Routine Pre-Operative Instructions

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How to Prepare Your Home Routine Pre-Op Instructions Routine Post-Op Instructions

This set of instructions is designed to help you understand what will happen during your surgery and recovery, and what you will need to do to make the most of your surgery.

Light Exercise

Many of the activities that you consider a normal part of your life are probably currently difficult for you. Nevertheless, it is important that in the weeks before surgery you do your best to remain relatively active. Walking is probably the best form of exercise for someone who has pain, and you should try to make an effort to walk for at least thirty minutes each day. If you have difficulty walking, but are able to ride an exercise bicycle, then that is a perfect alternative.

Healthy Diet

Your diet prior to surgery is also important. Many of the medicines that are given during your surgery to keep you comfortable, in addition to the pain medications that are given to you afterwards, may make you constipated. If you can eat a diet that gives you regular bowel movements prior to surgery, it is likely that your bowel function will return to normal more quickly after surgery. Try to eat a lot of fruits, vegetables, and large salads prior to your operation.

No Smoking

Stopping smoking is one of the most difficult things that you can do, but is very clear that it directly increases the chances that you will have a better surgical outcome. Unfortunately, it is the nicotine in cigarettes that is responsible for the delays in healing, so nicotine patches or gum are not a reasonable strategy for stopping smoking. Consult with your family doctor if you want to try some of the other medications that are designed to help patients with their nicotine cravings. This is something that you absolutely must understand and believe in if you are going to have spinal surgery: smoking is a source of trouble after spinal surgery. If you are willing to undergo surgery to have your symptoms and diagnosis treated, make a lifelong investment in your health and well being, and stop smoking.

Transportation

You will not be able to drive for six weeks after surgery. This can catch some patients by surprise, so make sure that you have made arrangements with a family member or a friend if you need to be taken anywhere.

Medication

For the first six weeks after your surgery, you may require pain medication, medication to keep your bowels regular, and you will continue to take the medications that you normally receive. Make sure that you have a good supply of your regular medications, and make sure that you know where you will have your prescriptions filled and what hours they are open. Doctors' offices do not refill prescriptions at night or on weekends, so it is a good idea to make sure, each Wednesday, that you have enough medication to last more than a week. This will prevent you from having to call your doctor's office at a time when it can be very difficult to get your prescription refilled. Make sure that you have all the necessary information about which pharmacy you want your prescription to be filled at when you call your doctor's office.

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