Date: 19.10.2012
From: Veronica Henderson
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Subject: Getting organised at home post-op
Back from hospital after massive lower back hernia op. So happy to be home but struggling physically. Very sore and painful as only had the op on Tuesday. Physio to line up for 6 weeks. That is the easy bit. What isn't is finding a way to lie/ sit in bed, and get back out of bed and seated and all of this without rotation! The sofa needs replacing and I cannot lie flat comfortably! I have to see what temp measures can make this easier. Cannot drive/ be driven around for 6 weeks. What fun and games are in store! Am resigned to spending next few weeks in my bedroom, but... Now that the OA has been diagnosed I hope that other issues will be easier to cope with? At least we can moan and laugh about them here!, and my OH is my rock and will do anything to make things butter. But he has his own problems and should not be overloaded. Tomorrow will have to find a way to set things out at hands reach. Any tips welcome?? Thanks
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Date: 19.10.2012
From: rhona
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Subject: Re: Getting organised at home post-op
Hi Veronica, That's good that the op is over with, i guess the hardest part now is the recovery. I don't know if i can be of any help as i haven't had the operation but i do know how i felt about 6 months ago when i couldn't get out my bed or off a chair without help. I had to put cushions on my chair to make it higher and even then i needed a pull up. It might be an idea to get in touch with the Occupational therapist and they may provide you with some aids to make things a bit easier until you are more mobile. I suppose you will be increasing the pain killers. Hope it's not too long til you feel much better. x
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Date: 19.10.2012
From: bsk
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Subject: Re: Getting organised at home post-op
Hi Veronic, would one of those v-shaped pillows help? Also, if you have a bed frame that allows it, you can attach something to the bottom - like a rope to haul yourself up. Also, ring your local occupational therapy department, they can lend you some equipment and should come round pretty quickly if you explain your circumstances,
xx
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Date: 19.10.2012
From: marlene
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Subject: Re: Getting organised at home post-op
Hi Veronica, I had similar surgery to you three years ago. Herniated disc repaired and OA spurs shaved away.
Believe me each day will be easier for you. The worst for me was getting out of bed in the mornings, so uncomfortable, I do actually laugh about it all now.
I used to go upstairs on all fours (at home only) haha.
Getting in and out of the car should be done slowly and carefully the first fewtimes.
I found physio helpful to an extent.
Try to not spend too much time in the bedroom, gently ease yourself back into your old life. Don't lift however you may be tempted when your pain has gone.The pain going doesn't mean it is all healed inside.
Let people help you. It is good that your OH is helping you I don't know what I would of done without mine.
Can I just say if you find it difficult to get up don't be tempted to let anyone pull you up just ask them to lend you there arm.
I hope this helps and your recovery is quick and the operation is a great success.
Take Care x
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Date: 23.10.2012
From: Veronica
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Subject: Re: Getting organised at home post-op
Hello again. Well it's a week to the day of the operation and I am rather pleased and surprised. Of course there is pain, discomfort, fatigue (I could go on) but being mobile so soon is amazing. Slept all day today! Marlene, I have been given strict instructions not to drive for 4 weeks, not to be a passenger for 6... and not to carry anything which weighs more than 2 meringues!! bsk took your idea up of the V-shaped pillow and and also ordered a topper for the bed. This all costs but necessary I think. Physio 3xper week starts from next Monday. Feeling better in myself but aware there is a long road ahead and hope that the visitors keep coming given that I can't get to them. Thanks for all your friendly advice. xx
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Date: 23.10.2012
From: bsk
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Subject: Re: Getting organised at home post-op
Hi Veronica, you sound much more cheerful this week and I'm glad to hear you are doing so well. Glad suggestion helped.
Just one question, how do you get to physio if you can't get in a car? Just curious!
xx
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Date: 23.10.2012
From: Veronica
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Subject: Re: Getting organised at home post-op
Ah well, and this is the easy bit. You can get them to come to you in Belgium! Is that not the case in the UK? Hope I can walk fairly soon as don't want to have kilos creeping up. This group is a great help and, yes, today is a good day. xx
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Date: 23.10.2012
From: bsk
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Subject: Re: Getting organised at home post-op
That's fantastic. I've never heard of it it here. This board is great for all those days stuck at home and I have plenty of them lol! Take care. xx
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Date: 24.10.2012
From: rhona
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Subject: Re: Getting organised at home post-op
Good to hear that you are on the road to recovery Veronica, that is fantastic that the physio is going to you. It does make sense when you think about it. The NHS here should follow a leaf out of Belgium's book.
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Date: 24.10.2012
From: Veronica
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Subject: Re: Getting organised at home post-op
Rhona, I think that the NHS should take a good look at how think are done here. OK, it is not perfect but I am much more comfortable being sick over here than in the UK. I am horrified at some of the things mentioned in the press. We pay more but we get a decent service.
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Date: 24.10.2012
From: marlene
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Subject: Re: Getting organised at home post-op
Pleased to hear you are getting there. Slowly but surely. X
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