← Return to Advice for spouse of Spinal Fusion surgery pre-op and post-op

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@chrismbot

The most important advice I can give to your spouse is this: install a partial railing on your spouses' side of the bed. This should go between the mattress and box spring just below where her head goes. She should use it while doing the log roll in order to get in and out of bed. It helps immensely! I am still using it after 4 mths post surgery and love it.
Secondly, I would suggest you get a raised toilet seat for the bathroom(s) she will be using. Many varieties and price lines. You don't have to have a plumber install a new higher toilet, but if you wish to spend the money, it would certainly be great.
Also, precede her down the stairs, and follow her up the stairs. She should use handrail plus cane.
You should also be available while she is in the shower for the first few weeks or so.
You will find you will have to follow her somewhat around the house to pick up anything she drops. It can be time consuming, but she will drop lots of stuff that she won't be allowed to pick up herself.

Also extremely important: Be patient!!!!! It won't last forever. Hang in there.

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Replies to "The most important advice I can give to your spouse is this: install a partial railing..."

Great advice...thank you.

@chrismbot - I actually have tears in my eyes reading your lovely thoughts on how to support a loved one immediately post spinal surgery. My spouse did all that and reading your list triggered all my lovely feelings about how she helped me survive. That’s a beautiful note!

Get several of those long handled “grabbers”, too. With back pain, my husband bought me several to have around the house. If I drop something I’ll get my grabber & pick it up - still my independent self! I can even use it to lower the dog food bowl!