If your spine surgery is preplanned, you will be given instructions to follow before your procedure. Keep in mind the following list is not all-inclusive. Be sure to strictly follow the list provided by your spine specialist:
- Make sure you know what medications you can take before your surgery. Some prescribed and over-the-counter medications thin the blood and retard blood coagulation.
- Make arrangements for your transportation to and from the hospital. You will not be allowed to drive yourself home.
- You might need assistance at home. Plan to have someone stay with you for at least the first day or two.
- Do meal planning and purchase groceries ahead of time. You may want to rearrange your kitchen, bedroom and bathroom areas for convenience and safety.
- Follow your physician’s instructions about eating and drinking the day before and day of surgery.
- If you take medications on a daily basis, check to see if you should take these medications the morning of surgery.
- Plan to leave home early so you won’t feel rushed.
- Wear loose-fitting clothing and shoes that are easy to take off and put back on.
- If you’ll be staying at the hospital overnight, pack night clothes, slippers and toiletries. Leave watches, earrings and jewelry at home. Take hearing aids, glasses and dentures.
- It takes time to recover from surgery, so take it slow. Your surgeon will give you information about what to expect after your surgery.
- Expect to feel tired. Be prepared to spend some time resting. Discomfort should decrease a little each day.
- Normal activities may be restricted for several weeks.
- Remember that medication taken for pain may impede your ability to drive safely.
- Follow your physician’s orders for a safe and speedy recovery!
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