top surgery

[The Oopster]

Originally Posted by Thinker

Another thing... If you don't already have some over-sized button-front shirts and/or zip-front jackets, get yourself a few. You want something big enough to give clearance over the bandages and (maybe) the drains. Plus, you want the front closure deal so you don't have to pull things over your head.

I bought a few cheapie zip-front sweat jackets from Target or Walmart and wore those for a while.

Thanks

One of the advantages to having had neck and back surgery is that all of that stuff is already in my wardrobe.

Most of myself isalready fairly low for the same reason and I hope to set anything I can think i need out on the table.

OK Weird question time. I read on Transbucket that one guy had troubles wiping his butt. Is this an issue i need to be concerned with? any other wierd stuff like that?

I'm assuming i'll be able to deal with it hell i've had several spine surgeries and have always figured out how to do most things. Although one time I couldn't pull my pants up but i figured out the process the next time!

[Thinker]

Originally Posted by The Oopster

Thanks

One of the advantages to having had neck and back surgery is that all of that stuff is already in my wardrobe.

Most of myself isalready fairly low for the same reason and I hope to set anything I can think i need out on the table.

OK Weird question time. I read on Transbucket that one guy had troubles wiping his butt. Is this an issue i need to be concerned with? any other wierd stuff like that?

I'm assuming i'll be able to deal with it hell i've had several spine surgeries and have always figured out how to do most things. Although one time I couldn't pull my pants up but i figured out the process the next time!

Heh... Well, I don't recall having that trouble; but it's probably a good idea to get some wet wipes to have on hand. Those will certainly help with the cleaning process without having to work *quite* as hard.

I also wore big fleece sweatpants that pulled right up and right down. Easy stuff like that.

[theoddz]

Originally Posted by Thinker

Heh... Well, I don't recall having that trouble; but it's probably a good idea to get some wet wipes to have on hand. Those will certainly help with the cleaning process without having to work *quite* as hard.

I also wore big fleece sweatpants that pulled right up and right down. Easy stuff like that.

Heh.....same here.......I had lightweight knit loungepants and my infamous risque boxer shorts collection.

It's the "reaching" part that will be troublesome at first. Like reaching for your drawers and stuff.

I had a lot of experience "making things work" when I had my knee surgeries. In my physical therapy classes following my knee replacements, I was showing the therapists (and other patients) how I got around and did things for and by myself. When you have to do that sort of stuff, you get a "system" that you work with to be able to take care of yourself.

Ever see one of those "reachers" that some older folks use to reach things?? They look like this:



I have 2 of these. It helped me a GRUNCH!!! (It also doubles for both a "pincher" and ass-grabber)

Holy shit that's a huge ol' picture, isn't it??

~Theo~

[Linus]

This is an awesome thread and great simple info. The more I read the more I'm looking at going to Dr. V next year to get my surgery done (finally!)

[theoddz]

Originally Posted by The Oopster

Thanks

One of the advantages to having had neck and back surgery is that all of that stuff is already in my wardrobe.

Most of myself isalready fairly low for the same reason and I hope to set anything I can think i need out on the table.

OK Weird question time. I read on Transbucket that one guy had troubles wiping his butt. Is this an issue i need to be concerned with? any other wierd stuff like that?

I'm assuming i'll be able to deal with it hell i've had several spine surgeries and have always figured out how to do most things. Although one time I couldn't pull my pants up but i figured out the process the next time!

Oh Koop......yes.

That and ----->>

I'm not trying to scare you here, but this is, and should be, a real concern for you. You need to have a system of support/help lined up before you do this thing. At least for the first couple of days following surgery.

Tabs was a huge help to me, emotionally and medically. She's a trained Paramedic/EMT, and has been for over 20 years, so she knew just how to help me with everything, including the dressings, drains, etc. I am truly a very lucky guy to have her beside me, then and now. Thank G-D for these Ladies who love and stand by us like they do!!!

Do you have someone to help you with this "stuff"??

I'm no "Nurse Jack(ie)", but Tabs and I would most certainly help you out if we were closer.

Come to think of it, Dr. V's office can also refer you to a temporary (like 2/3 days) post op care place if you don't have someone to help you for the first couple of days. This is something to seriously think about, brother.

You can always call me to talk, if you like. I think you still have my number, but if you don't, just PM me. You always have a shoulder here.

~Theo~