Anyone had a spinal fusion operation?

[joan_w]

I have to have a spinal fusion op of the lumbar region. I'm looking for any info on how to cope when coming out of hospital - showering, laying in bed, how active are you. Anything would be appreciated.

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My friend had this operation in 2009 and it has been successful for her - she has just got married and danced the quick step at her after wedding party! Obviously it has its risks though so not to underate those but it has been a life saver for her I'm sure she would agree.

She was only living with her 15 year old daughter at the time and it was over the awful winter of 2009-10 when lots of ice was on the ground. I recall a district nurse used to risk life and limb getting down her driveway to help her get dressed in the mornings and I think her daughter (and returning sons) used to help get her shopping etc. We took bags of shopping to her when we could and when the snow had gone I took her out a few times - but as I say the roads were almost impassable and we don't live close by at all. Maybe the nurse came back in the evenings and helped her to shower too. I will ask her when she gets back from her honeymoon if that helps?

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PS I should say that she has connective tissue disorder and arthritis rather than RA.

PPS Also in case I sound like a useless friend who didn't help her much she had the operation 2 days after my mum's sudden death so I wasn't around much afterwards but I'll talk to her and find out how she managed - think she did have help getting up and to bed. Can you get some where you live I wonder?

[joan_w]

Hi Tilda

I have absolutely no idea what I am going to be like in the few weeks after the operation so if you could talk to your friend it would be wonderful. Thank you.

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I will. I do know that you will need some help. My friend is going to be on honeymoon for a few weeks and I'm away just now but I'll email her and paste the relevant bit for you - best of luck Joan. Tilda x