Recovery for Decompression Surgery

[njml92]

I have posted on here before in regards to my 11 year old son.  He is scheduled for surgery on Wed. morning.  he will have a decompression surgery as well as tethered cord.  My question is...I have heard a lot about not climbing stairs and laying at a 45 degree angle.  All our bedrooms are on the top floor of our house, I was planning on keeping him on the main floor for at least the first week or so.  Would anyone recommend what would be more comfortable for him.  Recliner, couch, or I have access to a small medical bed I can set up in our famly room.  ANy suggestions I want to make him as comfortable as possible.

[LanaB2002]

I agree with Selma...my first choice would be the hosp. bed, then the recliner... in fact, i too am in a recliner right now!...ditto for the soft, soft pillows.   The incision area is quite sensitve after surgery and it seems we chiarians go on the ultimate search for the perfect pillow soon after.  Your son can be ahead of the game if you have  2-3 of the softest pillows you can find for him to choose from.  I also found over the years ,post-op, that fluffy pillows were far too thick and billowy, so I get a nice quality pillow that feels deliciously soft and open up the seam to remove some of the stuffing...save it for later, if the pillow loses it's ooomph you can replace it.

Initially, he may be more comfortable sleeping with his head raised propped on pillows (or raised in your hosp. bed ) He will know when he is ready to try a different position.
He will heal very quickly too, he has youth on his side!   I will be keeping him and you in my prayers on Wed. morning!... Keep us posted.

[selmaS]

Hi...please keep us posted on ur DS's progress....

I would prefer the hospital bed if u can indeed get one...next the recliner, as that is what I spent my first month in.....and I am sitting in now : )

U will also want a nice assortment of pillows...very soft pillows.....some for his legs, under his knees....and u can use the others to help prevent him from rolling.

"selma"