

But if you want to install one they would be available at any home

hardware/depot type store.

Ha ha -- Whole Foods was just down the street from my hospital -- I found

smoothies to be a great -- a good easy way to get some protein and fruit into

me.

Dee

To: tetheredspinalcord

From: redgecko97@...

Date: Sun, 6 Mar 2011 10:59:08 -0800

Subject: RE: Post surgery jitters

Hi again Dee,

I don't eat meat and I know they have a Whole Foods market there. If it gets

bad, I know they will make a run for me. :-)

So, as far as finding a bar or something for the bathroom, what do I look for

(name of tool). I thought craigs list would be a good place to look for

something like that.

Dr. was told about my commute, but I plan on reminding him of everything

when I'm down there on the 14th.

Thanks again for all the advise.

Subject: RE: Post surgery jitters

To: tetheredspinalcord

Date: Sunday, March 6, 2011, 12:11 PM

I remember feeling the same way and was soooo happy to have this group at the

time as several people told me what to expect. It will be great to get it

overwith and not worrying about it anymore.

Generally, you will be lying flat most likely on your back for at least the

first 24 hours, some NS have you stay down longer. I was flat for 3 days due to

severe headaches and dizziness. We have figured out after two surgeries that

half of my battle is my reactions to the anesthesia and drugs so this is not

likely to be someone else's experience. You may have those compression pads on

your legs to prevent blood clots -- after the first day my legs did get itchy

and sweaty but you can usually have them off for a bit as long as you are moving

your legs. Although you are pretty well flat, nurses will move a pillow from

under you every so often so you don't get bedsores -- eg you will be propped up

a bit to your right, then your left side. You will likely be allowed to move

your legs the whole time you are lying flat.

I would strongly recommend having someone (friend or relative) with you during

the day for the first 1-3 days until you are mobile. I found I needed more help

than the nursing staff could give me as you are completely imobile. Once you

can finally get up and moving things get so much better quickly -- the pain will

decrease and you will just feel so much better overall. Once you b & b are

working and you can walk and navigate stairs on your own you will likely be

discharged. An occupational therapist will work with you to make sure you know

your limitations for home and give you alternative ways of doing things (eg like

dressing, etc) and help solve any other mobility issues, etc.

I had to have a raised toiled seat and grabber (this is essential -- you don't

realize how often you drop things til you have back surgery). Also, make sure

your house is in order, things up high and some food in the fridge/freezer for

when you get home. I needed someone full-time at home with me the first week to

help me with dressing, showering and to make me meals. After that I could

manage while my husband was at work if I had help in the morning showering and

all my meal stuff for breakfast and lunch up high where I could reach it.

Bring pillows for the car ride home from the hospital.

Hmmm, sure there's lots more. I also did a lot of prep with a naturopath to

boost my immune system before and after surgery. If nothing else, I'd make sure

your vitamin D levels are high going near a hospital -- if your not already on

vit D get on 2,000 units per day between now and then (unless you are one of the

lucky one's in a sunny climate down south???).

Please feel free to email me if you have any specific questions that I have not

addressed.

Dee

To: tetheredspinalcord

From: redgecko97@...

Date: Sun, 6 Mar 2011 16:46:36 +0000

Subject: Post surgery jitters

Hi everyone,

I am expecting to have surger to untether within the next month (hopefully). Can

someone tell my what to expect right after surgery? How do I lie in the bed? How

dificult is it to move around? The not knowing is making me nervouse.