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These are just guidelines and suggestions, however practically your experience will differ depending on your clinical situation, your surgeon, your hospital, and the type of fusion you are going to have. You will need a few things to help with your recovery from back surgery at home, such as: Mini-fridge. You will not be able to run around, up and down the stairs during your recovery. A mini fridge can stock the bare essentials for you, such as water and juice. A cooler can work as a cheaper option that can be filled with ice packs or ice to keep your juice and snacks cool. Wireless A wireless can give you the oppourtunity to have your laptop in bed with you. It can also help you to log on to supportive and informative discussion forums while recovering. Grabber For a few days atleast, you maybe told not to bend or twist. A simple grabber can an help you pick up stuff off the floor and reach for things from an upper shelf. Trash bags These can be more handy than you think. Keeping a trash bag on the bed or car seat will grease skids, so to speak, and allow you to slide in and out with less friction. Heating pads Doctors may allow you to use heating pads, after about two days from surgery. They help in soothing the pain and removing discomfort. A squeeze bottle It can be difficult to twist or even reach even to clean up after a BM.You will find many women who have given birth vaginally, use a squeeze bottle filled with warm water. Moist wipes work well too. If you feel the need, use tongs available at most pharmacies) to hold onto the wipes so you do not have to reach. Extra pillows Try placing extra pillow under your knees while lying on your back or in a reclining position (this takes stress off the low back), and use firm pillows to prop you up to a reclining position while in bed. If you are a side sleeper, you will want a pillow to tuck between your knees to keep your low back at rest. Shower mat To ensure that you do not slip in the shower. Shower brush with long handle If you want to clean without bending, twisting or reaching, get a liquid soap (or a liquid moisturizer) to pour on the brush. Recliner or extra cushion. Sitting can be painful following the weeks of surgery. It is best to avoid sitting for long periods. A recliner can ease pressure. Sitting on something cushioned, such as an inflatable donut pillow or hemorrhoid pillow, can make sitting more tolerable. Other things : Shower seat and handicap rails in the shower. Toilet riser. Works pretty well especially if you are a female Cane or walker. You may feel more comfortable walking with some added stability You can get the above devices on rent, in medical supply stores or even available second hand at Salvation Army or other resale stores. These items are usually covered by insurance, so you can have it sent home with you from the hospital, if its possible Ask your doctor about the do's and dont's, so you can prepare accordingly. For those of you preparing for surgery, best wishes for a successful back surgery and quick recovery! Jasmine Bilimoria is a research writer and a contributor with Same Day Spine. Same Day Spine Institute specializes in minimally invasive treatments of the spine, using latest cutting edge technologies, such as stem cells, laser discectomies, artificial discs, spinal cord stimulators, minimally invasive fusions, etc for spinal treatments.
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