What are /r/spinalfusion's favorite Products & Services?

From 3.5 billion Reddit comments

I wonder if these and/or these would work.

oh, they are cups with a space cut out for the nose, so one does not need to bend the head back, can be found here.

These ones, I cannot recommend it enough. Do yourself a favor and buy 2 of the oversized.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000QFZRNE/ref=cm_sw_r_api_i_YFH3EDJ06ZWJ104RKT9W_0?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1#

Hi! I had C5-C7 ACDF in June and have been alternating between these two. Some nights I need more support than others.

Royal Therapy Queen Memory Foam... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07KBVS54W?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Cervical Neck Traction Pillow For... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00U7WSTD6?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

I don't think I've ever tried anything CBD, since I've always been at jobs where they drug tested and it was either I didn't know or they didn't have pure CBD see stuff. It was probably just me not knowing.

Back when I had extreme chronic pain in my knee the only thing that really worked for me was ibuprofen, which my doctor said you shouldn't use for spinal fusions. I got other prescriptions but it seems like pain killers just don't work for me.

Could be why I started asking my elders about old remedies and stuff about pain. My chronic pain went away before I really ever tried anything. I did get into Tiger Balm and that stuff seems to really work, way better than icy hot.

Here's the wild lettuce stuff on Amazon and the reviews look promising. I'm going to be getting some of this and making tea to see if it'll help me sleep. My fusion doesn't give me much pain but it seems to be keeping me up at night.

Also (and I recommend this Justin. General): BIDET. So then even if mastering the tampon was, eh, I knew the cleanliness standard was SOLID. I’d never go back at this point.

(and please do not let the following deter you, just helpful deets!!)

Yes it is technically easy to install but depending on how tightly screwed in your water tube is that is screwed into to your toilet (can you tell I’m not a plumber?), just beware that when you disconnect, make sure it’s not too hard to screw into the bidet nozzle. Like if you can easily start to unscrew, you should be fine.

My apartment has super new everything (don’t be jealous, I live in a tiny town on a loud road), so the thing was screwed on really tight, there was no wear on it and mechanics are also my LAST skill.

My landlord is cool so when I said, “hey, I may need you to fix what I did,” he came right over. So just have a backup person in case.

I researched the probably best vs. mostly cheapest $30) so you don’t have to:

BELMAN Classic Bidet Toilet... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B087TQJC7J?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

I'm glad to hear that this type of pillow/wedges is helpful. I just got this gem in the mail today and am currently test driving it/loving it! Hope it proves helpful post-ACDF in a week.

This is awesome

Note: yes, it was spendy. Spouse and I each have low back issues as well so I'm sure we'll appreciate using it long after my recovery.

I'm guessing your limitations are because of the complexities of the second surgery, since I didn't have those with my ACDF at the same levels. My immediate thought is podcasts--go podcast crazy. There are also overbed tablet holders like this one, so you could use one without looking down. If you have anything that takes voice commands, that would be excellent. You could try to use this time to plan--new crochet equipment storage, kitchen reorg, whatever.

I bought this: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07PLMGC9C/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1

I wouldn't have made it this far without it.

Also, straws.

I also bought a hybrid but it still wasn’t upright enough no swapped the handlebars out for some swept back touring handlebars and I’m now completely upright and able to ride in comfort. I’m not winning any races, but I can still ride and enjoy biking again. These are the handlebars I bought. SUNLITE Elson Roadster Touring Handlebar https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0186ONNMI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_HFVBBHZKTHN7GD2MCPYB?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

I had to have a Ike shop install them because it needed longer cables but it was so worth it.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07R56CBWX/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_dl_W8BQAP1NQ1N9Z299J0KD

This leash helped me out a lot after recovery, but please please be careful about the dog pulling you (regular leash too) because even years after recovery my dog still pulls muscles in my back from the tension from pulling

I know this post is a little old but here it goes ... I bought this and use it in bed any time I'm laying down outside of normal sleeping hours so reading, watching, napping.

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B08RDLC6LZ/

That and the over the bed table have been super important for my sanity. I'm still using 8 weeks post op.

It took forever to be comfortable on the couch. Prefer computer desk chairs (full height) to the couch.

Buy a Grabber Reacher

Grabber Reacher Tool,FitPlus Premium Grabber Tool 32 Inch with Magnet, Grabber Reacher for Elderly, Lightweight Extra Long Handy Trash Claw Grabber https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07T3HTBD9/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_VKNCEV8AJA0KPZ74D1MD

Fanwer Toilet Aids Tools,Long Reach Comfort Wipe,Extends Your Reach Over 15" Grips Toilet Paper or Pre-Moistened Wipes https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07D1M6PGR/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_8SF840YZDQTR0KDWGD2K

There are others but here’s one. No idea how easy/effective they are, but it’s something!

Maybe try to find out what your doc/PT team in the hospital will prescribed that insurance will pay for. I left the hospital with the "Hip Kit" which consisted of a grabber that has the hook to help you pull your pants up, the sock thingie, a long shoe horn and a long handled sponge. I also had Rx for a walker, bedside commode (which can also go on your toilet) and shower chair...all paid for by my insurance, just had to have the hubby pick it all up. The only thing I bought were the wedge pillows and a rolling bedside table.

URBLAPOW UP-Ⅱ Wedge Pillow - Bed Wedge Pillow ，Back Support Wedge Pillow for Back and Legs Support ，Sleeping ， Hypoallergenic Support Pillow for Acid Reflux/Allergies/Indigestion Gray https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0932F792V/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_glt_i_KD0330P41XGAFJGFQYHQ?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

Not sure if you'll see this in time....but as for a wedge pillow. I bought this one and love it. It takes a while to air out.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08RDLC6LZ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_RX1AJK9WG488T9WWRVGS?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

Also, I had an ALIF done on L5 S1 on June28th. So, 15 days after surgery I had my dressings removed. The dressings were pretty tough, through all of my moving, sweating (i live in Colorado Springs), etc., they stayed on. However, when the doctor removed them, my skin blistered, that hurt like a B. Lol. So get some good non sticking gauze by J&J. I also wore my lumbar brace when not laying down so that contributed to sweating.

In case you don't have a eye mask, get one, your sleep pattern will be off.

Since the hospital staff/physical therapist hound the term no BLTs, no bending, lifting, or twisting. I used dixie cups to brush my teeth/rinse, were so used to bending 😄. I'm still using them 6 weeks post. My 2nd check up is Tuesday yay!

Good luck and I hope all goes well. 😊

I’m having the same surgery in about 3 weeks. Home health had me fitted for a hip to leg brace. It looks very similar to this. They said anytime I’m up I’ll need to wear it for about 3 months. Good luck on your surgery!

***UPDATE: 3 Months Post-op ***

So, life is good.

It's been weird twisting and moving again. I've been doing it as I feel comfortable. Right now, my right side is a bit aggravated, meaning I've bent a little too much. The doctor said I would know if there were to be a true hardware fail.

I still don't have any pain aside from that. It's bizarre. I'm extremely lucky.

I built up to walking five miles a day. When I did this five days in a row, I developed plantar fasciitis which is still affecting how much I can walk (oh the irony!). Two words: Arch Support. I now use these (recommended by PT) and suddenly I could walk again: https://www.amazon.com/Birkenstock-Unisex-BirkoSport-Arch-Support/dp/B002Y4D8IQ.

I find sneakers not as supportive as I would like. I wear relatively new hiking boots or shoes when I walk. I wear Vasque but go with whatever brand fits you best.

I can work as long as it's ergonomic. I even used measuring tape to check where I like to type, etc., when I bought a new desk. I think this is really important for your long term spinal health. I still get up every half an hour or so and do a tour or two around my building.

So things are returning to normal. Now if I could just go hike in the woods.

I have something like this from Ozark Trail. It's super light and even foldable. It's a full backpack but could fit tackle and enough water. I'm 2 months post-op and can't wait to hike again. There is also this mini one.

This was the single best $40 investment I made when I had my L5/S1 ALIF in the spring of 2019. I bought a toilet seat riser that I never used.

Vive 6 Piece Hip And Knee Replacement Kit - Surgery Recovery Set - Handicap Aid, Leg Loop Lifter, Reacher Grabber, Long Handle Shoe Horn, Shower Loofah Scrubber, Sock Assist, Dressing Stick (6 Pieces)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0741B4DGQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_2ZJTNWVSFXF4V65EMAN8?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

Also, a bit off topic, I am post c4-6 spinal fusion in 2014. I have found that this brace helps my pain a great deal. link

A sock applicator. Your mom will work with OT and can request one from them. I use this one from amazon

I used this tool. It’s not perfect, but once I got the hang of it, the tool did a good job. It takes a little trial and error. You can use wipes or toilet paper.

RMS Long Reach Comfort Wipe - Self Assist Toilet Aid, Ideal Daily Living Bathroom Aid for Limited Mobility https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00TXSHA1W/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_KRCLFb91GX58K?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

Buy this:

https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B076DQ9PPP/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_i_bbkpEbQZHHXAX

You obviously don't have to order it from Amazon, but it's the best thing you can buy to reduce your pain after surgery. You won't believe the difference it makes!!!!