what does the recovery for surgery for severe stenosis of spine (L-4&5) entail?!
Question: i shall be needing to help my best friend after surgery for severe stenosis of her spine probably in spinal area l-4 & 5. what would she expect after the surgery? what would the surgery entail? what kind of recovery would be involved. she also has severe damage in her neck, also. she would most likely, be a worst case scenario because of the damage. what kind of help would she need and what would her condition most likely be post surgery?
Answers:
You will need to help your friend with walking to the bathroom.
Either rent a walker on wheels or get her a cane or rent a wheelchair, something she can get through doors in her house.
She will be very stiff after surgery and need help with everything from cooking dinner to taking a shower to going to the potty to laying down when sleepy.
All these things will require at least 2 weeks of help for her.
She should be recovered enough after 2 weeks to be able to move on her own.
When I had my surgery, my husband took off 2 weeks of vacation to help me.
I couldnt do my laundry or cook or clean or feed the pets or water my plants.
It is horrible how simple things you take for granted seem so hard after surgery.
She also needs to stay on schedule with her pain meds and any other meds she may be on.
She will need help getting dressed and it may be hard for her to raise her arms over her head.
It will take a true dedicated friend to help out with what all she needs.
It is a trying time for her and her helper.
It gets frustrating that she can barely walk.
It is a hard time that's for sure.
Be prepared to do her chores for her like getting out the trash or feeding pets or helping her get showered or dressed or fed.
You will need to make sure she does not pick up anything heavy.
If you are a true friend, please help her all you can.
If not and she is alone, she could fall.
If her insurance allows for a nurse to come to her home, that would be good too.
Other Answers:
I have had this same surgery ,twice,the last was feb of this year.L4/5 last time,added3 changed out old stainless steel and replaced with titanium.The most important thing that I think I did was ask the anasteseologist sp? if he would do a nerve block in my back after the surgery was complete,so that when I woke up I wouldn't be in soooo much pain.The recovery time for me is six months, she will have a back brace:(,need help up and down,PT will show her the log roll,how to sit up etc.she will need a walker with a seat,A toilet riser,maybe a shower seat.Sitting will be limited,mine is 20 min.walking will be her therapy,but don't push her. Basically every thing will have to be done for her,food drink ,meds 24/7This is very painful surgery,it will most likely take several people swapping shifts to help her get through this,she should not be left alone until she is off pain meds.God bless her and you for being her friend.Need any advice or help email me:)
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