@jojoback Good morning! In December 2024 I had a T11 to L4 fusion. There are many of us on this site who have had multi level fusions and who have posted the exact info you are looking for! 😊
Your story really resonates with me because you described a very similar situation that I was living.
My life now is night and day compared to before surgery. I have some lingering post-op superficial back nerve pain that I know can take a couple years to heal. But my pre-surgery pain is completely gone! I feel like I have a new lease on life by being able to able to stand for long period of time, sit for a long period of time, walk for long period of time and just live life without being in constant pain!!

During the healing process you learn to “hing at the hip” and keep your back straight when bending over. Basically the same position you are in when you sit.
You learn kneel and squat a lot and when you turn, you turn using your hips and keep your shoulders in line. You will have to consciously protect your back at first, but then it becomes a habit. I don’t even think about it even though I am at the point where I can do much more, I’m gradually working into it because it is such a habit.
You will will be fused more solidly to your S1 than I am, but I believe the healing process will be the same.

As for getting information on what to expect,
I found that if you use different words in the search box, you can bring up numerous past conversations/topics that will share a lot of great information.
That being said, I will try and post links to some of those conversations.
Wishing you the best!
Sherry

@jojoback when I read your first post, my heart ached for you having to recover alone and I understood your fear. I may have to undergo a similar surgery since I have a severe scoliosis with lots of other issues. But anyway, as I thought about your situation and wanting to help, I thought I would share what others have told me and some ideas that I had.
My first thought was about your pill dilemma which may or may not ever happen. A few months ago, I found a dustpan with a long handle and long handled broom at TJ Maxx. That should allow you to be able to pick up something small like a pill without bending over.
Others have also told me that the thing they appreciated having most after surgery was an electric recliner. It needs to be firm and offer support for your back. Other sites have recommended a lift chair, also with firm support. Lots of people report sleeping in their recliner after surgery. In terms of dressing and all that. I assume OT and PT in the hospital will teach you all that and probably even supply the tools. If not, Amazon carries everything.
My last thought is, let others help you. I empathize with having lost your husband so recently and feeling so alone but are there others in your life, extended family, neighbors, friends who keep saying, "let me know how I can help?" Let them know. A friend of mine's grandsons moved her pots and pans to the counter so she could begin cooking small meals. They were glad to do it.
One last thought, as I am thinking about maybe doing adult scoliosis surgery for myself, I also splurged and got a bed that I can raise and a bidet toilet seat. The bidet is not extravagant, compared with the bed, and is very nice even if I don't have surgery. It heats the water and the toilet seat. It also slightly raises the toilet seat and with the higher toilet that I already had, I don't think I will need a raised toilet seat. Those are my practical thoughts. If I think of anything else, I will let you know. I will keep praying for your peace as your face surgery and recover.

@jojoback
Yes, there are many useful tools for post surgery. Since the main rule I was given post surgery was no BLT, bending, lifting or twisting, it does help to have
1) a “grabber”. By that I’m referring to the long tool you hold in your hand and it pinches together to pick up things for you.
2) Ice machine - I definitely benefited by using mine. That said, I had help removing and refilling it with frozen water bottles. If you could prepare ahead to have one set up on a nightstand that might be ok to handle on your own. If not,
3) the long ice packs you freeze work well. I bought some on Amazon and place in a thick pillow case around them before using.
4) higher toilet seat. If you already have the taller, comfort toilets you could get by with buying
5) a frame, which goes around the back and sides of toilet seat to use your arms for support getting up and down. I’d look on Amazon.
6) a walker for those early days
7) a sock aid
The main thing you can do at home is to have items set at counter height that you often use. For example your toothpaste, toothbrush, a cup to spit into and a cup to drink from, your washcloths and face soap, moisturizer, lip balm, medications, etc. You can locate often used products ahead of time by walking around your home now and pretending you can’t bend at the waist. PT and OT will teach you helpful methods too. I was told not to carry anything heavier than a full milk jug, which is about 8 lbs. I’m guessing you’d get moved from hospital into a care facility for a while if need be. Make sure your doc/nurses, etc. know that you live alone.
I pray for the best for you!