How do I get thru spine surgery recovery? I need people to talk to

I haven’t had a situation like yours, but wanted to send well wishes your way. I hope your recovery goes well and you get a lot of support from the online community. It’s helped me a great deal. Just knowing others understand makes a big difference. I also find talk therapy to be helpful for my situation.

Sorry about you condition .
I pray when I’m overwhelmed with pain ( chronic migraine)
I will pray for you to find comfort soon as you heal . The first weeks are definitely toughest.
Tony hang in

@wendyhobbie, you sounds like you've found active and creative ideas to help cope with your loss and depression. Outdoors, being active and listening to the birds, etc. really helps. You might also appreciate some of these related discussions:
- Loss and grief resulting from death of a pet
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/loss-and-grief-resulting-from-death-of-a-pet/

- The value of an animal
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/the-value-of-an-animal/

- What's outside of your picture window today?
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/whats-outside-of-your-picture-window-today/

wendyhobbie, Praying for you in the loss of your beautiful furry companion. I know some folks aren't great animal lovers.....I am! "The righteous man regardeth the life of his beast" Proverbs 12:10a. I'm sure you gave your fur baby much love and her/she loved you right back. I am so sorry.

Limitations are so hard aren't they? We've lost a part of our selves in them.

You are beautiful by the way! I'm sure you are so sweet.

Blessings & Prayers.....

This comes under “nothing ventured, nothing gained”. How about seeing if you are eligible for Home Care PT? I had spinal surgery and had to insist on a referral to Home Care as the last years of my career had been in it and I knew I qualified (Medicare, considerable and taxing effort to leave the home, leaving the home primarily for MD visits). The Home PT came 2-3 times a week and it was such a lift to my spirits. They start with just what you can do and it feels so good to feel like you are making bits of progress, PTs are great cheerleaders. Then I was discharged to go to outpatient for a few weeks.
If you wanted to try for it, I would suggest calling a local Home Care agency, they’ll check your insurance and contact your PCP to get things going.
Good luck:)

@denman55
I too had back surgery, Lumbar Fusion L3-L5. Home Care PT was an absolute blessing. Medicare covered 80% and the supplement covered the other 20%. Hope this helps.
God bless you and your family.

Hi Patrick,
I am so sorry about your discomfort during this challenging time! I completely understand how scary a time this is for you. I had a big surgery some years ago that took me well over a year to recover. I was in and out of the hospital over & over. Once for a month with no food allowed during the Thanksgiving holiday. Being the chow hound that I am, that was quite the challenge! 🙂 What got me through was maintaining a positive attitude and knowing "this too shall pass." I read books such as Norman Cousins "Anatomy of an Illness: As Perceived by the Patient." I fed my mind with positivity and did not allow what was happening to define who I was. It got me through the difficult times. Another thing I did, when in pain, was to think "if this pain I am going through can take away the pain of just one other person, it is worth it." That, too, really helped. Of course all this is easier said than done and may not be your cup of tea. But, in reading your words I felt compelled to share, hoping it may shed a tiny ray of light. I am sending you healing thoughts and energy. You will get through this!

A great acupuncturist stopped mine and haven’t had one in 30 years! Also, I’m taking allergy medication when headaches start (or before) and distressing regularly. Migraines sent me to emergency room twice. 🙏

My stroke recovery has caused me endless pain, insomnia, isolation, and a very challenging, ongoing struggle. It's been nearly 5-1/2 years, with no end in sight.

One thing I've done is channel my energy into something creative -- a YouTube channel to try and help encourage others who are going through a difficult time:
https://www.youtube.com/@srlucado/videos

Maybe it will help you, or inspire you to find a creative outlet.

One quote I use in the episode on Spirituality:
"Pray as if everything depends on God. Work as though everything depends on you."

Best wishes for a complete recovery!

Thanks Wendy
I need to do that.
I have in the past had very spotty results. The one amazing guy moved out of state.
I will try again.
Thank you and god bless you and your family.
Tony