Spine Surgery Discharge Instructions Return Appointment:
Before your surgery one of the Minimally Invasive Spine’s support staff will discuss setting your follow up appointment. This appointment will be approximately 14 days after your surgery. If you misplace your appointment information, please contact our office. We will be happy to give you the information over the phone. It is very important NOT to miss your first post op appointment. Our office number is 708-283-2225.
Medication:
You will be discharged from the hospital with a prescription for pain medication. If you need a refill just call the pharmacy where you had your prescription filled and they will contact our office. You may use Extra-Strength Tylenol as needed for milder pain but not if you are on other pain medications as these may also contain Tylenol. Because pain medication may cause constipation, you may use over-the-counter laxatives or stool softeners as needed until your bowel function returns to normal.
Before you leave the hospital, you will be instructed on resuming COUMADIN OR PLAVIX.
Continue taking all your medications previously prescribed to you by your primary care physician unless instructed otherwise.
Infection Control:
After your surgery it is important to eliminate risk of all types of infection. In order to do that we ask that you take the following precautions:
- If you think you may have an infection call our office at 708-283-2225. Signs and symptoms of infection are: fever, redness or drainage from surgery site.
- Do not get any dental procedures for 6 months after your surgery. Please see your dentist prior to surgery to complete any dental work you have scheduled. If you have a fusion, be sure to inform your dentist prior to any dental work in the future and he will provide you with antibiotics before and after dental work.
- See your primary care physician immediately if you suspect any kind of infection including bladder, upper respiratory, etc.
- In the future, if you undergo any surgical procedure, let your surgeon know that you have had spinal surgery.
Sexual Activity:
After spinal surgery you may resume sexual activity at your own discretion. Avoid sexual activity until you are released from the BLT restriction (no bending, lifting or twisting). The main rule of thumb for your back is if it hurts, do not do it.
Driving:
Each spinal surgery is different. Your doctor will discuss with you when you can drive again. Do not drive prior to you first post op visit. Remember you should not drive while you are on narcotics.
CALL THE OFFICE:
- Temperature elevated greater than 101 degrees.
- Unusual pain in your calf, chest or back.
- A sudden or persistent increase in swelling in your legs.
- Shortness of breath or chest pain.
- Redness around the wound or drainage from the incision site.
Please always remember, we are only a phone call away if you have any questions or concerns. We want to continue to be a resource to you. Ask for Jeane or Ray Hines at 708-283-2225. |
