Preparing for Tethered Cord Surgery

Since this is a quickly growing phenomenon with patients who also have Chiari, I hadn't heard a lot about preparing for the detethering surgery. I am happily at my 6 weeks post-op date and will share with you my thoughts on the topic.

Emotional Prep:

Since I had the 'occult tethered cord' I talked with a lot of other patients who had the surgery to help convince me that even though my TC didn't show up on an MRI ~ it was still there and needed surgical attention. Also the affirmation that if you have Chiari and Tethered Cord (TC)~ it's best if the TC is addressed first and then the Chiari. Also, please don't be afraid to ask your surgeon to explain in detail what the surgery entails, this greatly alleviated my doubts and fears.

Physical Prep:

I did a lot of core exercised to strengthen my stomach and core muscles in anticipation of using them instead of my back muscles.

What to expect physically?

• Keep in mind that everyone has a different pain tolerance, so don't be shy about asking for pain medication. If you are lucky enough to have a pain pump button at your access ~ don't be shy in pushing it for relief!
  
• I won't lie to you ~ the first couple of days are really tough and painful.


• Get up and walk as much as you are able ~ it will be painful but the more you walk the better you will feel.


• I had heard that nausea is a big symptom after surgery, so before the surgery I expressed my wish not to be nauseous and so I had some kind of medication go right into my IV the whole time I was in the hospital and I never felt nauseated the whole time.


• You will most likely have circulation boots on your legs when you wake up from surgery. They are like blood pressure cuffs and they are annoying at first but you get used to them. They help prevent blood clots from forming since you will be bed bound for a couple of days.


• You will most likely have a drain stitched into your lower back ~ don't worry ~ you probably won't even know it's there ~ and they will un-stitch it before you leave.

Random Thoughts:

• If you are traveling by car back home, grab hold of the handles near the roof of the car and pull up when you are approaching a bump.


• Bring a small pillow to put behind you in the seat to support your lower back.


• Ask for extra heat packs from the hospital to take home with you ~ they greatly alleviate the pain the back.


• Bring some kind of moist facial wipes to wash your face with while in the hospital ~ it feels so good to get your face clean and makes you feel a little bit more human.


• Eat LOTS of BRAN products ~ FIBER ~ trust me ~ you will need them.


• I experienced vertigo every time I would lie down or turn over in bed ~ it will pass ~ only lasts about a week.


• A positive attitude goes a long way. To fight cabin fever, try to plan an activity each week that you can look forward to. It will greatly lift your spirit.


• When you are ready to toss the sweat pants in favor of your favorite jeans, put on a camisole top and tuck into your jeans to keep your incision from rubbing on your jeans.


• Everyone's recovery is different. At 5 weeks post op I was walking a mile 5 times a day and doing some select PT exercises at the gym.

If anyone has more questions on the detethering surgery, please feel free to e-mail me at: lacieheiser@gmail.com. Our dear friend Queli will have her detethering today @ 12:30pm ~ I am sure she will be able to post on this topic soon when she is up for hopping on the computer again. Hugs to all of you ~ Lace