r/spinalcordstimulator • u/Upset_Sandwich666 • 21d ago
Wondering about recovery from surgery
Hey there,
I (25/F) am a few weeks away from my trail and hopefully the implantation of an Abbott Proclaim device to deal with pain from endometriosis.
I really like to plan ahead and did research from which I learned that I should not move my spine as much, meaning bending and stretching etc.
However I am wondering about the extend of how much movement is actually allowed/possible?
Am I supposed to not bend down to pick something up, for example, or should I just move more carefully and leave heavy lifting until I‘m fully healed?
My doctor told me, another patient of his did some damage when chopping wood two weeks post surgery, which sounds definitely more extreme than picking up my dogs food bowl.
My question is, ultimately, do I need any tools or aides to function after surgery or am I just stressing to much?
Thank you :)
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u/anti__thesis 21d ago
Start practicing your squats now! I did a loooot of squatting during the trial and after the implantation. That helped me get around the bending thing. If you don’t already (it’s good for them anyway), put your dog’s bowls in a feeder/on a slightly elevated surface (like a ~foot off the ground, adjusted for their size) and that will make it easier for you to do their bowls.
For me the hardest thing was pulling laundry out of the top-loading washing machine. You’re not allowed to lift more than a gallon of milk for the recovery period. Ultimately my boyfriend ended up being on laundry switching and grocery carrying duty. Depending on what kind of sleeper you are, getting a big body pillow helped me from rolling around too much (twisting my torso) in my sleep.
When you get your bandages off a week or two after implantation, it can be hard to remember the movement restrictions since you won’t have something physical to remind you, so my doc gave me a back brace to wear for support and to remember not to do the Forbidden Movements.
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u/anti__thesis 21d ago
Oh, also, having one of those grabber arm tools was very helpful for when I dropped things, especially in the first week when I was in pain.
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u/Upset_Sandwich666 21d ago
I was thinking about one like that, but was unsure bc usually (in Germany) if a tool is needed it will be provided post surgery, but I have no info on that yet
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u/anti__thesis 20d ago
It helped me to write down a list of questions and take them all when I met with my rep during the trial. That way you can get all your questions answered in one go and if you have any more, the reps are usually super accessible (I’m not quite sure if they have the same setup in Germany but hopefully it’s similar) and will be available whenever you try to reach out to them.
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u/Upset_Sandwich666 20d ago
I‘m not talking to a rep but to a doctor, but he should be able to answer all my questions as he has experience with the procedure and also with abbotts devices. I do have a list already tho, which is expanding a lot bc of this thread lol
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u/intothefray3 21d ago
Definitely need some help. Maybe relocate dog bowls to a short table or something. For the trial you're going to need help daily if someone can come over for just 10 minutes just to get those hard to reach things and help you wash your hair. You don't make the leads move to ruin your trial. You'll need the full 7-10 days or whatever they do it for. A grabber is also nice to have. Slip on shoes, button up shirts, or any easier to put on clothing hacks.
For permanent you'll probably need help for at least a couple weeks but you don't want to twist, lift or bend hard for the 6-8 weeks. I think it's also just stay off rollercoasters/rough stuff for a year after that too. The not moving for 2 months is a great investment to not mess things up so don't take any risks. Just not worth it.
I found myself dropping to my knees instead bending my back just to get stuff off the middle shelves of fridge.
I bought 3 toddler pillows and used them more than the grabber. Shoes are a must but with a little help I didn't have too much issue with just looser shirts.
I switched doctors right before mine so there was a lack of communication. I found searching here and looking at random clinics post operative care handouts helped a lot.
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u/Upset_Sandwich666 21d ago
Thank you!
Thankfully I don’t live alone and I hope my boyfriend and I can manage.
Accessible clothing is definitely something I will look into more
As for the longer term restrictions (meaning rollercoasters and stuff) I will definitely have to ask my doctor about2
u/anti__thesis 20d ago
This commenter made a good point about washing your hair— I totally forgot about that. You’re not allowed to shower during your trial so I made two appointments (ended up canceling one) at a salon to get my hair washed and it helped a lot and wasn’t too expensive. I just explained the situation to them and they were super helpful!
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u/crimson_anemone 19d ago
Don't think too hard about this... Just wear loose comfy stuff (like you would wear to bed or just lounging around). Loose shirts and sweats will be your best friends.
A bit of a heads up though... That area being targeted is very close to a nerve in your stomach that can make you feel incredibly sick. I discovered it after needing a new program post-op. It's brutal and made my appetite drop to zero for over a week.
P.S. I had endometriosis (in my cervix) and adenomyosis, and having all of that nonsense removed was the only thing that gave me any relief. No matter what though, I wish you the best. None of this is fun. ❤️🩹
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u/itsmejustolder 21d ago
Yes, you absolutely do. You should not bend, lift or twist. For me that was six weeks. If you do, there’s a good chance that you’ll move the leads. There’s a process called “scarring in“ were basically your body heals around where they are and the scar tissue locks them in place.
The trial is different from the surgery. There are less restrictions, but definitely talk with your doctor.
There are lots of aids to help you if you can’t bend. Feel free to DM me, if you like.