New Post-Spinal Fusion Surgery Life Hacks
Since my initial post-surgery life hacks post, I've found a lot of new ways that make my life a bit easier! These life hacks may not work for everyone, but I've found them to be very useful for myself!
Life Hack #1: Non-Slip Shower Mat
Image Retrieved from: https://www.pinterest.ca/pin/753156737658927783/
After surgery one of my biggest concerns was slipping in the shower and falling. So, having a non-slip shower mat in my tub/shower helped ensure that I wouldn't slip and gave me a peace of mind. Non-slip mats are also relatively inexpensive and can be found at a lot of different stores!
Life Hack #2: A Shower/Bath Shelf
Image Retrieved from: https://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/organizing/double-shower-storage
Right after surgery when I started standing while showering, I found it difficult to keep bending down to the built-in shower shelfs, so I solved this by getting a place that was accessible and could store all of my shower stuff like shampoo, conditioner, soap, and face wash. This made it so I could stay completely upright in my shower and avoid bending down or awkwardly reaching for items!
Life Hack #3: Pillows, Pillows, Pillows
Image Retrieved from: https://bestsleephealth.com/best-body-pillows/
I know in my previous life hacks blog post I mentioned the importance of pillows; however, I cannot stress enough how important they were in making me feel comfortable on the couch, in bed, in the car, and everywhere! In my bed I had a body-length pillow (sort of like a pregnancy pillow) that really helped my sleep on my side! I could also use these pillows on the couch for extra support and in the car in case I wanted to sleep or relax a bit more!
Life Hack #4: A Snack Drawer
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Similarly to the second life hack, I found it especially hard to prepare food or even grab snacks during my recovery. This was solved by having a shelf in one cupboard at a comfortable height that is completely dedicated to the snacks that I eat! This helped me avoid any unnecessary bending or lifting of any weight from lower areas! This can also be done in refrigerators to make accessing food easier, which also gave me greater independence during my recovery!
Life Hack #5: Ointments and Creams
Image Retrieved from: https://blog.medstarwashington.org/2017/12/06/lotions-creams-ointments-drugs/
From hearing several anecdotal experiences from family members and friends about their surgeries (non-scoliosis surgery), they all expressed that their scars would have weird sensations sometimes that could become quite annoying. After learning about scars and how my back would change in terms of sensation, I decided to buy an anti-itch cream and a muscle relaxant ointment. These products came in very handy - I used a lot of the anti-itch cream surrounding my scar between two-months post operation and five-months, and I've been using the muscle relaxant cream more recently on the lower left side of my back. Sometimes random itches and muscle discomfort occurs randomly or at inconvenient times, so it's always nice to have some readily available. It is very important to talk to your physician before applying any ointments or creams on or near scars that are healing.
Life Hack #6: Changing Rooms
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This may seem like a hindrance to some, but it makes the world of a difference - asking for a changing room with a chair or bench in it if you're shopping and trying on any sort of bottoms. This way you can sit on a chair while you change and it'll not only speed things up, but it's also way safer and easier to take clothes on and off.
Just a quick note: I will be having my one-year post-operation appointment in late June (instead of in May) due to the current COVID-19 pandemic. I hope everyone is staying safe and healthy and I'm sending positive vibes to everyone who's surgeries have been delayed. Stay strong and don't get discouraged during these trying times. We're all in this together!
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.