I'm going in for L5/S1 fusion this Tuesday, ready for relief from pain, but can someone tell how long until I can get out of bed on my own, how long until I can walk or even travel. I forgot to ask. My husband will be off work 1 week, so will only be home with me about 3 days after surgery. Will I be able to take care of myself? Thanks for any info, I really love this board and all the info on it, again Thanks............

Okie46

You will probably be getting in and out of bed by yourself either the same day or the next day after surgery. You will be encouraged to walk as much as you are able as soon as possible, but traveling will be discouraged for some time. Sitting for more than 15 minutes at a time is a big no-no for a few weeks as well. As for being alone after only 3 days....well, it will be difficult. Be sure and have one of those "grabbers" that you can get at Wal-mart so that you don't have to bend or stoop to pick up things you drop. NO bending or stooping allowed, no lifting, pushing or pulling either. If at all possible, it would be great to have someone there for you for a few days after hubby goes back to work. You might want to stock some quick microwave meals as you aren't going to want to cook anything for a while.
Keep in mind that pushing yourself too soon after surgery just sets you up for problems down the road.

Good luck with the fusion; I hope it gives you the relief you are looking for.

Carol

Thank you Carol,it's not as easy as I thought it might be, thanks for the info.....DIANE

When you say your hubby will be with your the 3 days after the surgery...are you saying the 3 days that you will probably be in the hospital after the surgery or 3 days once you get home? If it's 3 days after the surgery...would it be possible for him to break up his week off and be there for the surgery and then 6 days after you come home? Just a thought. I was in the hospital for 6 days and then had someone w/ me for the next 3 weeks. If I had to, I could have done it on my own, I think, with someone there for the first 2 wks. home.

As Carol said, get a few grabbers, one for each room. Have your hubby get your meals ready for you and in a location you can get them. (You'll find that you wont be able to bend to reach into the fridge, oven, back of cupboards etcc), so have hubby put everything you might need on top of the counter, and towards the front. If it needs to be refridgerated, have him place it on the top shelf and in front. You will probably only be able to get up and move across the house, once every few hrs. for the first week or so. (At least that is the way it was for me).

If hubby cant be home, I'd see if a friend, neighbor, church member, family etc. could stop by during the day just to give you a little extra help. You will need someone, I think.

Please read the post at the top of the thread, titled "post op tips". It is full of ideas that you need to know prior to surgery.

Good lucka nd keep us posted.

Hugs and prayers,

Lorie :angel:

Thanks all, I'm off to Vegas for the hospital, let you know when I can..........Love Diane