Back Surgery After Care
hald
10 years ago
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littleonefb
10 years agoRelated Discussions
being sensible after back surgery
Comments (1)Hi Marie, It is great to hear that your cervical disc fusion was a success! Take it from someone who has "been there, done that"! It is very difficult surgery and a lengthy recuperation. Here are a few suggestions, when you feel strong enough. Try to "surf the web a lot", catch up on all your summertime reading, take your "cat naps" frequently, listen to the doctors, and wear the "height of fashion", which is your cervical collar. You have my sincere sympathy. I wore a "Philadelphia" collar, which is a rigid plastic contraption for the first month, and then graduated to a soft collar the second month. I wore a lot of my husband's button down shirts, because I was unable to pull a shirt over my head. Be grateful for the tiniest accomplishments, such as, climbing a flight of steps and it didn't take you 1/2 hr. to do it, walking without being in pain, fixing yourself something to eat without someone self doing it for you, cherish your family and their loving support, lean on friends during your recuperation, enjoy sitting outside and feeling the warm sun on your face, marvel in the beauty of nature all around you, and the chirpping birds that are singing their daily songs to you. Cherish every moment and know that you have overcome a difficult hurdle and the healing process will take time. Try to be patient! I know that it is easier said than done. Two months seems like forever........but, in the grander scheme of things, it is but a blink of an eye. I hope your recuperation continues to go well and if you ever want to chat, you may e-mail me. The very best of luck to you, Shirley...See MoreLOOKING for: recipes for after jaw surgery
Comments (40)My BF was diagnosed with stage 4 esophageal cancer 3 1/2 yrs ago and after chemo, radiation, loss of part of his tongue, jaw replacement and throat replacement with muscle from his arm was told he would have to live with a PEG tube for the rest of his life. He refused and learned to down Ensure, aspirating a little each time but swallowing tests show it is not detrimental as he has learned to drink over a sink and he coughs out the last little bit. He has not been able to gain weight beyond 140 lbs (he looks like a stick man) even downing 16 bottles of Ensure a day and eventually adding whey protein powder until I met him. He likes to race in Enduro motorcycle competitions so is high energy. I am an RN and can't stand to see people using Ensure as a meal replacement, it is only meant to be a supplement and other than the vitamins and protein only contains oil and sugar with milk solids. I figured if he could down anything I could get him back to consuming vitamins, fat, etc. through natural foods and put some weight on him. The sugar in the Ensure has also taken a toll on what was beautiful white teeth. He had purchased a Vitamix 5200 (pricey but worth it) to mix another powdered sweet drink he found (can't remember the name) to put weight on. The vitamix will actually dessimate anything you place in it and is so fast it will heat the food so hot that you can't drink it. I have learned to blend the weirdest foods together to get the high calories and the only problem I've had is with the broths/juices/milk you have to add to get it to the very liquid consistency will sometimes dilute the flavors. I literally blend anything I eat for him and he is eating better than ever. I now taste everything (sometimes it sounds like it would be gross) and have been astounded at how flavorful meals can be. He has gained 10 lbs over the last 2 months since I add cheese, butter, use whole milk, and for shakes blend high fat nuts like Macadamia and coconut (he loves) and add to them. I have noticed that chicken and dumplings is his favorite because the base of the soup is all I need to use to thin it so it is full flavor. Also for some reason the italian dishes like spaghetti, lasagna, etc. even when thinned severely with beef broth keep the original taste. White sauces are best thinned with chicken broth and milk (both) and sweet and sour chicken is best thinned with apple juice. He is Jewish so when we made potato latke's I put the apple sauce and sour cream in and thinned with apple juice and milk and it tasted almost just like mine in a liquid version. One potato latke thinned equalled 64 ounces so thank goodness he can drink alot! Next time I may add a few potato flakes for extra calories. He has started blending sushi and thins with seafood broth found only at Central Market here. I've done steak with potato including sour cream, butter, bacon bits and thinned one time with milk and another with beef broth and added beef gravy...he loved it! Most of our "soups" come out restaurant quality:-)My next jump is to make steak with Au Jus and Demi Glace to try to get the flavor to come out better. I encourage you all not to be afraid to try different things together and remember that on a liquid diet you need to increase your calories significantly. His Oncologist said he can't believe I've been able to put weight on him but he's defied all of them from the start:-)...See More7 Days after my surgery
Comments (10)thanks all! Chisue: my DH is taking good care of me. He is the cook around here anyway, and he has really stepped up to the plate, doing laundry, pooperscooping etc. all my regular chores. i have fibromyalgia, which i am told hampers recovery. so I am used to feeling tired and worn out. I found a good online support group ( in addition to this one) called Hystersisters... it really helps to see where others are in their recovery. I am very blessed to have good friends and family, and online friends too. You all are great for taking time out of your busy days to encourage and empathize with people....See MoreMonica is back to the table,....after brain surgery.
Comments (40)Thanks, It all went well...was out of the hospital the next day. I had the adult version of Hydrocepalous, which is an excess of fluid on the brain...and much less serious than in people under 60. The surgeon placed a shunt in my skull, behind the ear..that pulls the excess cervical fluid into a tube that goes down to the lower torso. I also have a small scar which allowed the surgeon to identify where the tube emptied out into the abdomen. Before the surgery, they shaved the area, so I had my hairstylist give me a layered haircut. No one can see the bump the shunt made, especially after the stitches came out. I have so many people to thank for prayers and best wishes....they did a great job !...See Morelazy_gardens
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