My husband had 4 level fusion L1 down on 07/31/08 and so far his weight limit is 3 lbs. The surgeon said could go to 6-10 lbs when we come back at 6 weeks. They also told him not to reach/extend prior to the surgery. This was when we were still trying not to have to commit to surgery. He has one of those reach arms, and it has helped. He has the seat with the handles. The handles help take the extra pressure off the low back upon standing.Hope this helps.

I had an L5-S1 ALIF, and was glad I got the one with the handles; I found the support very helpful. I tried to remove it, but even 6 mo out I found it still is much more comfortable to just keep it.
On weight limits, those answers need to come from the doc. most will till you nothing over 10lbs until you start to fuse, and need to be ful;y fused for 20 lbs. But docs opinion vary. The body mechanics you use are critical regardless of the weight.

I have the seat with the handles. The physical therapy lady set me up with a walker, the potty chair and a reacher. I left the hospital with mine, My insurance covered it. They are called a 3 in one I've been told. I like having the handles to push off of. I tried yesterday to go without it cause I am doing better but I feel much more secure with the chair. This style can be used bedside with it's slide in bucket, I didn't want to use the bucket. I have a master bath attached to my bedroom and that worked well for me.

As for the weight limit issue, I am very interested as well(in how I will do). I am a mail carrier I am/was hoping to be able to return to work?? now I am not sure if I will be able to or not. I have 6 weeks left to figure out if I will be able to go back (FMLA) When I left the hospital I was restricted to 3lbs and now am allowed up to 10. I am functioning more and more so I am making progress.

Hi Diana,

As far as the raiser, definitely get the one with the handles. I was told not to lift (hold not lift) more than 2-3 lbs at first and after 3 months when I began fusing the limit was raised to 10 lbs. I agree with you that it is difficult to obey all these rules especially when you live on your own, but after your surgery try to do it at least until you fuse and your surgeon tells you it is OK now.

Take good care of yourself, because if you don't, who will?

Good luck,

Kin

i would like to hear from anyone who has used a spinal stimualtor, good or bad. I dont know what to expect. how is it implanted? how does it work?/

My lumbar fusion was in 2003. I do not have any weight limits now. It's more about how you lift something and how often.

I have the raised toilet seat as originally I got the raised chair with handles but my bath was in the way! So I had to send that back and get the other. 3 months later I am still using it but I am glad I didn't have the handle one as I would have stopped using that by now.
With only 1 bathroom I can leave this as is if I have visitors.

My o/s did say that I will always be restricted to lifting to 10kg (22lb).
Like you I am on my own and love my courtyard which is filled with potplants. So I am just going to have to ask for help more often and try to devise something like a pulley to help me move the pots around during different seasons.

All the best
Sara

I too was given the commode with the slide out bucket and handles. I don't use the bucket, and the whole frame just sits over my toilet. I for one wish I never had it at all. It's annoying. I took it out a week ago, just used it because the nurse insisted that the worst thing for my post op would be to fall, even if it was just down to the seat. The handles I must admit were helpful though, lowering and standing.

On the lifting, I have been worried lately, I think I am doing too much. I'm not hurting or feeling it, but I worry that I am doing damage anyway. What if my screws shift or work themselves loose because I am bending and lifting more than I should?

I have recommitted myself to being good and following Dr.'s orders exactly.

I am single for now (DH in Iraq) and have a 6 year old at home. The temptation to vacuum, drive, lift groceries, etc - it's so hard to say no.

I'm working at finding creative ways to stick to my restrictions. Carrying a glass of water to the vacuum (it's a rainbow) and pouring it in, then paying (25-50 cents ea. job) my daughter to vacuum. She loves mopping and moving wet laundry into the dryer, she actually begs to do those. She is pretty good about picking things up for me as well, I squatted down to pick something up the other day and she looked at me and in a hurt voice said, "I could have picked that up for you mom.". I guess the hardest part is the asking for help.

Now I just have to make sure I keep a good supply of quarters

You Spineys are terrific!

Many thanks...

Diana (Norcal_Gal)