Post-Operative InstructionsAfter your cervical artificial disc surgery, your spine surgeon will have specific instructions for you to follow. There are, however, a few general guidelines that you can familiarize yourself with so you'll know what to expect. Your Role In Artificial Disc Replacement Surgery And Recovery After surgery, the question foremost in most patients' minds is, "How long will it take me to recover?" Each patient's recovery varies dramatically, depending on their overall health and the type and complexity of surgery performed. Your doctor will have a specific post-operative program for you to follow, and you should follow his or her instructions "to the letter" to maximize your chances of a positive outcome. However, there are a few instructions that are relatively constant and that you should keep in mind before your spinal surgery. Incision Care When your spine surgery is finished and the incision closed, your surgeon may place a sterile dressing on the incision, depending on the type of closure involved. Before your surgery, please discuss with your surgeon the type of closure he or she plans to make and if there are any special care requirements. If you do have a dressing, ask your doctor how long you will need to keep it in place; leaving it on too long may interfere with normal skin healing. Before you leave the hospital, make sure someone has examined your incision and that you understand your doctor's incision care instructions. If you do have dressings that will need to be changed, it's a good idea to have someone who can help you at home, especially if your incision is in a place that's difficult for you to reach. Many patients believe they're helping the healing process when they put antibiotic ointments, vitamin E oil or various other home remedies on their incisions after the dressing has been removed. This is generally not recommended. Nature — and time — is a terrific healer. If the incision is kept clean and dry, open to the air and not irritated by clothing, tape, lotions or ointments, it will usually heal just fine on its own. However, if you notice any increased reddening and/or drainage in or around your incision, please contact your doctor. It could possibly indication an infection or other delay in healing. Bathing After Surgery After arriving home from your surgery, you may be tempted to take a nice, hot shower or bath. Think twice, however, before stepping under the jets or climbing into the tub. Incisions typically need to be kept dry for about five days. At the same time, feeling fresh and clean can do wonders for your post-surgery attitude. One option is to take sponge baths. Or, you can cover your incision before getting into the shower. Ask your doctor or a nurse for instructions on how to do this properly. Your doctor will have specific instructions regarding how and when you should bathe and/or shower after surgery. Many modern dressings also allow for brief, indirect water contact. However, most doctors generally concur that soaking in a bathtub, hot tub, or sitting in a sauna for four to six weeks after spinal surgery is a bad idea. Diet And Nutrition Eating a well-balanced, nutritious diet after spine surgery is a very important part of your recovery process. Many people suffer from constipation immediately after surgery. This is usually a side effect of pain medication and because the patient has most likely not been eating regular meals in the days immediately following their surgery. To minimize the potential for constipation, eat meals that are rich in dietary fiber. Whole grains, vegetables and fruits are always good fiber sources, or you can take fiber supplements in pill or liquid form. Your doctor also may prescribe a stool softener. If you already use a laxative or stool softener regularly, you may want to take one after surgery. Ask your doctor what he or she would recommend, and follow their instructions. In addition to maximizing your dietary fiber, it's also a good idea to eat a diet rich in protein. Surgery places a significant amount of stress on your system, and your body needs a good supply of protein for proper healing. For specific recommendations regarding your diet, consult with your doctor and/or one of the nutrition consultants on staff. Physical Activity Each surgical procedure has specific goals and requirements for potentially quick, effective healing and a return to normal activity. With most modern surgical procedures, patients are encouraged to engage in out-of-bed activities such as standing and walking soon after surgery, and are advised to follow a progressive program of getting back to functional daily living. Since each surgical procedure is different and designed for the correction of a specific condition, your recovery program will be tailored to what you and your surgeon plan to achieve after your surgery. Please ask your doctor for his or her specific recommendations regarding your post-operative physical activity, and follow his or her guidelines to maximize your potential for a good post-surgical outcome.
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