Re: Do's and Don'ts After A Lumbar Fusion

December 18, 2006

,

In September, was it a micro-discectomy? I'm scheduled to have a

microdiscectomy in January. I was wonder what to expect post-op.

Cyndi G

<ccraven@...> wrote:

Hi Everybody,

Would one of you nice folks please tell me what to expect after a

lumbar fusion? I know it is a lot more involved than the disectomy I

had in September. How incapacitated will I be when I come home? My

husband and I are trying to determine what we will need in the way of

assistance and how long we will need the help. He has emphysema and

can only do so much during the day. Also, he can't drive. Any

insight any of you could give would be greatly appreciated.

Many thanks and Happy Holidays Everyone!

in NC

December 19, 2006

Hi , I don't post much, but I read the posts

everyday. I had a one level fusion Dec 2004. My

early recovery, the first two weeks, were pretty

horrible. I don't remember much of anything. I was

told I was the worst patient there was. I kept

getting out of bed and falling. I tried to do things

that I wasn't supposed to. I had had a bad reaction

to the anesthesia and developed a type of

amnesia/dementia. In the second week, I came out of

week and was the model patient. I am the kind of

person who likes to dothings for themselves all the

time. It was a pain because I couldn't. My husband

and daughter helped me out with everything. I got a

lot of rest the third week and by the forth week, I

was doing pretty much everything that I could with in

reason. I did have to were a corset type brace

whenever I was out of bed. I couldn't bend over,

reach out or do anything that might strain my back. I

did learn how to kneel, stoop and use my 'grabber'.

Those are one of the greatest inventions. I was also

given a little device with straps and velcroe that

allowed me to put my own socks on. I was able to

drive by the third or forth week. I was off all pain

medications by the third month. My pain wasn;t as bad

as I thought it was once I cut down and eliminated the

narcotics. I am a very lucky person. I quit smoking

one month before surgery and started smoking very

lightly one month after. At one year, I was fully

fused but arthritis has developed in it. I also have

a bulging disk and a tarlov cyst on my coccyx. I try

to stay away from narcotics because of an addiction

problem. But, I work very closely with my doctor and

if the pain is bad enough, I can take something. I

had a double bunionectomy a year after my fusion!. It

all works out if you can leave your fear behind and

have trust in your doctor. My docotro told me she

75-80% success rate and I was comfortable with her.

I am one of her many success stories.

I wish you luck in your surgery. I will answer

anything that i can for you.

peace Minx

--- <ccraven@...> wrote:

> Hi Everybody,

>

> Would one of you nice folks please tell me what to

> expect after a

> lumbar fusion? I know it is a lot more involved

> than the disectomy I

> had in September. How incapacitated will I be when

> I come home? My

> husband and I are trying to determine what we will

> need in the way of

> assistance and how long we will need the help. He

> has emphysema and

> can only do so much during the day. Also, he can't

> drive. Any

> insight any of you could give would be greatly

> appreciated.

>

> Many thanks and Happy Holidays Everyone!

>

> in NC

>

__________________________________________________

December 19, 2006

DO NOT LEAVE THE HOSPITAL TOO EARLY!!! I can not stress that enough. i

thought i was fine, got home and the hospital meds wore off, i didnt stop

screaming until the ambulance came (slight exageration, but it hurt and i

couldnt get it to stop.) they kept me for another day and a half. stay for

4 days if you can. lazy chair; my wife bought me a recliner-it's a

definate. i think i did too much too soon, but i have that problem.

probably like you, my wife needed help so i didnt take as good of care of

myself as i should have. Im not sure if you are talking about a nurse or

something to help you, but a walker, a cane for tighter places, and bars to

help with the bathroom (getting up and down, showers and baths too. baths

are hard because they feel so good but i had a hard time getting back out

without ruinining everything the bath did for me. just take it easy for as

long as possible, and dont over do it; i know its the same story but....

the recliner helped me the most. it was where i slept, unless you have

access to a hospital bed-if so i reccommend that. take care

good luck

rob

No greater burden can be borne by an individual than to know no one cares or

understands.

>From: " " <ccraven@...>

>Reply-neck pain

>neck pain

>Subject: Do's and Don'ts After A Lumbar Fusion

>Date: Mon, 18 Dec 2006 21:34:56 -0000

>

>Hi Everybody,

>

>Would one of you nice folks please tell me what to expect after a

>lumbar fusion? I know it is a lot more involved than the disectomy I

>had in September. How incapacitated will I be when I come home? My

>husband and I are trying to determine what we will need in the way of

>assistance and how long we will need the help. He has emphysema and

>can only do so much during the day. Also, he can't drive. Any

>insight any of you could give would be greatly appreciated.

>

>Many thanks and Happy Holidays Everyone!

>

> in NC

>

_________________________________________________________________

Get FREE Web site and company branded e-mail from Microsoft Office Live

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December 19, 2006

i had 3 fused all at once; s-1 to l4 or something. my wife takes care of

the details. just make sure you follow directions. as i am now having

another fusion 1 and a half yrs later. i developed stenosis to go with my

degenerative discs. i am only 32 and this will be my third back surgery. i

am not a success story, but i plan on it this time around! or i'll lose my

mind get your books and movies ready! wear your brace! i was not given

one the first time, but will have one specially fitted this time. again

good luck.

rob

No greater burden can be borne by an individual than to know no one cares or

understands.

>From: adrianne dill <minxie8@...>

>Reply-neck pain

>neck pain

>Subject: Re: Do's and Don'ts After A Lumbar Fusion

>Date: Tue, 19 Dec 2006 04:50:25 -0800 (PST)

>

>Hi , I don't post much, but I read the posts

>everyday. I had a one level fusion Dec 2004. My

>early recovery, the first two weeks, were pretty

>horrible. I don't remember much of anything. I was

>told I was the worst patient there was. I kept

>getting out of bed and falling. I tried to do things

>that I wasn't supposed to. I had had a bad reaction

>to the anesthesia and developed a type of

>amnesia/dementia. In the second week, I came out of

>week and was the model patient. I am the kind of

>person who likes to dothings for themselves all the

>time. It was a pain because I couldn't. My husband

>and daughter helped me out with everything. I got a

>lot of rest the third week and by the forth week, I

>was doing pretty much everything that I could with in

>reason. I did have to were a corset type brace

>whenever I was out of bed. I couldn't bend over,

>reach out or do anything that might strain my back. I

>did learn how to kneel, stoop and use my 'grabber'.

>Those are one of the greatest inventions. I was also

>given a little device with straps and velcroe that

>allowed me to put my own socks on. I was able to

>drive by the third or forth week. I was off all pain

>medications by the third month. My pain wasn;t as bad

>as I thought it was once I cut down and eliminated the

>narcotics. I am a very lucky person. I quit smoking

>one month before surgery and started smoking very

>lightly one month after. At one year, I was fully

>fused but arthritis has developed in it. I also have

>a bulging disk and a tarlov cyst on my coccyx. I try

>to stay away from narcotics because of an addiction

>problem. But, I work very closely with my doctor and

>if the pain is bad enough, I can take something. I

>had a double bunionectomy a year after my fusion!. It

>all works out if you can leave your fear behind and

>have trust in your doctor. My docotro told me she

>75-80% success rate and I was comfortable with her.

>I am one of her many success stories.

>I wish you luck in your surgery. I will answer

>anything that i can for you.

>peace Minx

>--- <ccraven@...> wrote:

>

> > Hi Everybody,

> >

> > Would one of you nice folks please tell me what to

> > expect after a

> > lumbar fusion? I know it is a lot more involved

> > than the disectomy I

> > had in September. How incapacitated will I be when

> > I come home? My

> > husband and I are trying to determine what we will

> > need in the way of

> > assistance and how long we will need the help. He

> > has emphysema and

> > can only do so much during the day. Also, he can't

> > drive. Any

> > insight any of you could give would be greatly

> > appreciated.

> >

> > Many thanks and Happy Holidays Everyone!

> >

> > in NC

> >

>

>__________________________________________________

>

December 19, 2006

did you have anterior or posterior fusion ?

Gehle <robgehle@...> wrote: i

had 3 fused all at once; s-1 to l4 or something. my wife takes care of

the details. just make sure you follow directions. as i am now having

another fusion 1 and a half yrs later. i developed stenosis to go with my

degenerative discs. i am only 32 and this will be my third back surgery. i

am not a success story, but i plan on it this time around! or i'll lose my

mind get your books and movies ready! wear your brace! i was not given

one the first time, but will have one specially fitted this time. again

good luck.

rob

No greater burden can be borne by an individual than to know no one cares or

understands.

>From: adrianne dill <minxie8@...>

>Reply-neck pain

>neck pain

>Subject: Re: Do's and Don'ts After A Lumbar Fusion

>Date: Tue, 19 Dec 2006 04:50:25 -0800 (PST)

>

>Hi , I don't post much, but I read the posts

>everyday. I had a one level fusion Dec 2004. My

>early recovery, the first two weeks, were pretty

>horrible. I don't remember much of anything. I was

>told I was the worst patient there was. I kept

>getting out of bed and falling. I tried to do things

>that I wasn't supposed to. I had had a bad reaction

>to the anesthesia and developed a type of

>amnesia/dementia. In the second week, I came out of

>week and was the model patient. I am the kind of

>person who likes to dothings for themselves all the

>time. It was a pain because I couldn't. My husband

>and daughter helped me out with everything. I got a

>lot of rest the third week and by the forth week, I

>was doing pretty much everything that I could with in

>reason. I did have to were a corset type brace

>whenever I was out of bed. I couldn't bend over,

>reach out or do anything that might strain my back. I

>did learn how to kneel, stoop and use my 'grabber'.

>Those are one of the greatest inventions. I was also

>given a little device with straps and velcroe that

>allowed me to put my own socks on. I was able to

>drive by the third or forth week. I was off all pain

>medications by the third month. My pain wasn;t as bad

>as I thought it was once I cut down and eliminated the

>narcotics. I am a very lucky person. I quit smoking

>one month before surgery and started smoking very

>lightly one month after. At one year, I was fully

>fused but arthritis has developed in it. I also have

>a bulging disk and a tarlov cyst on my coccyx. I try

>to stay away from narcotics because of an addiction

>problem. But, I work very closely with my doctor and

>if the pain is bad enough, I can take something. I

>had a double bunionectomy a year after my fusion!. It

>all works out if you can leave your fear behind and

>have trust in your doctor. My docotro told me she

>75-80% success rate and I was comfortable with her.

>I am one of her many success stories.

>I wish you luck in your surgery. I will answer

>anything that i can for you.

>peace Minx

>--- <ccraven@...> wrote:

>

> > Hi Everybody,

> >

> > Would one of you nice folks please tell me what to

> > expect after a

> > lumbar fusion? I know it is a lot more involved

> > than the disectomy I

> > had in September. How incapacitated will I be when

> > I come home? My

> > husband and I are trying to determine what we will

> > need in the way of

> > assistance and how long we will need the help. He

> > has emphysema and

> > can only do so much during the day. Also, he can't

> > drive. Any

> > insight any of you could give would be greatly

> > appreciated.

> >

> > Many thanks and Happy Holidays Everyone!

> >

> > in NC

> >

>

>__________________________________________________

>

December 19, 2006

Thank you ne. I hope mine goes as well as yours did, without

the dementia! The driving part if very important for me since my

hubby doesn't drive. Thanks for sharing your info. Happy Holidays!

in NC

>

> Hi , I don't post much, but I read the posts

> everyday. I had a one level fusion Dec 2004. My

> early recovery, the first two weeks, were pretty

> horrible. I don't remember much of anything. I was

> told I was the worst patient there was. I kept

> getting out of bed and falling. I tried to do things

> that I wasn't supposed to. I had had a bad reaction

> to the anesthesia and developed a type of

> amnesia/dementia. In the second week, I came out of

> week and was the model patient. I am the kind of

> person who likes to dothings for themselves all the

> time. It was a pain because I couldn't. My husband

> and daughter helped me out with everything. I got a

> lot of rest the third week and by the forth week, I

> was doing pretty much everything that I could with in

> reason. I did have to were a corset type brace

> whenever I was out of bed. I couldn't bend over,

> reach out or do anything that might strain my back. I

> did learn how to kneel, stoop and use my 'grabber'.

> Those are one of the greatest inventions. I was also

> given a little device with straps and velcroe that

> allowed me to put my own socks on. I was able to

> drive by the third or forth week. I was off all pain

> medications by the third month. My pain wasn;t as bad

> as I thought it was once I cut down and eliminated the

> narcotics. I am a very lucky person. I quit smoking

> one month before surgery and started smoking very

> lightly one month after. At one year, I was fully

> fused but arthritis has developed in it. I also have

> a bulging disk and a tarlov cyst on my coccyx. I try

> to stay away from narcotics because of an addiction

> problem. But, I work very closely with my doctor and

> if the pain is bad enough, I can take something. I

> had a double bunionectomy a year after my fusion!. It

> all works out if you can leave your fear behind and

> have trust in your doctor. My docotro told me she

> 75-80% success rate and I was comfortable with her.

> I am one of her many success stories.

> I wish you luck in your surgery. I will answer

> anything that i can for you.

> peace Minx

December 19, 2006

OUCH!!!!!!!! The doctor has already told me I will be in the hospital

for about four days. I have all the home care equipment from my last

surgery so I'm set in that department. If I will be able to drive

after four or five weeks, we should be ok. I just can't imagine going

3 or 4 months not being able to drive. My hubby would probably run

screaming from the house by the end of the first month! He can only

accomplish so much on his scooter so I will have to stock up again

before this surgery.

Thanks Rob for sharing your information and advice!

in NC

>

> DO NOT LEAVE THE HOSPITAL TOO EARLY!!! I can not stress that

enough. i

> thought i was fine, got home and the hospital meds wore off, i didnt

stop

> screaming until the ambulance came (slight exageration, but it hurt

and i

> couldnt get it to stop.) they kept me for another day and a half.

stay for

> 4 days if you can. lazy chair; my wife bought me a recliner-it's a

> definate. i think i did too much too soon, but i have that problem.

> probably like you, my wife needed help so i didnt take as good of

care of

> myself as i should have. Im not sure if you are talking about a

nurse or

> something to help you, but a walker, a cane for tighter places, and

bars to

> help with the bathroom (getting up and down, showers and baths too.

baths

> are hard because they feel so good but i had a hard time getting

back out

> without ruinining everything the bath did for me. just take it easy

for as

> long as possible, and dont over do it; i know its the same story

but....

> the recliner helped me the most. it was where i slept, unless you have

> access to a hospital bed-if so i reccommend that. take care

>

> good luck

> rob

>

> No greater burden can be borne by an individual than to know no one

cares or

> understands.

December 19, 2006

Hi ,

Someone posted a similar question last week on another board I

belong to so I copied the info I gave before and it is shown below. I

hope it is helpful. I had a fusion in Jan. 2006 and you'll be pretty out

of it the first week home so don't expect to do much of anything that

first week or two.

Here are a few things I have learned first hand. You should get these

done BEFORE having surgery. Get an elevated toilet seat either from a

medical supply store or I think I've seen them at Home Depot or

sometimes the hospital will give you one before you are released. Also

get a safety bar for your tub/shower. You can permanently install one or

get one that screws on that is temporary. Again a Home Depot or Lowe's

should carry. I also bought a small plastic step stool to sit on inside

the tub and a hand held shower for those first 10 days when I couldn't

take a normal shower because of the stitches. Make sure you're not

having to twist to reach the toilet paper. I took mine off the roller

and kept it on the vanity next to the toilet. Buy a " grabber " . They are

those pole-like devices with the pinchers on the end to pick up items

off the floor or high up in the cabinet. They are usually about $10-$12.

In your kitchen, put your pots and pans on the counter instead of down

below or up high in a cabinet. Just walk around your house and think

about the things you do during the day that require you to lift or twist

and see what you can to do to make things easier on yourself.

Good Luck,

Sue

December 21, 2006

hi cindy depending on how much you get fused will depend on how long

your recovery will be and how involved. Driving or sitting in a car

and stairs are the worst pain. I pretty much stayed downstairs most

of the day and only went up once or twice with help after my fusion,

it hurt REALLY bad to lift my feet and go up stairs. Also they gave

me a walker to use the first few weeks at home which helped for

support, more than a cane I had the first time. Going up and down to

your knees to get things low or on the floor is hard so I used the

walker for a brace and even sitting it helped me. The first two

weeks were the worst for me but I had 3 incisions in my back and all

but about 3 inches of my entire back in stitches so that may have

been partly why I was in so much pain.You will probably need to go

to the dr for a checkup in 3 weeks or so so you may need to get

someone to drive you there. Doubtful you will feel up to driving

then. Hopefully it won't be a big fusion and all will go well for

you. Best wishes if you need anymore info just let me know. Sharon

Group Owner

>

> OUCH!!!!!!!! The doctor has already told me I will be in the

hospital

> for about four days. I have all the home care equipment from my

last

> surgery so I'm set in that department. If I will be able to drive

> after four or five weeks, we should be ok. I just can't imagine

going

> 3 or 4 months not being able to drive. My hubby would probably run

> screaming from the house by the end of the first month! He can only

> accomplish so much on his scooter so I will have to stock up again

> before this surgery.

>

> Thanks Rob for sharing your information and advice!

>

> in NC

>

December 21, 2006

well, i can say i was driving sooner then that, but at the same time i'm

getting another surgery; it may be that i caused this next surgery by not

listening very well. with two boys and a seizure prone wife i kinda had no

choice. hope and pray that your surgery goes well.

rob

No greater burden can be borne by an individual than to know no one cares or

understands.

>From: " " <ccraven@...>

>Reply-neck pain

>neck pain

>Subject: Re: Do's and Don'ts After A Lumbar Fusion

>Date: Tue, 19 Dec 2006 21:39:13 -0000

>

>OUCH!!!!!!!! The doctor has already told me I will be in the hospital

>for about four days. I have all the home care equipment from my last

>surgery so I'm set in that department. If I will be able to drive

>after four or five weeks, we should be ok. I just can't imagine going

>3 or 4 months not being able to drive. My hubby would probably run

>screaming from the house by the end of the first month! He can only

>accomplish so much on his scooter so I will have to stock up again

>before this surgery.

>

>Thanks Rob for sharing your information and advice!

>

> in NC

>

> >

> > DO NOT LEAVE THE HOSPITAL TOO EARLY!!! I can not stress that

>enough. i

> > thought i was fine, got home and the hospital meds wore off, i didnt

>stop

> > screaming until the ambulance came (slight exageration, but it hurt

>and i

> > couldnt get it to stop.) they kept me for another day and a half.

>stay for

> > 4 days if you can. lazy chair; my wife bought me a recliner-it's a

> > definate. i think i did too much too soon, but i have that problem.

> > probably like you, my wife needed help so i didnt take as good of

>care of

> > myself as i should have. Im not sure if you are talking about a

>nurse or

> > something to help you, but a walker, a cane for tighter places, and

>bars to

> > help with the bathroom (getting up and down, showers and baths too.

> baths

> > are hard because they feel so good but i had a hard time getting

>back out

> > without ruinining everything the bath did for me. just take it easy

>for as

> > long as possible, and dont over do it; i know its the same story

>but....

> > the recliner helped me the most. it was where i slept, unless you have

> > access to a hospital bed-if so i reccommend that. take care

> >

> > good luck

> > rob

> >

> > No greater burden can be borne by an individual than to know no one

>cares or

> > understands.

>

_________________________________________________________________

Get free, personalized online radio with MSN Radio powered by Pandora

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December 21, 2006

ok, im really bad at this, is one when they enter from the front, and the

other when they enter thru the back? if so they went in thru the back. if

that's not what those mean, then im sorry i have to ask for the difference

between the two to answer.

rob

No greater burden can be borne by an individual than to know no one cares or

understands.

>From: Smokie1952 <smokie1952@...>

>Reply-neck pain

>neck pain

>Subject: Re: Do's and Don'ts After A Lumbar Fusion

>Date: Tue, 19 Dec 2006 08:27:02 -0800 (PST)

>

>did you have anterior or posterior fusion ?

>

> Gehle <robgehle@...> wrote:

>i had 3 fused all at once; s-1 to l4 or something. my wife takes care of

> the details. just make sure you follow directions. as i am now having

> another fusion 1 and a half yrs later. i developed stenosis to go with

>my

> degenerative discs. i am only 32 and this will be my third back surgery.

> i

> am not a success story, but i plan on it this time around! or i'll lose

>my

> mind get your books and movies ready! wear your brace! i was not

>given

> one the first time, but will have one specially fitted this time. again

> good luck.

>

> rob

>

> No greater burden can be borne by an individual than to know no one cares

>or

> understands.

>

> >From: adrianne dill <minxie8@...>

> >Reply-neck pain

> >neck pain

> >Subject: Re: Do's and Don'ts After A Lumbar Fusion

> >Date: Tue, 19 Dec 2006 04:50:25 -0800 (PST)

> >

> >Hi , I don't post much, but I read the posts

> >everyday. I had a one level fusion Dec 2004. My

> >early recovery, the first two weeks, were pretty

> >horrible. I don't remember much of anything. I was

> >told I was the worst patient there was. I kept

> >getting out of bed and falling. I tried to do things

> >that I wasn't supposed to. I had had a bad reaction

> >to the anesthesia and developed a type of

> >amnesia/dementia. In the second week, I came out of

> >week and was the model patient. I am the kind of

> >person who likes to dothings for themselves all the

> >time. It was a pain because I couldn't. My husband

> >and daughter helped me out with everything. I got a

> >lot of rest the third week and by the forth week, I

> >was doing pretty much everything that I could with in

> >reason. I did have to were a corset type brace

> >whenever I was out of bed. I couldn't bend over,

> >reach out or do anything that might strain my back. I

> >did learn how to kneel, stoop and use my 'grabber'.

> >Those are one of the greatest inventions. I was also

> >given a little device with straps and velcroe that

> >allowed me to put my own socks on. I was able to

> >drive by the third or forth week. I was off all pain

> >medications by the third month. My pain wasn;t as bad

> >as I thought it was once I cut down and eliminated the

> >narcotics. I am a very lucky person. I quit smoking

> >one month before surgery and started smoking very

> >lightly one month after. At one year, I was fully

> >fused but arthritis has developed in it. I also have

> >a bulging disk and a tarlov cyst on my coccyx. I try

> >to stay away from narcotics because of an addiction

> >problem. But, I work very closely with my doctor and

> >if the pain is bad enough, I can take something. I

> >had a double bunionectomy a year after my fusion!. It

> >all works out if you can leave your fear behind and

> >have trust in your doctor. My docotro told me she

> >75-80% success rate and I was comfortable with her.

> >I am one of her many success stories.

> >I wish you luck in your surgery. I will answer

> >anything that i can for you.

> >peace Minx

> >--- <ccraven@...> wrote:

> >

> > > Hi Everybody,

> > >

> > > Would one of you nice folks please tell me what to

> > > expect after a

> > > lumbar fusion? I know it is a lot more involved

> > > than the disectomy I

> > > had in September. How incapacitated will I be when

> > > I come home? My

> > > husband and I are trying to determine what we will

> > > need in the way of

> > > assistance and how long we will need the help. He

> > > has emphysema and

> > > can only do so much during the day. Also, he can't

> > > drive. Any

> > > insight any of you could give would be greatly

> > > appreciated.

> > >

> > > Many thanks and Happy Holidays Everyone!

> > >

> > > in NC

> > >

> >

> >__________________________________________________

> >

December 21, 2006

Hi Sue,

Thanks for the information. I have all the gadgets you mentioned from

my last surgery. All I have to do is put them all back together! I

must admit, I am worried about this procedure. I've heard so many

horror stories about fusions that failed. I trust my surgeon

completely. It's ME I don't trust! I'm hoping the brace they

prescribe will be very restricting so that I don't do something stupid

to mess up the surgery. Did you need a home care nurse the first week

or so?

Trying to prepare for this mentally!

in NC

>

> Hi ,

> Someone posted a similar question last week on another board I

> belong to so I copied the info I gave before and it is shown below. I

> hope it is helpful. I had a fusion in Jan. 2006 and you'll be pretty out

> of it the first week home so don't expect to do much of anything that

> first week or two.

>

> Here are a few things I have learned first hand. You should get these

> done BEFORE having surgery. Get an elevated toilet seat either from a

> medical supply store or I think I've seen them at Home Depot or

> sometimes the hospital will give you one before you are released. Also

> get a safety bar for your tub/shower. You can permanently install one or

> get one that screws on that is temporary. Again a Home Depot or Lowe's

> should carry. I also bought a small plastic step stool to sit on inside

> the tub and a hand held shower for those first 10 days when I couldn't

> take a normal shower because of the stitches. Make sure you're not

> having to twist to reach the toilet paper. I took mine off the roller

> and kept it on the vanity next to the toilet. Buy a " grabber " . They are

> those pole-like devices with the pinchers on the end to pick up items

> off the floor or high up in the cabinet. They are usually about $10-$12.

> In your kitchen, put your pots and pans on the counter instead of down

> below or up high in a cabinet. Just walk around your house and think

> about the things you do during the day that require you to lift or twist

> and see what you can to do to make things easier on yourself.

>

> Good Luck,

>

> Sue

>

December 21, 2006