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Spinal Fusion, Mayo FL: What to Expect /Prepare for Hospital Stay?
I’m a busy, active 60-year-old woman and am having T2-Pelvis spinal fusion surgery at Mayo Jacksonville on April 14th. They told me to expect to stay for 7 days. I’m looking for input on what to pack and what to expect in the hospital. They told me I’d be there approximately 7 days, I’ll have a private room, and the nursing staff will try and get me moving each day. Dr. Abode said he would plan to see me when he does rounds. Other than that, it seems like there is a lot of time to fill in-between. I feel like I want to bring things to do, but maybe I’ll be so out of it or in so much pain I won’t feel like it. Will I be able to wear my own clothes at some point, or will they expect me to stay in a hospital gown?
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That is a big surgery,
You will get to wear that pretty gown for your whole stay.
After surgery and recovery they will bring you up to your room and usually have you at least stand up and maybe take a few steps the 1st night.
Each day they will have you do a little more. your IV pole will be your walking buddy.
You will have a couple sugical drains attached to your back to drain from the surgical site. Basically a bag that is vacuum pressured that they empty.
There will be physical therapy, occupational therapy etc and a lot of sleeping/resting
Good luck and I hope it all works well for you.
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2 ReactionsHello. I can only tell you my experience. I am 75. On Feb 11 I had a reconstruction of a previous fusion from several years ago-broken hardware L3-S1, and laminectomy and fusion of an additional 2 levels. I was in the hospital for a week, in hospital gowns, and so busy with PT/OT and nursing staff, dressing changes, IV’s, meds, etc, unless you are blessed with a seamless surgery, no pain and no need for IV’s, etc (I hope that is the case), you will have no need for street clothes until discharge. I was transferred to a rehab facility for an additional week. You may or may not need this, and had a month of in home rehab PT/OT. I hope all goes well. I have worn a back brace for 2.5 months and will continue with a bone stimulator brace for several more months. This is because of my low bone density.
Keep in mind recovery is slow. In my situation it will take. Year for full recovery.
When I was rolled into the surgical suite the surgeon quipped you quiped, you are the healthiest 75 year old we have seen today. I said I am your first patient😗
@cruncher
I was in the hospital in Rochester twice in Jan, 1st time unexpectedly, 2nd time I was able to pack an overnight bag. Not for spinal surgery, but a few suggestions for a hospital stay.
I used the hospital gown as both a gown and a robe. Just put 2nd one on backward. Works better than a personal robe because the snaps at the shoulders allow it to be used with IVs. I brought my slippers, but they always give you the socks with grippers.
Of course phone charger, if you have one with an extra-long cord, that works best. I was able to plug into the outlet behind the bed and reach it from the bed. I took my laptop, but that is up to you. It was a good time to clean up email, delete old things, etc...
Another thing found helpful is to take a notebook and a pen. Then if think of questions, can make notes to ask providers when they make rounds. And take notes when providers give you updates. I also made to-do lists for when I got home.
The hospital provided basic hygiene items, though 2nd time I brought some of my own. I like to have baby wipes or something similar close to bed.
I was mobile, went to the hospital library, and checked out puzzle books like Sudoku. You can bring your own or ask if FL hospital has a library and can deliver. Also, it might be a good time to read a book you haven't had time for. If you crochet or knit, good thing to do in bed.
I watched a lot of movies on TV. Surprised they had some new releases.
Good luck with the upcoming surgery.
Welcome! Dr. Abode and his team are wonderful and will pop in about 7:00 every morning. PT and OT will visit daily during your stay to teach you how to move and how to care for yourself. You can transition to your own clothes when the nurses say you can. It was about day 3 for me. I stayed there for 9 days and then went home. I carried my own water bottle that has a straw. This was easier than having to fill up that little cup. I carried some of my favorite snacks I knew I would eat even if my appetite wasn’t great. They will bring you protein shakes twice a day. They didn’t set well with my stomach, so I wished I’d had an alternative. The food is really good once you are ready to eat. I thought I would be bored or need something to do. I took a book to read but honestly spent more time asleep than is typical for me. TV is not a big interest for me, but it was available. Remember your number one goal is to heal and recover. Make that a priority with your rest, diet, pt/ot. Wishing you the best as you prepare and recover.
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1 ReactionThere is some great info on the web to help you get ready.
https://kellybridgesneurosurgery-id.com/news-six-ways-to-ease-spine-surgery-anxiety/
https://www.umms.org/health-services/spine/patient-ed/surgery-checklist
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/-/media/neurology-neurosurgery/documents/spine/spine-surgery-guide-bayview.pdf
@jlssurplus Thank you! I appreciate all the information and your perspective most of all!!