Kathy,
This is such great news. March 17th is the first day of your new life. I will most definitely have a green beer and toast in your honor.
1. I agree with Phylly: the grabbers are life savers!
2. Get some slippers that slip on / off
easily.
3. Rent / buy some DVDs, stock up on magazines / books.
4. Nexcare First Aid Waterproof Adhesive Dressing with Pad, 6 x 6 Inch These will help when showering -- they are great and waterproof, but make sure not to aim the shower head directly at the bandage just in case.
5. A heating pad helped me often.
6. I have a back massager that has 2 rotating heads (it is square in shape). After surgery, I would lay down on this and work out the tight areas in my low back. This thing was/is a life-saver.
7. Make sure you have some loose waisted pajama pants (to avoid putting pressure on/around incision).
8. A
Theracane really help as well.
9. Extra pillows or a "body pillow" -- these help when placed under your knees to take stress off your lower back while sleeping supine.
10. For physical therapy down the road,
resistance bands really helped with upper back strength.
You'll be on the other side in no time! Please keep us posted.