Questions for anyone who has had a FULL SPINAL FUSION

@jksawyers
Hey Jack, I’ve been thinking about you and praying for your successful surgery and healing. How are you doing?
Been a little worried that I haven’t heard from you.
Sherry

@jksawyers
Wow Jack, I didn’t realize your surgery was this Monday!

I’m going to attach two pictures of the Dulcolax chews and suppositories that I used. I’ve had several knee surgeries over the years and Colace and every other laxative that was recommended to me did nothing to help. Dulcolax has a variety of different strengths and options and it can be confusing to find the right one, but I just want to share what worked so well for me.

As for urinary issues, you will have a catheter of course, and they kept mine in for a couple extra days at my request. I’m not sure what your urinary tract issue is, but the good thing is that you will be at the hospital for them to address things as well as possible.

As for bending, they will tell you no BLT! That stands for no bending, lifting or twisting. What I learned to do early on was, as my physical therapist called it, “hinge at the hip”. So it’s important to always think about keeping your tailbone to your neck straight as you bend over. As I bend, I just put my hand on my knee to support my weight and reduce any strain on my back and it has worked very well. It has become a habit for me as I heal and it’s really hasn’t been that difficult.

Your fusion is going to lock your spine into your pelvic bone, which will limit twisting, and bending after you’re healed, but on a positive note 😊, you will not be susceptible to Degenerative Disc Disease. That is a concern of mine from my L4 and L5 because my spine is fusing from T 11 to L4. That puts a lot more wear and tear and strain on my L4-L5 disc.

I must say that I am concerned about what their plan is to manage your pain if you cannot take narcotics.

Which Mayo Clinic are you going to and who is your surgeon?
My surgery was at the Phoenix, Arizona Mayo Clinic and my surgeon was Dr. McClendon and he was absolutely amazing! I cannot say enough good things about him.
As for the after surgery care, please remember that you need to be your own advocate. If you are hurting, you need to tell them. If you need something, you need to tell them. You know your own body and you need to let them know if something isn’t working or if you need something else.

I journaled my surgery on this site from the time that I was being checked in and getting my IV put in until a few months ago. The link is at the bottom of this message. I hope there’s some good info in there for you. Also if you send me a direct message, I’ll send you my email address!

I remember being a couple days before surgery and having so many things running through my mind, but I prayed about it and knew it was all going to be ok. OpsO is having his spine fused on Tuesday and Bernie is having his fused on Friday, and I will be praying for each of you!

Keep sending questions if you have more!

****I just edited this message because I just got home from walking around a lake today, with no pain I might add! And I saw what Nadine responded to you with!!!. She recently underwent surgery and is a great source of information. I agree with everything that she said!

Wishing you the best!
Sherry
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/l4-to-t11-spinal-fusion-for-scoliosis/?pg=1#comment-1174207

Sending prayers to bless your surgeons hands and that all goes well for you and that you have a speedy recovery .🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

@sherrym25

Please listen to her. That mirelax and colace stuff does NOTHING! Constipation after surgery is the worst.