
If you’ve been diagnosed with a back condition and told that surgery is your best option, you may be wondering what your preparation for spine surgery will look like. We’d like to share a few helpful pieces of information that will help you as you make arrangements leading up to your surgery date and also as you work through your recovery afterwards.
- Stop Taking Certain Medications - Aspirin or certain anti-inflammatory medications can have adverse effects during surgery and therefore, your doctor may ask you to stop taking them prior to surgery date in order to avoid complications with anesthesia or excessive bleeding.
- Decide on Anesthesia - Depending on what kind of surgery you are having, there may be multiple options for types of anesthesia that you could receive. Be sure to talk through these options with your surgeon prior to the day of your procedure.
- Donate Your Own Blood - Like any surgery, there is always a chance that your procedure could result in enough blood loss that having a small store set aside could be a smart idea. Donating your own blood to yourself - to be used if necessary - is a precautionary measure that your doctor may recommend.
- Make Arrangements to Have a Caregiver - You’ll need a good friend or family member to be there for you while you recover in the hospital after your surgery. And of course, you’ll need someone you trust to drive you home. Be sure to make arrangements for these individuals as part of your preparation for spine surgery.
- Rearrange Your Home - Here’s the good news: you will be able to walk after surgery! However, you’ll need to navigate carefully as you heal and recover, so moving some furniture around or setting up a temporary bedroom for yourself downstairs might be helpful.
- Ask for Extra Help - Beside the prescribed therapy, you should avoid too much activity for several weeks following your surgery. Ask someone to help you with chores like laundry, cleaning and grocery shopping.
- Schedule Your Rehab - This may be the most important aspect of your follow up care. After surgery, you will probably been given a brace to wear and the hospital staff will assist you in learning how to move and walk. The rest of your recovery will come through a recommended regimen of exercise and physical therapy.
- Maintain a Healthy Diet
- Keep That Extra Weight Off
- Exercise Regularly