Surgery scheduled for 4/20

[Guest guest]

Hi everyone. My surgery has been scheduled for 4/20 at Yale New Haven Hospital

with Dr. Grauer. He is doing anterior and posterior. I am currently fused T6-L4

with a Harrington rod from 1985. They will be fusing down to the sacrum and

putting screws into the pelvis as well. I am absolutely terrified. I am 39 years

old and have been in pain for much of my adult life. I have a 10 month old baby

that I can't pick up because my disc at L4-L5 is completely herniated and

pressing on a nerve. My foot can drop out at anytime and is numb. L5-S1 is on

it's way out too. I am freaking out because I feel like I need to be doing

things to prepare but have no idea where to even start. Please, I welcome

any/all suggestions. Nervous about the surgery, the hospital stay, and then the

transition home. I've looked on that list on one of the links but would love

some real life stories, suggestions. What will I really need when I am home? How

long do I really need round the clock care? What kind of things besides a

grabber did you find helpful? Bed rails? Shower bar? I was told i cant start a

true PT program for 3 months. Again, all feedback is helpful. This will be here

in 2 weeks and I just feel unprepared and anxious . I await any tips or

stories you may have to share!!

Thanks,

Jody