RE: Upcoming Revision

[Guest guest]

Hi Jenni:

I can only tell you what the surgical nurse in Dr. Bridwell's office told me

(I'm 3 mos. post-revision). She said that I can only ride in a van or SUV for

now, and he will let me know when I'm allowed to get in and out of a lower

vehicle. I think I'll ask as my 4 month post-op appt. Right now I cannot

imagine getting in and out of a regular (lower) car. The height of the van/SUV

makes it so much easier, especially with a slippery garbage bag on the seat!

Best of luck to you on your upcoming surgery!

Martha

Jenni Gates <jtdgates@...> wrote:

Dear Fiesty Members,

I have been a sponge, reading many of your posts, and I figure it's

time to speak up. I am scheduled to have revision surgery, with Dr.

Hu at UCSF, at the end of June. I saw her about a month ago (the

2nd opinion visit, after seeing my original surgeon in November).

She didn't have second thoughts about the need for surgery. I guess

my lower vertebra are pretty arthritic, and I feel this every moment

of everyday.

I have decided to move foward with surgery sooner than later. I am

still in pretty good shape and feel that this is essential to an

optimal recovery. For some reason I am not feeling a lot of fear.

I have been reading about people's experiences and not dwelling on

the possible problems. I am most concerned about my financial

status. I am hoping the surgery will offer me the opportunity to

live longer without the need for pain meds. I am a recovering

alcoholic, and believe me those pills talk to me. I have thrown

prescriptions of vicodin and ativan down the toilet so I wouldn't

take them for the high.

Anyway, I am feeling positive about the near future and confident

about Dr. Hu. I was given thorough and caring attention by everyone

at the UCSF Spine Center. They even have a written out " map " of the

14-day, 2-stage procedure. I am for doing a 2-stage surgery because

I don't want the people operating on me to be on their feet and

intensely focused for an extreme length of time.

Reading your posts has helped me to formulate questions and plan for

recovery at home. Any further input would be great. I am already

worried that my car won't be easy to get in and out of. One

question - Is having a car low to the ground a problem only during

the first year of recovery or will it be one forever?

Thanks, Jenni

Support for scoliosis-surgery veterans with Harrington Rod Malalignment

Syndrome. Not medical advice. Group does not control ads or endorse any

advertised products.

[Guest guest]

Dear Jenni,

Oh Cars, still remains an obstacle for me. I am fused very high and to the

sacrum so I have zero trunk movement, my bending means bending my neck. I avoid

anything low to the ground, or I'll be sore. My husband has a Ford Taurus and I

don't get into it, the shape of the seats will make me very sore. My daughter

has a Honda Accord, way too tough for me to get into, so i don't. I am very

protective of my spine, something I wish I had done in my younger days, but they

told us that Harrington Rods would heal us, so I lived my life like I was

healed. This faith in the healing, despite the reality my spine was telling me

maybe wore things out faster than they should of. I listen when my spine talks

to me and I don't repeat movements that make me sore. I think that how well you

can handle cars really comes down to how you are fused, how high and low, how

much hardware you have and what type. I am two years post op from revision #2

and cars are still my biggest obstacle along with shaving my legs and cutting

toe nails. My best suggestion for cars is, SUV's, easy to get into, also mini

van's. I have a mini van and my husband got me a used Cadillac Deville, the

doors open very wide, the seats move up and down and have adjustable lumbar

controls, this car has been a godsend to me. I drove out to Idaho for a family

reunion last summer, with me being the only driver, 15 hours one way, and I did

it in one day with only bathroom and eating stops. Pre surgery this wouldn't

have been possible, an hour in the car was all I could handle pain wise. While I

was tired when I got to Idaho, I had zero pain or soreness. The doors opening

wide is important to me since when I'm seated I can't pick my feet off the

ground more than a couple inches, so I have to use my hand to help my left leg

over the door lip to get out. Just one of those gimpy pain in the @#$%% things I

have to deal with from all these surgeries. Hope this helps, but always remember

that we are all individuals, and what a challenge for me maybe fine with you. So

don't run out and sell your car, or buy a new one till you know how things will

workout for you!

Colorado Springs

Upcoming Revision

Dear Fiesty Members,

I have been a sponge, reading many of your posts, and I figure it's

time to speak up. I am scheduled to have revision surgery, with Dr.

Hu at UCSF, at the end of June. I saw her about a month ago (the

2nd opinion visit, after seeing my original surgeon in November).

She didn't have second thoughts about the need for surgery. I guess

my lower vertebra are pretty arthritic, and I feel this every moment

of everyday.

I have decided to move foward with surgery sooner than later. I am

still in pretty good shape and feel that this is essential to an

optimal recovery. For some reason I am not feeling a lot of fear.

I have been reading about people's experiences and not dwelling on

the possible problems. I am most concerned about my financial

status. I am hoping the surgery will offer me the opportunity to

live longer without the need for pain meds. I am a recovering

alcoholic, and believe me those pills talk to me. I have thrown

prescriptions of vicodin and ativan down the toilet so I wouldn't

take them for the high.

Anyway, I am feeling positive about the near future and confident

about Dr. Hu. I was given thorough and caring attention by everyone

at the UCSF Spine Center. They even have a written out " map " of the

14-day, 2-stage procedure. I am for doing a 2-stage surgery because

I don't want the people operating on me to be on their feet and

intensely focused for an extreme length of time.

Reading your posts has helped me to formulate questions and plan for

recovery at home. Any further input would be great. I am already

worried that my car won't be easy to get in and out of. One

question - Is having a car low to the ground a problem only during

the first year of recovery or will it be one forever?

Thanks, Jenni

Support for scoliosis-surgery veterans with Harrington Rod Malalignment

Syndrome. Not medical advice. Group does not control ads or endorse any

advertised products.

[Guest guest]

-Martha, I´m curious about any other restrictions you were given, for

example, can you take a bath? I´m 4 mths post revision and I wasn´t

told anything at all so I´m not sure what I shouldn´t do...Jo Ann

-- In , Martha <medglen@s...>

wrote:

> Hi Jenni:

> I can only tell you what the surgical nurse in Dr. Bridwell's

office told me (I'm 3 mos. post-revision). She said that I can only

ride in a van or SUV for now, and he will let me know when I'm

allowed to get in and out of a lower vehicle. I think I'll ask as my

4 month post-op appt. Right now I cannot imagine getting in and out

of a regular (lower) car. The height of the van/SUV makes it so much

easier, especially with a slippery garbage bag on the seat!

> Best of luck to you on your upcoming surgery!

> Martha

>

> Jenni Gates <jtdgates@s...> wrote:

>

>

> Dear Fiesty Members,

>

> I have been a sponge, reading many of your posts, and I figure it's

> time to speak up. I am scheduled to have revision surgery, with

Dr.

> Hu at UCSF, at the end of June. I saw her about a month ago (the

> 2nd opinion visit, after seeing my original surgeon in November).

> She didn't have second thoughts about the need for surgery. I

guess

> my lower vertebra are pretty arthritic, and I feel this every

moment

> of everyday.

>

> I have decided to move foward with surgery sooner than later. I am

> still in pretty good shape and feel that this is essential to an

> optimal recovery. For some reason I am not feeling a lot of fear.

> I have been reading about people's experiences and not dwelling on

> the possible problems. I am most concerned about my financial

> status. I am hoping the surgery will offer me the opportunity to

> live longer without the need for pain meds. I am a recovering

> alcoholic, and believe me those pills talk to me. I have thrown

> prescriptions of vicodin and ativan down the toilet so I wouldn't

> take them for the high.

>

> Anyway, I am feeling positive about the near future and confident

> about Dr. Hu. I was given thorough and caring attention by

everyone

> at the UCSF Spine Center. They even have a written out " map " of

the

> 14-day, 2-stage procedure. I am for doing a 2-stage surgery

because

> I don't want the people operating on me to be on their feet and

> intensely focused for an extreme length of time.

>

> Reading your posts has helped me to formulate questions and plan

for

> recovery at home. Any further input would be great. I am already

> worried that my car won't be easy to get in and out of. One

> question - Is having a car low to the ground a problem only during

> the first year of recovery or will it be one forever?

>

> Thanks, Jenni

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

> Support for scoliosis-surgery veterans with Harrington Rod

Malalignment Syndrome. Not medical advice. Group does not control ads

or endorse any advertised products.

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Joann:

Basically, my restrictions from Dr. Bridwell are the following. I am sure

that they adjust these for each patient, depending on individual factors and the

procedure done:

1) Do not arch, twist, bend or rotate back. (bending forward is only allowed as

far as you would need to brush your teeth-approximately 15 degrees)

2) Keep at least a 90 degree angle (between upper legs and back) at all times,

for instance if you sit you shouldn't see less than a 90 degree angle between

your low back and upper legs, and when you lay down on your side, you should not

bring your knees up higher than that 90 degree angle.

3) Do not lift objects heavier than 5-10 lbs. (a gallon of milk is about 8 lbs.)

When you lift something keep it close to your body so that your leg and arm

muscles do the work.

4) No pulling with arms. Pushing is OK.

5) You may lie on your stomach (I believe this is meant to be with little or no

pillow under head), but no hip extension..

6) Drawsheets should be positioned from above ears to below your knees. (I use

a satin one in bed-makes changing position easier)

7) Keep bed flat and always LOGROLL to change positions in bed-always keeping

shoulders in line with your hips. Tighten your stomach muscles before turning.

8) You may raise our arms overhead unweighted.

9) No bending, stooping, heavy lifting.

10) Do not sit for long periods of time (approx. 30-45 mins.) without getting up

and walking around.

11) Walking is highly encouraged. At 1 month post-op, a goal should be 1

mile/day, at 2 months-2 miles/day, and at 3 months-3 miles/day. Walking

increases your muscle strength and endurance and keeps your spine healthy.

12) At 4 months post-op, you may ride a stationary bike if you are not leaning

forward, and you may start swimming, if desired.

13) You may cross your legs at your feet and at your knees.

14) Generally tub baths are not permitted.

15) Placing a pillow betwen your knees (when sidelying) will help maintain

alignment and provide comfort.

16) Hips and should should turn together as a unit (ie. they need to be in

alignment) Make sure you are bracing your abdominal muscles and keeping your

ears, shoulders and hips in line.

17) Use a raised toilet seat with arms or rails.

I think that's about it, summarizing from the handouts I was given. I

also was given some hams, quads and calves stretching exercises (always

contracting abdominals first and then only working one leg at a time (for

example stretching one calf at a time), as well as some basic leg strengthening

and upper back postural exercises recently.

Hopefully this all makes sense, and again, it's only his approach that I'm

familiar with, which I'm sure is tailored for each patient, so I cannot advocate

these precautions for anyone else (or I'm sure I could be in trouble!) His

nurse had mentioned that getting in/out of a minivan or SUV is preferable for

me, however, in the handouts that I just re-looked at it says that the vehicle

should be mid-size or larger, and to always ride in the front seat(s) and to sit

slightly reclined and with the seat as far back as possible.

Hope this helps!

Martha

joannhueth <joannhueth@...> wrote:

-Martha, I´m curious about any other restrictions you were given, for

example, can you take a bath? I´m 4 mths post revision and I wasn´t

told anything at all so I´m not sure what I shouldn´t do...Jo Ann

-- In , Martha <medglen@s...>

wrote:

> Hi Jenni:

> I can only tell you what the surgical nurse in Dr. Bridwell's

office told me (I'm 3 mos. post-revision). She said that I can only

ride in a van or SUV for now, and he will let me know when I'm

allowed to get in and out of a lower vehicle. I think I'll ask as my

4 month post-op appt. Right now I cannot imagine getting in and out

of a regular (lower) car. The height of the van/SUV makes it so much

easier, especially with a slippery garbage bag on the seat!

> Best of luck to you on your upcoming surgery!

> Martha

>

> Jenni Gates <jtdgates@s...> wrote:

>

>

> Dear Fiesty Members,

>

> I have been a sponge, reading many of your posts, and I figure it's

> time to speak up. I am scheduled to have revision surgery, with

Dr.

> Hu at UCSF, at the end of June. I saw her about a month ago (the

> 2nd opinion visit, after seeing my original surgeon in November).

> She didn't have second thoughts about the need for surgery. I

guess

> my lower vertebra are pretty arthritic, and I feel this every

moment

> of everyday.

>

> I have decided to move foward with surgery sooner than later. I am

> still in pretty good shape and feel that this is essential to an

> optimal recovery. For some reason I am not feeling a lot of fear.

> I have been reading about people's experiences and not dwelling on

> the possible problems. I am most concerned about my financial

> status. I am hoping the surgery will offer me the opportunity to

> live longer without the need for pain meds. I am a recovering

> alcoholic, and believe me those pills talk to me. I have thrown

> prescriptions of vicodin and ativan down the toilet so I wouldn't

> take them for the high.

>

> Anyway, I am feeling positive about the near future and confident

> about Dr. Hu. I was given thorough and caring attention by

everyone

> at the UCSF Spine Center. They even have a written out " map " of

the

> 14-day, 2-stage procedure. I am for doing a 2-stage surgery

because

> I don't want the people operating on me to be on their feet and

> intensely focused for an extreme length of time.

>

> Reading your posts has helped me to formulate questions and plan

for

> recovery at home. Any further input would be great. I am already

> worried that my car won't be easy to get in and out of. One

> question - Is having a car low to the ground a problem only during

> the first year of recovery or will it be one forever?

>

> Thanks, Jenni

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

> Support for scoliosis-surgery veterans with Harrington Rod

Malalignment Syndrome. Not medical advice. Group does not control ads

or endorse any advertised products.

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Martha,

Could you clarify what #6 means? -- I don't know what a drawsheet

is...

Thanks!

loriann

> Hi Joann:

> Basically, my restrictions from Dr. Bridwell are the

following. I am sure that they adjust these for each patient,

depending on individual factors and the procedure done:

>

> 6) Drawsheets should be positioned from above ears to below your

knees. (I use a satin one in bed-makes changing position easier)

> Hope this helps!

> Martha

[Guest guest]

Hi Loriann:

I'll try and describe the drawsheet and the way we have it on our bed.

(the nurses used it during the two weeks in the hospital also). You basically

fold a flat sheet (I use satin now) into a size that will lay cross-wise on your

bed and extend from ears to knees (or at least shoulders to hips!) and then

tuck it in under the sides of your mattress to stay secure. Then when you

change position from side to back/back to side the satin makes it easier.

Now, it was used a little differently in the hospital ( & it wasn't

satin!), and even for about a week after, my husband used it the same way as the

nurses, because I wasn't as strong after surgery then to turn myself. The

nurses left it untucked on the sides of the mattress and then when I wanted to

" be turned " from back to one side, they would grasp one side of the drawsheet in

their hands and gently pull the sheet until I was on my side and I felt most

comfortable. Does that make sense? All of the spine patients had these

drawsheets used on their beds in the hospital. It turned out to be just a

wonderful thing for me, and now the satin one we've devised is great during the

night in our bed.

Let me know if it all makes sense!

Martha

loriann262000 <lcmelko@...> wrote:

Martha,

Could you clarify what #6 means? -- I don't know what a drawsheet

is...

Thanks!

loriann

> Hi Joann:

> Basically, my restrictions from Dr. Bridwell are the

following. I am sure that they adjust these for each patient,

depending on individual factors and the procedure done:

>

> 6) Drawsheets should be positioned from above ears to below your

knees. (I use a satin one in bed-makes changing position easier)

> Hope this helps!

> Martha

Support for scoliosis-surgery veterans with Harrington Rod Malalignment

Syndrome. Not medical advice. Group does not control ads or endorse any

advertised products.

[Guest guest]

Gee Martha, the restrictions sound very much like the ones that both my

mother and brother had for their hip replacements. My brother still has to

maintain the 90 degree mark, two years post-op, for the most part. He's only

allowed to go beyond it when getting in and out of the van in his

powerchair, with his knees spread, and to do it slowly and comfortably. Both

my mother and brother were told that if it hurts don't do it.

I haven't had my revision yet. that's still questionable, but I think I will

always refrain from getting into a low-seat car or any low seat period. I

have always had a problem with them unless I have help getting out of them.

To me, the restrictions, that you listed, make for general common sense,

especially for the first year of recovery. I agree, though, that the

restrictions are usually more tailor-made and may not work for everyone, in

fact, some might have more restrictions. Everyone's situation is unique and

should be treated, as such.

Joann, I'm surprised that you weren't told of any restrictions. It might be

a good idea to check back with your surgeon's office, as it might have been

an oversight on theirs or the hospital's part. Otherwise, would you mind

sharing who your surgeon was, so that if others have him/her, they can be

sure to get this type of information in advance?

Llweyn

Re: Upcoming Revision

Hi Joann:

Basically, my restrictions from Dr. Bridwell are the following. I am

sure that they adjust these for each patient, depending on individual

factors and the procedure done:

1) Do not arch, twist, bend or rotate back. (bending forward is only allowed

as far as you would need to brush your teeth-approximately 15 degrees)

2) Keep at least a 90 degree angle (between upper legs and back) at all

times, for instance if you sit you shouldn't see less than a 90 degree angle

between your low back and upper legs, and when you lay down on your side,

you should not bring your knees up higher than that 90 degree angle.

3) Do not lift objects heavier than 5-10 lbs. (a gallon of milk is about 8

lbs.) When you lift something keep it close to your body so that your leg

and arm muscles do the work.

4) No pulling with arms. Pushing is OK.

5) You may lie on your stomach (I believe this is meant to be with little or

no pillow under head), but no hip extension..

6) Drawsheets should be positioned from above ears to below your knees. (I

use a satin one in bed-makes changing position easier)

7) Keep bed flat and always LOGROLL to change positions in bed-always

keeping shoulders in line with your hips. Tighten your stomach muscles

before turning.

8) You may raise our arms overhead unweighted.

9) No bending, stooping, heavy lifting.

10) Do not sit for long periods of time (approx. 30-45 mins.) without

getting up and walking around.

11) Walking is highly encouraged. At 1 month post-op, a goal should be 1

mile/day, at 2 months-2 miles/day, and at 3 months-3 miles/day. Walking

increases your muscle strength and endurance and keeps your spine healthy.

12) At 4 months post-op, you may ride a stationary bike if you are not

leaning forward, and you may start swimming, if desired.

13) You may cross your legs at your feet and at your knees.

14) Generally tub baths are not permitted.

15) Placing a pillow betwen your knees (when sidelying) will help maintain

alignment and provide comfort.

16) Hips and should should turn together as a unit (ie. they need to be in

alignment) Make sure you are bracing your abdominal muscles and keeping your

ears, shoulders and hips in line.

17) Use a raised toilet seat with arms or rails.

I think that's about it, summarizing from the handouts I was given. I

also was given some hams, quads and calves stretching exercises (always

contracting abdominals first and then only working one leg at a time (for

example stretching one calf at a time), as well as some basic leg

strengthening and upper back postural exercises recently.

Hopefully this all makes sense, and again, it's only his approach that

I'm familiar with, which I'm sure is tailored for each patient, so I cannot

advocate these precautions for anyone else (or I'm sure I could be in

trouble!) His nurse had mentioned that getting in/out of a minivan or SUV

is preferable for me, however, in the handouts that I just re-looked at it

says that the vehicle should be mid-size or larger, and to always ride in

the front seat(s) and to sit slightly reclined and with the seat as far back

as possible.

Hope this helps!

Martha

joannhueth <joannhueth@...> wrote:

-Martha, I´m curious about any other restrictions you were given, for

example, can you take a bath? I´m 4 mths post revision and I wasn´t

told anything at all so I´m not sure what I shouldn´t do...Jo Ann

[Guest guest]

I should modify what I said-I was given the standard restrictions, no

lifting, bending, twisting etc. in rehab. Plus they showed me how to

get in and out of a car and made sure I was logrolling correctly. But

neither they nor Dr. LaGrone were too specific on the rest and I

didn´t have a list, nor did I hear about the sheet. I´ve checked

with him via email about some things, ie swimming, which he does not

want me to do yet (4 months post) Some things he said I can do if I´m

comfortable, like riding in a car or taking a 12 hour flight to

Europe, not much choice there. If I´m not comfortable, don´t do it. I

don´t have a choice about cars either as practically all the cars

here in Spain are small and low to the ground. I find it difficult to

get in from the curb, we have to park a little way out so I can

enter/exit from the street-that helps. I am to be walking daily and

he said I could start lifting light weights now if I wanted. I think

you are right that each person is different and some may be able to

do more or less depending on where and what was fused and each

individual´s strength before and after surgery, and that we do need

to listen to our body. Right now, my neck is telling me to go lie

down!

[Guest guest]

Hi Martha, Joann, Llweyn & everyone. When I was

released from the hospital, the verbal instructions I

got were " Do not bend, twist or lift, get bedrest &

walk " . That's it. In fact, I rode home in the

passenger side of my low-seat car. At my 2 week

wound-care checkup, the instructions added: " Do not

sit for hours without getting up and walking around,

use a straight back chair, and no formal exercise " .

Now, after my 3-month check up, I have no

restrictions. I am in physcial therapy and do a

routine of exercises at home too, as the PT instructs.

- Kathi in NJ

__________________________________________________