So I got this pillow to help for my recovery after my spinal fusion last month. This has helped me tremendously!
Bed Wedge Pillow, Adjustable 9 &12 Inch Wedge Pillow for Sleeping, Memory Foam Wedge Pillow with Removable Cover, Folding Incline Cushion for Legs and Back Support, Acid Reflux, Anti Snoring, Reading https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B083K2DDZH/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_VQTYJ6FAD64J08EQHMNK?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
It's adjustable to make the angle different. I use it when I'm sitting up in bed. This is my 2nd spinal fusion and it made a huge difference this time. I was hesitant bc of the price but its totally worth it! Especially for how big it it
31F on day 2. Here is the wedge pillow I got: Wedge Pillow, Adjustable 9 &12... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B083K2DDZH?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
I had my surgery with Kaiser Permanente and they give you a DonJoy or Bregg ice machine so check before buying one. The surgeon will also put on a brace so I would ask as well if you can even bring your own.
Other than that I assembled a lot of what is on the pinned post in this group. Let me know if you want links for anything else :)
My Meds/supplant Tylenol Ibuprofen Colace (they might prescribe a generic) Melatonin Prescription meds
Checklist Ice machine (Prescribed) Wedge Pillow Regular pillows Scar cream Compression socks Ace bandages Ice packs Knee compression sleeve Crutches Hinged knee brace Bregg knee brace Washcloths (for icing) Towel for protecting your clothes while eating Baby wipes Knitting kit Book Advil Water bottle Edibles/CBD oil/lotion/or vape pen Chargers Shower stool/chair Fanny pack or backpack Vitamins Turmeric ginger immunity shots Bike shorts Bed tray Headphones Face mist Room fan Trash can Stool Softeners Miralax (Fiber supp) Sliders TENS/EMS unit Disabled parking paperwork Mini ice water bottles for ice machine Individual Vaseline packs Prepped lots of anti-inflammatory foods
I bought this one from Amazon - it's a straight wedge and can be used in 7 positions (you could always add additional pillows under the heel if needed): https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B083K2DDZH/ref=ppx\_yo\_dt\_b\_asin\_title\_o00\_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
31F, quad graft ACL, 35 days post-op. I got this pillow from amazon - I love it. If I was feeling extra ambitious I would put a little pillow under my heel to help get extension, and try to get my knee above my heart. Still using it 5 weeks later: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B083K2DDZH?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2_dt_b_product_details
Whatever you do get, make sure that your leg is straight or at least nothing is behind the back of your knee because the first few weeks you want to get to neutral extension (be able to lock your knee) and really the only way to achieve that is to have your knee hanging or at least very straight. So - avoid those leg pillows that look like little half pipes, they're no good for ACL knees.
31F, quad tendon graph, 4 weeks post-op, SF, CA, and also work in healthcare.
fwiw. 5mg melatonin, reg pain meds, sleeping with an ice machine on, and a pillow between my legs really helped me get some pretty good sleep despite everything. For the first few days I also slept with a straight immobilizer brace that had the velcro straps, but was a bit softer version - as opposed to that big bulky hard Bregg hinge one they give everyone here. In terms of an ice machine, a friend of mine had the game ready machine and everyone swears by them - it was a little overboard for me, but given the extent of your injuries I would look into it and ask your Dr. about renting one. I use the ice machine almost exclusively now for pain management - still at 30 days post-op.
In terms of elevation, I bought this wedge pillow and it's working really well. It will hurt keeping it up for extended periods of time, so just take a 5-10 min break every now and then to have it horizontal: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B083K2DDZH/ref=ppx\_yo\_dt\_b\_asin\_title\_o06\_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Going to the bathroom I would use my good foot and slide it under my bad calf to lift my leg - the MRI technician actually taught me that. Then in the restroom I had a stool in front that I could rest my leg on so it was elevated.
I'm so sorry to hear about the extent of the damage you had repaired. I read your other post a few weeks back and was really hoping you'd be able to wait until after your wedding. I think you have the right outlook though! After about 4 days post-op things seemed to get more bearable for me, and then again 10 days post-op things so we're all rooting for you.
My tips for the wedding: Have something under the dinner table (a stool or another chair, etc. where you can hold your leg up straight with an ice pack on it while you're sitting). With the wheelchair, see also if you can get one with the elevating leg rest. The reason is - even if you're sitting/resting, having your leg pointing down is going to make it swell and hurt (even weeks after), so as much as you can you're going to want to be sitting with it horizontal/up. Also make sure you have enough ice packs and access to them to use them intermittently throughout the day/night (at dinner, before the reception, before the ceremony), and maybe assign one of the groomsmen to be on ice duty for you. :) Remember, you'll be surrounded by all those who love and support you and they'll be there to both celebrate with you and get you through this journey! All the best on your upcoming wedding!
Triangular wedge pillow and pregnancy pillow!!Also maybe a booty pillow because mine is really starting to hurt lol. One thing I also do is turn on one of my butt cheeks(not all the way tho,don’t turn on your side) and slightly and only slightly turn my torso aswell with my back rested against the arm of the pregnancy pillow. I stay like that a bit and then I do the same on the other side. It’s not as good as sleeping on your side but it changes the position a tiny bit. Have someone massage your back for 5-10 min too while you’re sitting.
My pillows are something like this(not exactly the same tho because I bought them from europe amazon