Physical Activity
Walking is the best exercise. Attempt to take at least two walks
per day at a measured distance. Gradually increase your distance
to where you can walk for approximately 15 to 20 minutes. Climbing
stairs is possible, at first with assistance, and once you feel
confident you may do this using a hand railing. Sitting down should
be minimal during the post-op period. Sit to eat or when using
the commode. Standing for long periods will also irritate your
back. If you are discharged with support stockings, remove them
when out of bed.
Sleep
During the recovery period it is helpful to take short rests throughout
the day. If lying flat, place one or two pillows underneath your
knees and keep your knees elevated. When lying on your side,
place
a pillow between your knees and pull them up toward your chest.
When waking up, a stiff back is not uncommon and may be relieved
with a short walk or a warm shower.
Hygiene
You may take a shower once the original dressing is removed from
the wound. This is usually done in the hospital or the day after
the discharge. Do not let the shower hit directly on the wound
and do not submerse the wound under water such as in a hot tub
or bath tub for at least three weeks. If the wound is wet, merely
pat it dry and do not rub it dry. If steri-strips or paper strips
are present, they should be removed from the wound seven days after
surgery. Staples or sutures will be removed in the office. please
call to make a suture removal appointment.
Working
Your doctor will determine when you can return to work and with
what restrictions. Restrictions are individualized depending on
the type of work you do, and the amount of lifting, bending and
twisting that is required at your work. Please discuss this with
your doctor at your first post-operative meeting.
Driving
Drive a car only when the doctor gives approval. Usually you will
be given general guidelines on the first post-operative visit. Never
drive after pain medications. Initially when driving, do not drive
roads with heavy traffic or after taking pain medications. You
may ride as a passenger at any time and may also ride in a plane
as necessary. You will notice that riding in a car will irritate
your back. Keep this to a minimum.
Medications
Prescription pain medications will be given for discomfort which
is not reviewed by over-the-counter medications. We expect the
use of pain medicines to be very mild and usually
dispense enough
pain medicines to last the patient throughout the entire recovery
period. With any operation there is a certain amount of discomfort
and pain in the lower back and this can be expected until inflammation
and edema have stopped. Heat, moderate exercise and rest will also
help to improve the recovery and decrease the pain.
Refills
Refills of narcotics are generally done only during post-operative
visits and will generally not be prescribed over the telephone
unless there are extenuating circumstances. Narcotics will not
be filled on weekends or after hours for whatever reason.
Wound Problems
It is important to look at your wound on a daily basis and inspect
the area. It is important to look for signs of redness, swelling,
drainage or pus. Temperature greater than 101.5, difficulty with
swelling or pain, which is equal to or greater than your preoperative
state, should be reported immediately to the office. Please notify
our office at 251-450-3700. If you feel something is wrong or have
a concern call our office at 251-450-3700. or 800-628-5956.
