Spinal Fusion Surgery Life Hacks
After experiencing spinal fusion surgery and recovering, I have learned a lot about what is and is not helpful before, and after the operation. I've decided to compile a list and share what my spinal fusion surgery 'life hacks' have been in order to help make people's lives easier during this difficult and exhausting time! Here are some of the things I've found helpful:
Life Hack #1: Before surgery, if you have long hair, put it in two French braids. This helps a lot because they are more secure than having your hair in a bun, and when you're being moved around in bed, they will not come undone and you don't have to worry about hair getting in your face! It's also way more comfortable to sleep with two braids since they're on the side of your head versus the top or back!
Life Hack #2: Bring bendy-straws to the hospital with you! You can buy compostable bendy-straws at most grocery or general stores, and honestly, they helped so much when I was in the hospital. Since I was in a lot of pain and didn't want to move my head a lot, Having a bendy straw made it easier to stay hydrated (very important), and during the first few days it was easier for my parents to give me a drink of fluids from a bendy straw.
Life Hack #3: Bring snacks to the hospital. I brought some of my favourite snacks to the hospital (since I'm gluten-free) because I knew I wouldn't really feel like eating for the first few days. So, bringing snacks you usually crave will help your recovery because your body will desperately need more energy, and anything you eat, even if it's not the healthiest food, will be beneficial!
Life Hack #4: Bring button-up pyjama shirts! Once you're cleared to leave the hospital, you'll have to get changed out of your gowns. Putting on a button-up shirt is much, much easier than trying to wiggle your way through a pull-over shirt or sweater.
Life Hack #5: Put a patio furniture chair in your shower. Once I was cleared to shower, I still didn't feel comfortable enough to stand for a long period of time on a slippery surface, so we discovered putting an outdoor chair inside the shower worked like a charm! Since it's outdoor, it's waterproof, and they're often light and easy to move around!
Life Hack #6: If you have low toilet seats, invest in a 'toilet seat booster.' For the first several weeks after my surgery I was supposed to refrain from bending my hips more than 90 degrees. Having the toilet seat booster made it easier for me to be independent, and since it has hand rails I could get up and down with ease.
Life Hack #7: Getting a detachable shower head. When you're able to shower, having a shower head that you can control is so much easier than moving your sore body around under a shower head. This made washing my hair and body super easy!
Life Hack #8: PILLOWS. I used pillows in the car on the ride home, in bed, and sitting. I even used a 'hug pillow' that I'd hug if I needed to sneeze or cough to stabilize my body. Pillows can make a world of a difference, especially during the first couple of weeks. You can also easily borrow pillows from your neighbours or friends instead of buying a bunch!
This blog is my own personal experience and journey with Scoliosis. It is not a medical blog, and if anyone has concerns about their own health, they should see a physician.