Had spinal surgery a couple weeks ago and have some questions :-)

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Permalink Reply by Nastassia Bushey on January 3, 2013 at 9:38am

My Dad had spinal fusion completed in C4-C6 (I think) in Dec 2003. It took him about 3-6 months for a full recovery. Luckily by the time he had his surgery I had already had mine and was out of the wheelchair, so I was able to help some. We were in a really bad car wreck in April of that year. 

My son was 1 at the time, so it was hard on us, but we had a lot of help. Do you have anyone who can help, even if it is to just play with the little ones? Can you do some crafty type stuff up at a table with them? I know you probably cannot bend/lift or do a whole lot yet. 

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Permalink Reply by Stacy Fournier on January 3, 2013 at 11:10am

Oh wow! I'm glad to hear you all were OK!  My hubby is a teacher so he was home during the winter break, but he had to go back today. :-( Luckily I do have some help! I have a wonderful friend who started caring for my 2-year-old part-time today until I can recover a bit more. I have really never been apart from my baby, so I am really missing her today! And another awesome mom is going to bring my eldest home from school for me for a few weeks. Thankfully my eldest is an AMAZING helper! Crafts are a great idea! I warned my hubby that the house will probably be a complete wreck when he gets home. :-)

Nastassia Bushey said:

My Dad had spinal fusion completed in C4-C6 (I think) in Dec 2003. It took him about 3-6 months for a full recovery. Luckily by the time he had his surgery I had already had mine and was out of the wheelchair, so I was able to help some. We were in a really bad car wreck in April of that year. 

My son was 1 at the time, so it was hard on us, but we had a lot of help. Do you have anyone who can help, even if it is to just play with the little ones? Can you do some crafty type stuff up at a table with them? I know you probably cannot bend/lift or do a whole lot yet. 

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Permalink Reply by Christine Gregory on January 4, 2013 at 11:53am

I had a spinal fusion because I had a tumor removed from my spine. I wore a brace for 3 months. I just had to let go and let others do things for me. I think everyone's recovery is different. I had some nerve damage so that has slowed me down too. I am starting radiation on Monday. My children are grown so I don't have the same problems as you. The worst thing has been not being able to work. I am hoping to go back next year. It takes time but you will get so much better. Best of luck to you.

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Permalink Reply by Olivia Pitkethly on January 4, 2013 at 8:42pm

I've never had a serious surgery like this, but after my daughter was born, I was recovering from a C-section and my then-2 y/o son wanted me to get on the floor with him, carry him, etc. My cousin suggested doing puzzles, storytime, drawing, etc. so we could still spend time together. I also explained to him that Mommy had a booboo which was very fascinating to him. :)

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Permalink Reply by Stacy Fournier on January 7, 2013 at 10:52am

Wow, sounds like you are going through a lot! I hope your radiation goes well for you!

Christine Gregory said:

I had a spinal fusion because I had a tumor removed from my spine. I wore a brace for 3 months. I just had to let go and let others do things for me. I think everyone's recovery is different. I had some nerve damage so that has slowed me down too. I am starting radiation on Monday. My children are grown so I don't have the same problems as you. The worst thing has been not being able to work. I am hoping to go back next year. It takes time but you will get so much better. Best of luck to you.

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Permalink Reply by Stacy Fournier on January 7, 2013 at 10:53am

Why is it kids like to talk about boo-boos so much? :-) I showed my boo-boos to my daughters to help them understand why I couldn't do as much as I would like to, and I think it did help!

Olivia Pitkethly said:

I've never had a serious surgery like this, but after my daughter was born, I was recovering from a C-section and my then-2 y/o son wanted me to get on the floor with him, carry him, etc. My cousin suggested doing puzzles, storytime, drawing, etc. so we could still spend time together. I also explained to him that Mommy had a booboo which was very fascinating to him. :)

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Permalink Reply by Kristin Foster on January 10, 2013 at 9:49am

WOW, you poor thing.  I broke my arm when Evie was a baby and that was hard carrying her and changing diapers and getting her in and out of the carseat and into the stroller.  I was a single mom then.  My only advice is to ask for help.  I hate being dependant on others and to ask for help.  HATE IT.  But if others are asking how can I help or offering assistance, take them on it because you know you have helped other moms in need before and you would do the same so just remember that and say yes thank you.  Its very important that your injury or surgery site heal properly so that for the long term you can play puzzles with those girls on the floor.  My arm still hurts me and gives me fits and I think its cause I over did  it three years ago. 

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Permalink Reply by Christine Gregory on January 10, 2013 at 10:21am

I hope you're doing better Stacy. I have improved so much just in the time since I first posted. 

I can move a lot more easily. So far I am tolerating the radiation well.Take care.

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Permalink Reply by Stacy Fournier on January 10, 2013 at 10:55am

Thanks Christine! I'm glad to hear things are going well for you!

Christine Gregory said:

I hope you're doing better Stacy. I have improved so much just in the time since I first posted. 

I can move a lot more easily. So far I am tolerating the radiation well.Take care.

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