My wife is having surgery next Tuesday. The operation is to remove bone spurs in her neck vertebrae which have been causing extreme pain for the last few months.
The surgeon will replace a vertebra with one from a cadaver, and she will need some time in a brace during recovery.
I’ve been reading as much as I can about the operation; but I’d like to ask anyone who has cared for someone who had a similar operation about what I need to do to prepare. I will be taking care of her at home until she can return to work, it will be for 2-4 weeks.
Can anyone tell me what I should do to be ready to take care of her?
I thought this would be an appropriate use of my 100th post.
Sorry, I can’t supply you with any information, but I too have bone spurs on my neck vertabrae (two of them, bone spurs, not vertabrae). Am eager to read the replies to your OP and to have your report after the surgery is done.
Best wishes to your wife for a speedy recovery.
:dons nurses cap:
Med-Surg RN checking in. There are many variables in after care that can not be determined until after the procedure is done. Her surgeon will give her explicit after instructions.
What you need to do on admission is ask the admitting nurse what medical equipment, nursing care etc. will be needed and if some one will be available to help with home care arrangements like a social worker, case manager or discharge planner. Get them in on the case early so that they can work with the insurance company and coordinate with the doctor what your wife’s needs will be .
As far a taking care of wife at home, just use your common sense. She will be at various times, in pain, scared, bored, or frustrated. Be sympathetic and supportive, Try to anticipate what she needs before she has to ask you for it. I have been on both sides of this situation and a little kindness goes a long way. Just decide what she needs and do it. Paint her toenails, bring her a coffee and danish, do some housework or laundry or hire it out to a neice or nephew. It’s the closest thing to free labor you can find.
Believe me all your nurturing efforts will be repaid tenfold. Wife will tell everyone how good your are and you will be the envy of every woman she comes in contact with.
OTOH the menfolk may be a little irked. Don’t be surprised if you hear one say to his wife. “I don’t care what Steerphan did…”