I'm sure this has already come up, but I didn't see it. I have no idea how to prepare for the decompression surgery. My husband and mom with be with me to take care of meals and the kids. What do I need to prepare physically, emotionally and mentally for myself?
1. What types of clothes worked best for you?
2. What should I have as far as my bed goes? Lots of pillows? Do I need extra pillow cases because of drainage? Types/brands and location you got it would be very helpful!
3. How about showers/baths? What worked best? I am assuming no washing hair until after the staples are out, so what did you do?
4.How long do I need someone to be home with me?
5. Should I get a neck brace? If so, which one?
6. What sleeping position was least painful?
7. Anything else that helped you to prepare for the big day would help a lot.
We should make a documents with all this info if there isn't already one.
ChiariWife did a great job. The only other thing I can suggest is take sunglasses! My room was really bright and it would have been great to have some covering for my eyes. I had family with me at night and throughout the day for the first few days, then they came and went. They took a break for a few hours when I was sleeping. I was in bed for the first few days, needed help getting up to the bathroom. After that, I was able to get up and move a little more, but still slept the majority of the time. Make sure you have someone at the hospital to be your advocate for pain etc. Also, make sure they know all of your meds etc, when you are released. If you have excess pain or any other issues, they can call the doctor for you and help explain the issue. It is hard to think straight with all of the post op meds. Also, I did shower in the hospital after a few days. It was with the help of my mom though and I was sitting on a shower chair. I did not wash my hair. When I got home, I sat in the bathtub and had to wash my hair in there. It wasn't easy, so have someone help. Good luck! You are in my thoughts and prayers.
The funny thing is, I wasn't even nervous about the surgery itself. I was more worried about then waiting till I was asleep to insert the catheter. Lol :)
You are in thought and prayer...Chiariwife and Nicolee gave wonderful advice/input....
In the recovery room the staff there will make sure your pain in under control....make sure you are honest...no heroics ..if you are in pain..tell them before they send you to ICU for the night.
Thinking of you...In my prayers.... Keep us updated.
Thanks for posting this Michelle! My surgery is coming up too and you brought up a few things I hadn't even thought about until now. :) I want to thank everyone who responded to because all your input is a big help to me as well!
I do have one question for all of you though. I have a 4 hour drive home from the hospital in Pittsburgh. My initial thoughts were to get a small travelers pillow for the trip. Will that work or should I be really be looking at a cervical collar instead??
Michelle,
Something I just thought of…I slept in a recliner for a few weeks after I
got home. It was the only way I could get comfy and actually get some sleep.
So if you have a recliner it might be worth a try.
Keep us up to date with how you are doing!
XOXO Monique
I also drove to Pittsburgh from Richmond to have my surgery. Who is doing your surgery? If you have never been there I can give you some great places to go. I have spent a lot of time up there unfortunately. Please let us know how you are doing.
Lilly said:
Thanks for posting this Michelle! My surgery is coming up too and you brought up a few things I hadn't . Who is doing your ????because all your input is a big help to me as well!
I do have one question for all of you though. I have a 4 hour drive home from the hospital in Pittsburgh. My initial thoughts were to get a small travelers pillow for the trip. Will that work or should I be really be looking at a cervical collar instead??