The Many Do's and Don'ts of life as a Sambot

I've already whined abut the trampolining..  here's the comprehensive list.

 0-6 weeks post operatively

• Do not lift your elbows above shoulder height

• No bending, stretching, reaching, twisting, pushing or pulling

• Walking: you may walk as much as you like but do pace yourself, particularly if your

walking has been quite limited prior to the procedure

• Stairs: You may walk up stairs as much as you can tolerate but remember to pace yourself. Avoid going up two   stairs at a time.

• Carrying and lifting: You may lift and carry light things e.g. kettle as long as not full, cups/mugs, light     saucepans only.

• Cooking: Can be done as long as at waist height only. No bending to ovens.

• Driving: No driving until advised by pain nurse

• Sitting: Pace your sitting. Do not sit for long periods. When sitting sit with the back well supported at all time –   no slouching.

• Sleeping: Sleeping on your side will be less painful but any position is OK as long as the spine is not twisted    into a strange position. No hands above the head.

• Exercise: No stretching or rehabilitation exercises at this stage.

• Sex: Not advised at this stage.

6-12 weeks post operatively.

• Do not lift your elbows above shoulder height.

• No bending, stretching, reaching, twisting, pushing or pulling.

• Walking: you may walk as much as you like but do pace yourself

• Stairs: You may walk up stairs as much as you can tolerate but remember to pace yourself. Avoid going up two   stairs at a time.

• Carrying and lifting: You may lift and carry light things e.g.kettle as long as not full, cups/mugs, light saucepans    and light shopping bags only.

• Driving: No driving

• Sitting: no slouching and back to be supported at all times

• Sleeping: Any position is OK as long as the spine is not twisted into a strange position, and no hands above the head.

• Cooking: if predominantly at waist height.

• Exercise: No stretching or rehabilitation exercises at this stage.

• Sex: Not advised at this stage.

 3 months – 6 months post operatively.

• No prolonged elbows above shoulder height

• Gentle bending, stretching, pushing or pulling

• Minimal reaching and twisting.

• Walking: you may walk as much as you like but do pace yourself

• Stairs: You may walk up stairs as much as you can tolerate.  Avoid going up two stairs at a time

• Carrying and lifting: You may gradually increase the carrying and lifting.

·   NO GYM workouts.

• Driving: Driving can commence with short journeys only. Be aware of your posture and positioning especially when reversing. Mirrors should be used when reversing where possible. Remember – the minimum requirement for driving is the need to make an emergency stop. If you do not feel you are able to do this then do not drive.

• Sitting: no slouching and back to be supported at all times

• Cooking: Ovens can be used as long as knees are bent. Minimal bending from back.

• Exercise: You may begin gentle rehabilitation exercises.

• Sex: You can return to this activity as long as gentle. Remember to switch off your stimulator before undertaking activity.  Hahahaheehee!  So immature...

Long term dos and don’ts

• DO NOT receive manipulation from a physiotherapist, doctor, osteopath or chiropractor.

• DO NOT turn the head right the way round if you have a cervical stimulator (neck). (I'm imagining the Exorcist)

• DO NOT undergo MRI scanning. Normal x-ray and CT scan is OK.

• Avoid contact sports such as rugby and football.

• No judo, karate, taekwondo or boxing

• No carpentry, plastering or painting  (for shame!)

• No horse riding (sorry Bins)

• No operating arc welders, power tool etc with the stimulator switched on.  Noooooooooo!

• No driving with the stimulator switched on.

• Avoid high g forces e.g. fair ground rides, motor car racing

• No parachute or bungee jumping

• No trampolining

• No sprinting as a sport and avoid any sprint training.

• Avoid rowing as a gym exercise or activity.

• No Zumba exercise.

• No Cricket

• Golf is OK but those with upper stimulators may find this problematic.

• Gardening: Digging is OK as long as you pace yourself.

• Dancing is a good aerobic workout but no overhead arm movements or heavy stamping- what am I to do?

• No scuba diving.