Sitting High on the Throne

Back Surgery!

Last week a microscopic device was put through a tiny 2 inch incision in my back and another teeny tiny device removed part of the disc by my L5 (the last vertebrate in the spine).  This has been a fascinating event and humbling.  Family, friends, and complete strangers have prayed for me.  The staff at the hospital were kind, caring, and knew what they were doing.  It blows my mind that the surgeon could make such a big change in my life by removing this part of the disc that was squishing my nerves through such a small incision.

Also this past month has been eye opening to everything that makes a household run.  Thankfully, my in-laws and my parents have been so good to me and my family and have taken care of me, the kids, the house, etc.(and thankful for friends near and far offering help)  I’m so loved and blessed and am so thankful for this surgery to be reminded of being loved by many.

Also thankfully, my mom and a couple different people have told me things I needed to purchase for the recovery time.  I think these would be good for anyone having surgery that after they are not allowed to bend over at the waist or squat down to pick up stuff from the floor.  My doctor said 4-6 weeks until I can do this and also before I can pick up anything heavier than a gallon of milk. sigh.  I’m feeling a bit worthless but am getting some great naps in! LOL

So if you’re having to have this surgery there’s two main things that will make your life easier…  (These are my affiliate links through Amazon and while I am given a percentage of the sale if you decide to buy anything it is no more cost to you. Please see my disclosure page for more information.)

#1  Raised Toilet Seat  I’m not playing around here folks!  If you don’t like to have to ask for someone to help you off the throne, then this is for you!  As for me I have stage fright about peepeeing in front of others, and so it was a necessity.  Plus, my mom who had knee surgery recently suggested I should get one because she regrets not having one for the first two weeks out of surgery.  Unfortunately, I didn’t plan enough ahead of the surgery and could have saved about $15 if I had bought it through Amazon instead of the drug store on the way home from the hospital(cost $50 plus tax for mine and it only had the lock on the front but no side arms).  There’s an even less expensive raised toilet seat for just under $13 on Amazon but it doesn’t have the lock or the side arms so for me I am ok with paying a little more so I know it’s more secure and I won’t be as likely to fall and not get up.

#2  Long Reach Pick-Up Grabber  Whew!  I really wish I would have shopped Amazon before my surgery!  I got a picker-upper thingy from a drug store the same time we got the raised toilet seat and paid like $20.  sigh!  The one I provided the link for is listed at just under $6!!!  Ok, so this was suggested to me by my mom’s cousin who had the same exact surgery that I did.  It has been useful!  I can’t put on my undi*s by myself yet and this has already helped.  Plus, I can’t bend over at the waist or bend down what-so-ever and it has been helpful for when I’ve dropped stuff on the floor or needed something out of the bottom of the fridge etc.  I highly recommend this gadget!

Lastly, if you have the cash, renting a Power Lift Recliner could be very helpful especially after knee surgery.  With my mom’s knee surgery she was able to borrow one for a month verses paying for one with the least expensive price I could find online being $399.  She said she slept in the recliner the first two nights and spent much of the first few weeks of recover in the chair.  I don’t think with my back surgery it would be as helpful for me because if I’m sitting I prefer something rigid otherwise my back starts hurting again.  This might be different for back surgery on a different place on the back though so it’s definitely something to look into.

Well, I’m hoping these suggestions help you or anyone you many know that is facing surgery.  It’s daunting but can be a big blessing in disguise!   Please comment below if you have any questions or need some encouragement.  🙂