Retrospect on Major Surgery--today has been
turning point.
For the past 5 or so years I had been experiecing severe pain in my spine. At 56, I had done the usual list of things we are instructed NOT to coin life; carrying a bicycle up 6 fights of dorm stairs to and from class several times a day, being on the bottom side of an oak table going up stairs with my husband saying, “Oh you can do it, you can do it,” carrying two toddlers each over the weight of 30lbs, their backpacks, my make up bag, and two rolly suitcases the length of the Munich airport three times, loading numerous bicycles on to bike racks, skisracks...and well need I contine?..carrying mattresses from one college apt. alone and and helping my son do a lift on his truck not realizing I would be part of the lift, and so on...my back had been abused. This advise is for those who had also experienced these types of abuse. The Surgeon
Make sure they are old enough to have their driver’s license. Otherwise, the younger they are, the better. They have been trained on the latest techniques have no old outdated techniques to forget or revert back to and have the best physical agility needed for surgery.
Spinal Surgery prep:
Think happy thoughts
Treat your spouse like a royaly for the 3 weeks prior to surgery, favorite restaurants, as much golf/masagases,manicure, pedicures as they want, lots of sex, steak and anything they desire.
If they will not be providing your care after surgery,forget all of the above, find someone who is patient, can tolerate loud screaming, and can assist you for two weeks.
Ask for prayers from everyone--even homeless people
For the remaining children still imprisoned in your home--make up a collection (well hidden) of things to be used as bribes.
Buy a bed tray for meals to be served on.
Buy some long comfy COTTON* night gowns(men too) so that nothing-nothing will touch you around your incisision waistline area, and you will not need a robe.
*Cotton is an absorbent fabric and will breathe. Nylon, polyester or other man-mades will not breathe, can stick to a wound and cause an infection.
Spinal Surgery Day
No no one ever explained the WHY of this before to me. “No make-up, lotions, alcohol,moisturisers, creme rinses in your hair, hair spray, hair gels etc”----WHY? because with the high oxygen invironment in in OR you can catch ON FIRE!!!
WAS THIS NOT IMPORTANT ENOUGH TO TELL ANYONE BEFORE NOW???????
So...arrive ready for surgery looking like a homeless person......wear as few clothes as possible, and bring your own overnight bag. The white ones from the hospital are all alike and can get mixed up.
After Surgery
Stay as long at the hospital as they will let you. They are being RATED ON THE CARE THEY GIVE YOU.....NO ONE AT HOME gets a rating.....!
Don’t climb stairs and convince your family the only thing the Dr. allows you to do is talk, eat and walk to the bathroom. Have a great recovery!!
turning point.
For the past 5 or so years I had been experiecing severe pain in my spine. At 56, I had done the usual list of things we are instructed NOT to coin life; carrying a bicycle up 6 fights of dorm stairs to and from class several times a day, being on the bottom side of an oak table going up stairs with my husband saying, “Oh you can do it, you can do it,” carrying two toddlers each over the weight of 30lbs, their backpacks, my make up bag, and two rolly suitcases the length of the Munich airport three times, loading numerous bicycles on to bike racks, skisracks...and well need I contine?..carrying mattresses from one college apt. alone and and helping my son do a lift on his truck not realizing I would be part of the lift, and so on...my back had been abused. This advise is for those who had also experienced these types of abuse.
Make sure they are old enough to have their driver’s license. Otherwise, the younger they are, the better. They have been trained on the latest techniques have no old outdated techniques to forget or revert back to and have the best physical agility needed for surgery.
Spinal Surgery prep:
Think happy thoughts
Treat your spouse like a royaly for the 3 weeks prior to surgery, favorite restaurants, as much golf/masagases,manicure, pedicures as they want, lots of sex, steak and anything they desire.
If they will not be providing your care after surgery,forget all of the above, find someone who is patient, can tolerate loud screaming, and can assist you for two weeks.
Ask for prayers from everyone--even homeless people
For the remaining children still imprisoned in your home--make up a collection (well hidden) of things to be used as bribes.
Buy a bed tray for meals to be served on.
Buy some long comfy COTTON* night gowns(men too) so that nothing-nothing will touch you around your incisision waistline area, and you will not need a robe.
*Cotton is an absorbent fabric and will breathe. Nylon, polyester or other man-mades will not breathe, can stick to a wound and cause an infection.
Spinal Surgery Day
No no one ever explained the WHY of this before to me. “No make-up, lotions, alcohol,moisturisers, creme rinses in your hair, hair spray, hair gels etc”----WHY? because with the high oxygen invironment in in OR you can catch ON FIRE!!!
WAS THIS NOT IMPORTANT ENOUGH TO TELL ANYONE BEFORE NOW???????
So...arrive ready for surgery looking like a homeless person......wear as few clothes as possible, and bring your own overnight bag. The white ones from the hospital are all alike and can get mixed up.
After Surgery
Stay as long at the hospital as they will let you. They are being RATED ON THE CARE THEY GIVE YOU.....NO ONE AT HOME gets a rating.....!
Don’t climb stairs and convince your family the only thing the Dr. allows you to do is talk, eat and walk to the bathroom. Have a great recovery!!
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