Hi all, I am new to this support group and am looking for any helpful suggestions for my upcoming surgery. Also, I know everyone is different, but what have recovery times been for you? Has anyone else had a Laminoplasty, I have not see that listed anywhere here? I look forward to any feedback you have and being a part of this group.I would also appreciate any prayers for my upcoming surgery. I am a firm believer in the power of prayer and positive thinking. Thank you and I look forward to getting to know all of you. Karen
Karen, you got it! Prayers coming your way! I don’t know about the laminaplasty- is it the same thing as a laminectomy?? My decompression was 7 months ago. I was in the hospital 5 days, then recovered at home for 2.5 months before returning to work. My pain level was extremely low while in the hospital, mostly nauseated. I think I was a slow bloomer while in the hospital cause I literally just lay there for 4 days without getting up- I just slept.
Advice:
Get yourself in a state of being relaxed and into the flow of the process you are about to through- if you’re uptight at all its going to hinder your recovery. Accept all the pain meds you need to rest comfortably.
Bring ear plugs with you to the hospital in case you have noisy (rude) roommates.
Don’t eat solid/heavy food until you start having BMs- if you get a fecal (or colon) impaction you’ll be wishing you had never been born.
Accept, and prepare your family if they are home with you, that you will not be cooking meals, cleaning the house, or doing much at all beside laying around. I got a little depressed about this part while i was at home, but I think that’s normal. I also cried a lot! It goes away.
You are going to be zombie tired. That’s normal too. Please do not push yourself in any way- it will backfire. Just rest and nap and know its what you are supposed to be doing.
I am excited for you! I think you are going to do great.
A big hug,
Jenn
Jenn, thank you so much for your response, it is extremely helpful. I am so happy I found this support group. Cervical Laminoplasty is where the doctor fractures one bone on the left side and breaks the bone on the other side and puts in hinges to allow space around the spinal column. Apparently I was born with a narrow spinal column.
Beeba, that you for your response and good wishes. I have a husband and 13 year old son. My mother moved in with us almost a year ago as my dad passed away 2 years ago. They are all extremely helpful and understanding. I live in Muskego, which is technically a city, but it is an old farming town. It is about 20 minutes south of Milwaukee. I have had a lumbar fusion and cervical fusion.
Beeba said:
Making dinner - but wanted to send you good wishes - and not let you think you were ignored. I will respond more later though. But jenn really gave you the basics. Perhaps you can give us some other info to help with suggestions. Is there family around? Do you live in city or rural area? Have you had other surgery? Uh oh - steak is burning!!
Heffez did my decompression, I think he did a great job with brain…
Good luck!! I haven't been there...yet. I will be thinking of you and your loved ones. Having a plan that is developed from the knowledge shared from those who have been there is a wonderful idea. All of us will be here when you need/want to talk. We are sending support and prayers your way!
Sounds like Beeba has you pretty well covered on the advice. Bring books or a Kindle to pass time in the hospital. Comfy clothes. Slip on shoes with backs. A neck pillow for the car. They should give you stool softeners but maybe have some Miralax or something on hand at home. I stocked up on paper plates, plastic cups, and utensils for when I got home so I wouldn't have to do dishes while my husband was at work. I super cleaned the house beforehand. I bought extra sets of sheets and made sure they were all clean and ready to go. When you get home rest, rest, and rest some more. You'll be really tired!
Everyone seems to have a different recovery. Mine was really easy. I only stayed in the hospital overnight and then I spent a couple nights in a hotel so I would be close to my doctor just in case.
Hi Karen! I am sending prayers and love to you ! May your surgery be a complete success and don't rush your recovery too much,as time really makes a difference in your healing! May God Bless you and heal you! Love, Eva