Back surgery & taking care of DD

I just ended up having surgery last Wed for my back (a herniated disk broke apart and pieces were resting on my nerves)....but before the surgery I was in so much pain I could barely move anyway and now after surgery I can't lift more than 5 pounds or pull or really do anything. DD is 17 months and if it wasn't for my DH and my mom I would go insane b/c they are taking care of DD and me as needed. I go back on Friday to the dr. and he will review w/ me all the limitations I have etc...and when I can go back to work (I work full time). I am so nervous that I am going to have trouble lifting DD and being w/ her alone.....has anyone had this or a similar experience?? Thanks!!

Re: Back surgery & taking care of DD

First off, hope you heal quickly!

Second, maybe you can get a mother's helper for a few hours a day until you're able to do more?

Re: Back surgery & taking care of DD

Thanks!! Not a bad idea, thanks!!!

Re: Back surgery & taking care of DD

what dr did your surgery? feel better

Re: Back surgery & taking care of DD

I had a microdisectomy last march. I went back to work after 3 weeks and even then I wasn't allowed to life more than 20lbs. DONT DO IT. Your body needs to heal. If u rupture a stitch you're back in the hospital. Let everyone help you. I know how hard it is. DS was only 5 months and it killed me.

Let me know if you need any more info And feel better!!

Re: Back surgery & taking care of DD

H wow thanks!!! Dr. Morelli did the surgery ( at Stonybrook) who by the way is awesome!! I will listen to what they tell me it is just hard!!!! I feel so sad I haven't held DD in over 1 wk already and unless someone picks her up to me I can"t bend to kiss her :(. Thanks for all your support & I will keep u posted!!

Re: Back surgery & taking care of DD

I hope you are feeling better and wish you a speedy recovery. I just had double hernia surgery last week and was told I cant pick up the kids for 6weeks. I am in no rush to lift them bc I dont want to hurt myself. Take it easy while you can and if you can get a helper for when you really are better I would do that. I am lucky that I have DH here and my Mom bc they are doing everything for me right now. Heres to a speedy recovery

Re: Back surgery & taking care of DD

Feel better!

Not that this is in any way similar, but I am having terrible back issues. Non stop spasms for 4 weeks (I have a central herniation that is compressing a nerve). I have my mom and sibs help me. If you need, I would hire someone. You had major surgery. IMO, I think it is wiser to take it easy and have hired help until you are cleared than chance it and injure it worse.

Off topic, what kind of surgery did you have and what kind of dr did you see? If you don't want to post here and don't mind FMing me, I would appreciate it. I am looking to see if I have a surgical option.

Re: Back surgery & taking care of DD

lots of experience with this. have had 3 back surgeries in my life, and the most recent was in december. i have a 13 mth old and 26 mth old. My surgery in december was a spinal fusion for l5/s1. i was not allowed to pick up my kids for 4-6 weeks. I was allowed to hold them while sitting down if someone handed them to me. mostly i interacted with them by kneeling on the floor. I started picking them up as soon as I was allowed, but did too much and hurt myself. I tried to pick them both up at the same time maybe about 6-7 weeks post op, and wound up screaming on the floor and was back in bed for a few days. That was the first day I had been alone with them for the full day since surgery. another week or two later I was able to take care of them myself, but I still get tired and sore, I still can't carry them for long periods. I also don't pick them both up at the same time anymore. That was just plain stupid of me. You learn ways to cope and make it work. Gradually work up to it. Feel free to FM me if you have any questions.

Re: Back surgery & taking care of DD

OMG - I had no idea! I hope you have a speedy recovery and can pick Lily up in no time! Take care of yourself!!!!

Lily has the cutest wardrobe by the way, I love all of her outfits!

Re: Back surgery & taking care of DD

Kind of similar situation here.
5 weeks PP I had to have emergency surgery to remove my gallbladder.
While the surgeon was doing it, he found a hernia and fixed that too.
The surgery was all laproscopic and I was home the same night- but the surgeon said I could NOT lift anything over 10 lbs for 6 weeks!!
At that time, DD was just about 10 lbs- and forget it with the carseat!

It was rough! I had my mom or my sis stay with me when they could. DH works nights so it was difficult for sure. He couldn't take off any more time because he jsut took off for the baby being born.
I kind of gave it like 2-3 weeks and started lifting her CAREFULLY - here and there.
What else could I do?

Sorry you are dealing with this- I know it stinks!!

Re: Back surgery & taking care of DD

Thanks Deb!!!!

Re: Back surgery & taking care of DD

Feel better!

Take this time to take up anyone's help in any way possible..