brace

[Guest guest]

Alpine,

At work I wear my scrub jacket over the brace. But just out & about now that

it's gotten warm I throw caution to the wind & just go out.

People are curious & ask questions. Yesterday walking into the door at work

I had a patient say, " Oh, I wore one of those for 3 years. Which one of your

vertebrae did you have fused? " I smiled & said, " Honey, not one. I'm fused

from my shoulder blades to my butt! "

It's been 85 here & the brace gets too hot to care about fashion.

Joyce T, RN Atlanta

[Guest guest]

[ ] BRACE

CAM, WOW I DIDN'T HAVE THE SAME BRACE AS YOU.MY BRACE WAS JUST A CLOTH THING THAT VELCRO AROUND YOU.MAYBE IF I HAD THE ONE YOU DID MAYBE MY RODS WOULDN'T HAVE BROKE.I START WATER THERAPY TOM. I CAN'T WAIT,I HOPE IT HELPS ME.WHEN I WENT TO DR. RAND THE RODS DIDN'T MOVE SO HE'S STARTING THE WATER THERAPY..SO WE'LL SEE,I GO BACK TO HIM IN A MONTH AGAIN..I HAVEN'T POSTED MUCH BECAUSE SITTING IN WORK ALL DAY THE LAST THING I WANT TO DO IS SIT AT THE COMPUTER WHEN I GET HOME.I NEED TO LAY DOWN BY THEN.I'LL TRY TO CATCH UP ON THE WEEKENDS..GLAD EVERYONE IS DOING WELL..TAKE CARE,VONNIE

[Guest guest]

Since I had the gyn surgery in November, it was just the right time

for pajamas at WalMart and they did come separately. I bought the

long sleeve top & camisole for each outfit. Who knows how long the

weather will be cool. I think I need to go to Sears or Penney's for

a robe. I have a nice adjustable tempurpedic bed, but it is

upstairs. I don't know if my insurance will pay for a hospital bed,

so I bought a twin elevated air mattress. I tried it out in the

Bahamas in December, and it was the same size as a regular bed and

very comfortable, too. My mom had a walker and a shower chair, and

those are in the attic. (I had wondered if I should take them with

me for the time after getting out of the hospital and before coming

home)

My refrigerator & microwave from my classroom can go in my bedroom,

so if I am spending more time in bed, I can stay upstairs. Dr

Bridwell said do the stairs only once per day at first.

I guess I need to take another look at the list that is in the files~

>

> Now that I've seen what the brace looks like ('s). I know

how

> I'm going to wear clothes afterward. Wear the sleeveless

undershirt

> underneath, put on the brace, and then wear a large bulky shirt

over

> it if I go out in public. Around the house I'll do just like her

> pictures show. For pants, around the house it will be the satin PJ

> bottoms and in public...I've still got a bunch of those loose

elastic-

> waist pants sets that were popular about 10 yrs. ago or so in my

> closet, and the shirts are very big and long. said she

> doesn't wear the shirts for the satin PJ's and I probably won't,

> either. (I wish they sold them separately, but they don't--I found

> mine at KMart and Sears) By the time I recuperate to move around a

> little more it will be getting warm already here, and I won't want

> the long sleeve PJ shirts. One of them is a sleeveless PJ set, so

I

> might wear that. I bought a bed wedge to help me sit upright in

bed,

> also a wedge to put my lower legs on to elevate them if I need to.

I

> found out the only things insurance pays for are a hospital bed,

> wheel chair and walker. The hospital should send me home with a

> walker, and I might need the wheel chair for return dr. visits.

I'm

> trying to avoid getting the hospital bed (that's why I got all the

> wedges) because the only place to put one is right in the middle

of

> the living room. Sure, I'd be near all the activity, but our

living

> room is very bright and sunny, and I might want to go in a dark

room

> and rest--like the bedroom.

>

> Carol V.

>

[Guest guest]

Carol,

I am not sure what you mean when you say a " wedge " ...but in the

hospital and for afterward, I was not allowed to raise the head of

the bed. I could tilt the whole bed upwards or downwards...but as I

understood it they would not let me use anything that got you into

that half raised sitting position. Make sure you get approval to use

it before you do. I would either sit up in a hard chair when I was

around the house, or lay flat and use the laptop or read or visit

with my knees up in a 90deg angle.

The one big thing you and Suzanne haven't mentioned, and was on my

list, as I was a Feb. surgery, was getting my income taxes done. I

knew I did not want to be going through all the paperwork the first

month home. Hopefully you guys are already done with that...or will

file for an extension.

Other than that you guys are sounding " ready " .

Take Care, Cam

>

> Now that I've seen what the brace looks like ('s). I know

how

> I'm going to wear clothes afterward. Wear the sleeveless undershirt

> underneath, put on the brace, and then wear a large bulky shirt

over

> it if I go out in public. Around the house I'll do just like her

> pictures show. For pants, around the house it will be the satin PJ

> bottoms and in public...I've still got a bunch of those loose

elastic-

> waist pants sets that were popular about 10 yrs. ago or so in my

> closet, and the shirts are very big and long. said she

> doesn't wear the shirts for the satin PJ's and I probably won't,

> either. (I wish they sold them separately, but they don't--I found

> mine at KMart and Sears) By the time I recuperate to move around a

> little more it will be getting warm already here, and I won't want

> the long sleeve PJ shirts. One of them is a sleeveless PJ set, so I

> might wear that. I bought a bed wedge to help me sit upright in

bed,

> also a wedge to put my lower legs on to elevate them if I need to.

I

> found out the only things insurance pays for are a hospital bed,

> wheel chair and walker. The hospital should send me home with a

> walker, and I might need the wheel chair for return dr. visits. I'm

> trying to avoid getting the hospital bed (that's why I got all the

> wedges) because the only place to put one is right in the middle of

> the living room. Sure, I'd be near all the activity, but our living

> room is very bright and sunny, and I might want to go in a dark

room

> and rest--like the bedroom.

>

> Carol V.

>

[Guest guest]

Suzanne and Carol,

My sense is everyone has been somewhat different in regards to

the " gadgets " that they wanted or got from the hospital or used for

awhile...but universally we all seem to have agreed that a toilet seat

riser and a good grabber are two " keys to life " when you first come

home. If you get those 2 items....the rest can be gotten as the need

arises based on your particular needs. You will just know what you

can't live without.

The ArcMate grabber in the links is an amazing tool for $24.00's.

Happy shopping, Cam

[Guest guest]

I already did mine--it was one of the first things on my " to do "

list! I did them online (Feb. 3) and had my refunds in less than 2

weeks!! I also did my daughter's FAFSA, too. She might actually get

some grants this year since I'll be " disabled " and not earning as

much money!!

I guess I'll ask about the wedge, but I tried it before I bought it,

and I can fit my whole body from hips to head on it without any

strange bending. And that includes my head pillow to lay my head on,

too. I tried it out the other night watching a movie and it was

great!! Didn't have to lay flat like usual!! I saw in a

partial sitting position in her hospital bed (in hospital) and I

guess it was OK??

Carol V.

> >

> > Now that I've seen what the brace looks like ('s). I know

> how

> > I'm going to wear clothes afterward. Wear the sleeveless

undershirt

> > underneath, put on the brace, and then wear a large bulky shirt

> over

> > it if I go out in public. Around the house I'll do just like her

> > pictures show. For pants, around the house it will be the satin

PJ

> > bottoms and in public...I've still got a bunch of those loose

> elastic-

> > waist pants sets that were popular about 10 yrs. ago or so in my

> > closet, and the shirts are very big and long. said she

> > doesn't wear the shirts for the satin PJ's and I probably won't,

> > either. (I wish they sold them separately, but they don't--I

found

> > mine at KMart and Sears) By the time I recuperate to move around

a

> > little more it will be getting warm already here, and I won't

want

> > the long sleeve PJ shirts. One of them is a sleeveless PJ set, so

I

> > might wear that. I bought a bed wedge to help me sit upright in

> bed,

> > also a wedge to put my lower legs on to elevate them if I need

to.

> I

> > found out the only things insurance pays for are a hospital bed,

> > wheel chair and walker. The hospital should send me home with a

> > walker, and I might need the wheel chair for return dr. visits.

I'm

> > trying to avoid getting the hospital bed (that's why I got all

the

> > wedges) because the only place to put one is right in the middle

of

> > the living room. Sure, I'd be near all the activity, but our

living

> > room is very bright and sunny, and I might want to go in a dark

> room

> > and rest--like the bedroom.

> >

> > Carol V.

> >

>

[Guest guest]

HI Carol,

Please don't take anyone else's experience as an absolute guide as to what you can or cannot do in the hospital and at home following surgery. Everyone is different, everyone's surgery is somewhat different from others and doctor's requirements may be different. Just because was in a "partial sitting position " in the hospital doesn't mean it's ok for you to do that. You will need your doc's ok. My head had to be absolutely flat for a while and later at not more than a 30 degree angle. You need to be very, very careful at the beginning. It sounds to me like your wedge must put some pressure on the base of your spine. I think that would be a no-no. I think it would also be very uncomfortable post surgery, regardless of how it feels now. Before surgery, like you, I did not like lying flat on my back. After surgery, lying flat on my back was the most comfortable position. Who knew? It'll all work out for you, I'm sure.

Bonnie

[ ] Re: Brace

I already did mine--it was one of the first things on my "to do" list! I did them online (Feb. 3) and had my refunds in less than 2 weeks!! I also did my daughter's FAFSA, too. She might actually get some grants this year since I'll be "disabled" and not earning as much money!! I guess I'll ask about the wedge, but I tried it before I bought it, and I can fit my whole body from hips to head on it without any strange bending. And that includes my head pillow to lay my head on, too. I tried it out the other night watching a movie and it was great!! Didn't have to lay flat like usual!! I saw in a partial sitting position in her hospital bed (in hospital) and I guess it was OK??Carol V. > >> > Now that I've seen what the brace looks like ('s). I know > how > > I'm going to wear clothes afterward. Wear the sleeveless undershirt > > underneath, put on the brace, and then wear a large bulky shirt > over > > it if I go out in public. Around the house I'll do just like her > > pictures show. For pants, around the house it will be the satin PJ > > bottoms and in public...I've still got a bunch of those loose > elastic-> > waist pants sets that were popular about 10 yrs. ago or so in my > > closet, and the shirts are very big and long. said she > > doesn't wear the shirts for the satin PJ's and I probably won't, > > either. (I wish they sold them separately, but they don't--I found > > mine at KMart and Sears) By the time I recuperate to move around a > > little more it will be getting warm already here, and I won't want > > the long sleeve PJ shirts. One of them is a sleeveless PJ set, so I > > might wear that. I bought a bed wedge to help me sit upright in > bed, > > also a wedge to put my lower legs on to elevate them if I need to. > I > > found out the only things insurance pays for are a hospital bed, > > wheel chair and walker. The hospital should send me home with a > > walker, and I might need the wheel chair for return dr. visits. I'm > > trying to avoid getting the hospital bed (that's why I got all the > > wedges) because the only place to put one is right in the middle of > > the living room. Sure, I'd be near all the activity, but our living > > room is very bright and sunny, and I might want to go in a dark > room > > and rest--like the bedroom. > > > > Carol V.> >>

[Guest guest]

Dear Carol,

My husband purchased a wedge for me while I was in the hospital, and I absolutely couldn't use it, I needed to lay flat, only way I was comfortable beside being on my side. I haven't used it since but he took it over and enjoys it reading in bed. Talk to your doc before purchasing one, and still also see just how you will like laying down afterward, why spend money if it won't work for you. I know even now I can't laydown to sleep with two pillows, just one and it must be squishy, I can't elevate my body too much with two pillows, very uncomfortable, and I'll wake up very sore. I have so much of my spine fused T-1 to the sacrum, getting propped up on pillows isn't possible, just another adjustment I had to make.

[ ] Re: Brace

I already did mine--it was one of the first things on my "to do" list! I did them online (Feb. 3) and had my refunds in less than 2 weeks!! I also did my daughter's FAFSA, too. She might actually get some grants this year since I'll be "disabled" and not earning as much money!! I guess I'll ask about the wedge, but I tried it before I bought it, and I can fit my whole body from hips to head on it without any strange bending. And that includes my head pillow to lay my head on, too. I tried it out the other night watching a movie and it was great!! Didn't have to lay flat like usual!! I saw in a partial sitting position in her hospital bed (in hospital) and I guess it was OK??Carol V. > >> > Now that I've seen what the brace looks like ('s). I know > how > > I'm going to wear clothes afterward. Wear the sleeveless undershirt > > underneath, put on the brace, and then wear a large bulky shirt > over > > it if I go out in public. Around the house I'll do just like her > > pictures show. For pants, around the house it will be the satin PJ > > bottoms and in public...I've still got a bunch of those loose > elastic-> > waist pants sets that were popular about 10 yrs. ago or so in my > > closet, and the shirts are very big and long. said she > > doesn't wear the shirts for the satin PJ's and I probably won't, > > either. (I wish they sold them separately, but they don't--I found > > mine at KMart and Sears) By the time I recuperate to move around a > > little more it will be getting warm already here, and I won't want > > the long sleeve PJ shirts. One of them is a sleeveless PJ set, so I > > might wear that. I bought a bed wedge to help me sit upright in > bed, > > also a wedge to put my lower legs on to elevate them if I need to. > I > > found out the only things insurance pays for are a hospital bed, > > wheel chair and walker. The hospital should send me home with a > > walker, and I might need the wheel chair for return dr. visits. I'm > > trying to avoid getting the hospital bed (that's why I got all the > > wedges) because the only place to put one is right in the middle of > > the living room. Sure, I'd be near all the activity, but our living > > room is very bright and sunny, and I might want to go in a dark > room > > and rest--like the bedroom. > > > > Carol V.> >>

[Guest guest]

,

Your description of how you lay in bed and the pillows you use post revision could have been written by me. In addition, I use a "sqush" neck pillow under my neck at night. Unfortunately, Sqush sold out to Homedics and now the only ones I can find have built in massage, which I don't want.

Bonnie

[ ] Re: Brace

I already did mine--it was one of the first things on my "to do" list! I did them online (Feb. 3) and had my refunds in less than 2 weeks!! I also did my daughter's FAFSA, too. She might actually get some grants this year since I'll be "disabled" and not earning as much money!! I guess I'll ask about the wedge, but I tried it before I bought it, and I can fit my whole body from hips to head on it without any strange bending. And that includes my head pillow to lay my head on, too. I tried it out the other night watching a movie and it was great!! Didn't have to lay flat like usual!! I saw in a partial sitting position in her hospital bed (in hospital) and I guess it was OK??Carol V. > >> > Now that I've seen what the brace looks like ('s). I know > how > > I'm going to wear clothes afterward. Wear the sleeveless undershirt > > underneath, put on the brace, and then wear a large bulky shirt > over > > it if I go out in public. Around the house I'll do just like her > > pictures show. For pants, around the house it will be the satin PJ > > bottoms and in public...I've still got a bunch of those loose > elastic-> > waist pants sets that were popular about 10 yrs. ago or so in my > > closet, and the shirts are very big and long. said she > > doesn't wear the shirts for the satin PJ's and I probably won't, > > either. (I wish they sold them separately, but they don't--I found > > mine at KMart and Sears) By the time I recuperate to move around a > > little more it will be getting warm already here, and I won't want > > the long sleeve PJ shirts. One of them is a sleeveless PJ set, so I > > might wear that. I bought a bed wedge to help me sit upright in > bed, > > also a wedge to put my lower legs on to elevate them if I need to. > I > > found out the only things insurance pays for are a hospital bed, > > wheel chair and walker. The hospital should send me home with a > > walker, and I might need the wheel chair for return dr. visits. I'm > > trying to avoid getting the hospital bed (that's why I got all the > > wedges) because the only place to put one is right in the middle of > > the living room. Sure, I'd be near all the activity, but our living > > room is very bright and sunny, and I might want to go in a dark > room > > and rest--like the bedroom. > > > > Carol V.> >>

[Guest guest]

Hi,

We've been to the dentist this week, and I heard that my son needs a brace.it's

steel I understood, nickelfree, but has chromium.

Can I still chelate my son when he has a brace? There nis a posibility of having

the brace partly in composite. Does anyone know??

Nicoline

[Guest guest]

,

Welcome home!

I am not sure if you have the same style brace that I had (there is a picture

of me in mine in my photo album. I wore mine outside my clothing, and I know a

lot of folks like to wear theirs at least over a T-shirt...

After surgery, and a lot of morphine based products, I think its possible to

just be very sensitive to touch...if thats what your mean by " crazy " . The other

thought...DrRand actually asked me if I would mind wearing one, as for a lot of

patients it kind of brings back a lot of old memories, either from an earlier

brace or cast. I had not worn a brace as a teen, and was happy to do anything

asked of me. Wearing the brace while I was up and around ultimately ended up

feeling like a bit of a security blanket. I felt like people noticed that I was

wearing it, and it reminded them to give me wide berth!

Anyway...if you feel that there is something more fundamentally wrong with the

way the brace is fitting you I would make an appointment to have whoever fit the

brace take another look at it. Perhaps there will be a simple adjustment to make

it slightly more comfortable.

Glad to hear you have all you supports in place.

Take Care, Cam

[Guest guest]

Cam,I can't access the files section at this exacy moment, but if my memory serbes me, yours is a metal fram-style style brace. Mine is a plastic and thick foam shell style brace. It feels pointless when my latest fusion is from L3-S1, which the brace reallyiu doesn't help stabize.

I've been wearing it when standing, walking, or sitting anywhere other than my recliner.I can't wear mine with clothing over it unless they are several sizes too large. I'd end up looking awkward and ridiculous.

It is extremely uncomfortable when sitting, since it cuts into the tops of my legs.On Mar 13, 2011, at 6:05 PM, cammaltby <cammaltby@...> wrote:

 

,

Welcome home!

I am not sure if you have the same style brace that I had (there is a picture of me in mine in my photo album. I wore mine outside my clothing, and I know a lot of folks like to wear theirs at least over a T-shirt...

After surgery, and a lot of morphine based products, I think its possible to just be very sensitive to touch...if thats what your mean by " crazy " . The other thought...DrRand actually asked me if I would mind wearing one, as for a lot of patients it kind of brings back a lot of old memories, either from an earlier brace or cast. I had not worn a brace as a teen, and was happy to do anything asked of me. Wearing the brace while I was up and around ultimately ended up feeling like a bit of a security blanket. I felt like people noticed that I was wearing it, and it reminded them to give me wide berth!

Anyway...if you feel that there is something more fundamentally wrong with the way the brace is fitting you I would make an appointment to have whoever fit the brace take another look at it. Perhaps there will be a simple adjustment to make it slightly more comfortable.

Glad to hear you have all you supports in place.

Take Care, Cam

[Guest guest]

,I wore a TLSO style brace like you describe, and since I had three surgeries over two calendar years, I wore the thing for a total of a year, one six month stint, and two three month stints. Your brace maker will become your friend, TLSO's do take a bit of tweaking to get them comfortable( as comfortable as they can be). I had to have areas of mine cut down a bit, and bits of soft wool like material added where rubbing occurred. I also had extra holes drilled into it, to release a bit of the heat that builds up wearing basically a plastic cast, since I went straight into peri-menopause after surgery, complete with hot flashes.

Is the brace necessary, some doc's brace, some don't, but I think one of it's main functions is two fold, one it reminds you to, and keeps you thinking about post surgery protocols, and secondly, and give you a feeling of protection with other jostle you.

Is it ugly , hot, and not fun you BET. I wore a mans t-shirt under mine, and when I was home, I just wore it without a top over it. I also wore loose fitting tops over it when out in public.

Know this period of time is just that, a moment in time, and if all this comes out very well, wearing the brace will be just a crappy part of an overall wonderful, life changing outcome. It's all in the perspective.

I drove over mine with our van when I was done with it, quite freeing. I think if I had it to do over again, I'd have a brace burning, complete with fun drinks.You might also see if it's possible when you are done with it to donate it to doc's like ours who do surgeries overseas, might could help someone else.

Colorado SpringsOn Thu, Mar 17, 2011 at 3:23 PM, Curran <melissacurran530@...> wrote:

 

Cam,I can't access the files section at this exacy moment, but if my memory serbes me, yours is a metal fram-style style brace. Mine is a plastic and thick foam shell style brace. It feels pointless when my latest fusion is from L3-S1, which the brace reallyiu doesn't help stabize.

I've been wearing it when standing, walking, or sitting anywhere other than my recliner.I can't wear mine with clothing over it unless they are several sizes too large. I'd end up looking awkward and ridiculous.

It is extremely uncomfortable when sitting, since it cuts into the tops of my legs.On Mar 13, 2011, at 6:05 PM, cammaltby <cammaltby@...> wrote:

 

,

Welcome home!

I am not sure if you have the same style brace that I had (there is a picture of me in mine in my photo album. I wore mine outside my clothing, and I know a lot of folks like to wear theirs at least over a T-shirt...

After surgery, and a lot of morphine based products, I think its possible to just be very sensitive to touch...if thats what your mean by " crazy " . The other thought...DrRand actually asked me if I would mind wearing one, as for a lot of patients it kind of brings back a lot of old memories, either from an earlier brace or cast. I had not worn a brace as a teen, and was happy to do anything asked of me. Wearing the brace while I was up and around ultimately ended up feeling like a bit of a security blanket. I felt like people noticed that I was wearing it, and it reminded them to give me wide berth!

Anyway...if you feel that there is something more fundamentally wrong with the way the brace is fitting you I would make an appointment to have whoever fit the brace take another look at it. Perhaps there will be a simple adjustment to make it slightly more comfortable.

Glad to hear you have all you supports in place.

Take Care, Cam

[Guest guest]

,

Yes, mine was kind of a metal frame and had pads at contact points and was

easily adjusted with velcro straps by the orthotist.

Perhaps you will have the brace with you when you see Glazer and he can figure

out what needs to change with the brace and also explain to you how the brace is

working for you now. I am guessing there is an orthotist on staff, or nearby BI?

The third type of brace that members here have had that has an extension on it,

I believe its called a leg cuff, and it comes down and attaches around the upper

thigh to prevent any bending at all. My memory is that it was a surgeon in

Baltimore or DC who used that....but I cant recall.

Let us know what you find out.

Take Care, Cam

>

>

>

> ,

>

> Welcome home!

>

> I am not sure if you have the same style brace that I had (there is a

> picture of me in mine in my photo album. I wore mine outside my clothing,

> and I know a lot of folks like to wear theirs at least over a T-shirt...

>

> After surgery, and a lot of morphine based products, I think its possible to

> just be very sensitive to touch...if thats what your mean by " crazy " . The

> other thought...DrRand actually asked me if I would mind wearing one, as for

> a lot of patients it kind of brings back a lot of old memories, either from

> an earlier brace or cast. I had not worn a brace as a teen, and was happy to

> do anything asked of me. Wearing the brace while I was up and around

> ultimately ended up feeling like a bit of a security blanket. I felt like

> people noticed that I was wearing it, and it reminded them to give me wide

> berth!

>

> Anyway...if you feel that there is something more fundamentally wrong with

> the way the brace is fitting you I would make an appointment to have whoever

> fit the brace take another look at it. Perhaps there will be a simple

> adjustment to make it slightly more comfortable.

>

> Glad to hear you have all you supports in place.

>

> Take Care, Cam

>

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

I'm guessing the post-surgery brace you have is a TLSO. Depending on what is making it uncomfortable, one under brace option is "The Boston T" made by Boston Brace (a TLSO Brace is often referred to as a "Boston Brace").

http://www.bostonbrace.com/Content/Accessories.asp

S.

[ ] Brace

Hi Everyone!

I'm actually writing from home this time! I left rehab midday on Friday.

I have various people from a visiting nurses' association coming by.

Eventually it will be a nurse, PT, OT, and a case manager also came by

yesterday. They will all come until I can switch to normal outpatient

services. My first surgical follow up appointment is is about a week.

I have to admit -- wearing my post-surgical brace is driving me crazy!

Everyone who has checked it says that it fits correctly and that I am

wearing it correctly. Did it drive any of you crazy too? What can I do

to make it tolerable? I want to start getting up more and start doing

more things, but my avoidance of the brace Is a severe hinderance.

I hope you'e all having a great weekend!

Me