Back Surgery L5 S1 Laminectomy
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Archives1
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I have had that surgery. The surgery is usually an outpatient procedure, but due to a slight complication I was kept overnight for observation. I had to stay on my back for about 18 hours. The nurses knew of my incontinence. This was the first time I needed to have my diaper changed by someone other than myself. Yes, it was a bit embarrassing to me but not to them. They have done this before. As for changing myself after that, I had no problems. Good luck.
Archives1
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I had this about 15 years ago in addition to spinal fusion of this joint and L4/5 (the one above) after suffering severely prolapsed discs. I was already a lifelong bedwetter and had OAB issue too as a 40 year old man. May surgery went well and I was an impatient for a couple of days but things will have moved on and I believe now that people are up and about ealier.
Tue nursing staff knew of my continence issues and I wore tape on nappies (diapers) all the time in hospital. For the first 24 hours after surgery I remained flat in bed as I was hooked up to drips / monitors etc and had had an epidural so feeling from waste down took a while to return. Like the other poster it’s the first time anyone other than me, my wife or my mother (in childhood days) had changed me but to be honest in didn’t bother me or seem to surprise the nurses who were very kind, caring and professional. The nurse said to me to Not worry about it and also said that I’d be surprised at how common it was for her to see adults wearing protection. They encouraged me to bring in my own supplies, not for cost reasons, but because it was what I was most comfortable with.
I really wouldn’t worry about it. The most important thing is your health and recovery from surgery.
Best wishes
Tue nursing staff knew of my continence issues and I wore tape on nappies (diapers) all the time in hospital. For the first 24 hours after surgery I remained flat in bed as I was hooked up to drips / monitors etc and had had an epidural so feeling from waste down took a while to return. Like the other poster it’s the first time anyone other than me, my wife or my mother (in childhood days) had changed me but to be honest in didn’t bother me or seem to surprise the nurses who were very kind, caring and professional. The nurse said to me to Not worry about it and also said that I’d be surprised at how common it was for her to see adults wearing protection. They encouraged me to bring in my own supplies, not for cost reasons, but because it was what I was most comfortable with.
I really wouldn’t worry about it. The most important thing is your health and recovery from surgery.
Best wishes
Archives1
Staff member
@Damp thank you for sharing your experience. I had my diaper changed for the first time by a nurse when I got an injection in my back. Before my injection, I told the nurse I had urge incontinence, but she made me remove my diaper anyways. About 30min after I had an accident on the hospital bed and had to hit the call button at least I had a bed pad. Because they had a bunch of wires hooked up to me I couldn't move around as easily so the nurse put on my diaper for me.
Archives1
Staff member
I too had spinal surgery on my back in the 1990’s. I’ve also had 4 other back surgeries. I have rods and screws from L5 to L2. My last surgery was because I broke the titanium rods and they had replace them with cobalt rods. Unfortunately, for me, after the last surgery, about 5 years ago, it left me totally incontinent. I no longer feel when I have to urinate; so I leak or pee most of the time. I wear Tranquility ATN diapers at night and Medline extended wear diapers during the day. I change them 6-8 times a day/night. It’s a big expense but most of it is covered by my insurance thankfully. I am still active, but a year ago I lost my right leg, below the knee, due to necrotizing fasciitis (a flesh eating bacteria) and spent 6 months in a nursing home while recovering and waiting for my home to be modified for me. A CNA came and changed my diapers all the time. Yes, this was my first experience with a woman changing my diapers. I actually learned to like it, but sometimes I sat in wet diapers too long and got diaper rash very bad. They took care of it, but it hurts and leaves you very uncomfortable. Since then I get diaper rash easily. Does anyone else get diaper rash easily? If so, how do you treat it? I’m a 65 year old male, but feel like a little kid because of my problem. My wife helps me to try and cope and is a super wife. Most times I’m okay with it but some days I get upset. Thank you all, for the support you give. It is greatly appreciated.
Archives1
Staff member
Hello Chris,
I'm sorry to hear about your leg necrotizing fasciitis is a horrible thing.
Medline extended wear diapers are 1 favorite diaper. I also really like Tena Flex maxi if you haven't tried them.
As far as someone else changing my diaper I don't mind as long as they are the opposite sex.
I don't like guys looking at me in my diaper area, just my preference.
For your diaper rash, I recommend good Tena Barrier cream as a preventative and Calmoseptine Ointment to treat the rash. I really like caldesene medicated protecting powder which leaves you feeling fresh and dry while soothes skin.
I'm sorry to hear about your leg necrotizing fasciitis is a horrible thing.
Medline extended wear diapers are 1 favorite diaper. I also really like Tena Flex maxi if you haven't tried them.
As far as someone else changing my diaper I don't mind as long as they are the opposite sex.
I don't like guys looking at me in my diaper area, just my preference.
For your diaper rash, I recommend good Tena Barrier cream as a preventative and Calmoseptine Ointment to treat the rash. I really like caldesene medicated protecting powder which leaves you feeling fresh and dry while soothes skin.
Archives1
Staff member
Thank you Craig88 for the information on diaper rash treatments. I’ll try them. And thanks for your wonderful remarks on losing my leg. It has really not been a big deal and I’ve never had a problem dealing with. It’s just another trial in my life. It has been easy to come to grips with. I can do everything I did before I lost it, just a little differently. I bought a left accelerator peddle device for my truck and it works perfectly. It only took about 5 minutes to learn. Great product! Thanks again for your recommendations for diaper rash treatment. I hope it helps others as well.
Archives1
Staff member
Last fall I went through a similar experience.
I had to have a l5-s1 fusion.
In june of last year I started having bladder spasms. A couple weeks later those spasms turned into accidents and by Sept I was having to wear diapers 24/7. Turns out that one of the nerves was being severely compressed and my spinal cord was being used as a punching bag due to the movement of the vertebrae.
Post surgery I was in the hospital for 7 days. During that time the nurses would change me whenever I was wet. Rolling over onto my sides so they could remove/place a diaper was excruciating but I am grateful for all they did. They were always very careful about not embarrassing me.
The urologist indicated that the surgery should solve my bladder incontinence issues within a few months. My surgeon and his team gave me the bad news at my 12 week follow-up that I am likely going to be incontinent for life. Now after a year I have come to accept it.
I had to have a l5-s1 fusion.
In june of last year I started having bladder spasms. A couple weeks later those spasms turned into accidents and by Sept I was having to wear diapers 24/7. Turns out that one of the nerves was being severely compressed and my spinal cord was being used as a punching bag due to the movement of the vertebrae.
Post surgery I was in the hospital for 7 days. During that time the nurses would change me whenever I was wet. Rolling over onto my sides so they could remove/place a diaper was excruciating but I am grateful for all they did. They were always very careful about not embarrassing me.
The urologist indicated that the surgery should solve my bladder incontinence issues within a few months. My surgeon and his team gave me the bad news at my 12 week follow-up that I am likely going to be incontinent for life. Now after a year I have come to accept it.
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