Cervical & Lumbar: Dr. Chunduri - Post-Op Instructions
The following is a list of instructions for you to follow after your surgery and hospitalization. All restrictions and precautions are the same whether your surgery is done at a hospital or the surgery center.
Please follow these instructions unless you are directed otherwise by your physician.
DO NOT TAKE NSAIDS (i.e., Advil/Aleve) for ___ months after surgery (fusions only)
If you are not completing your daily walks then continue to use your incentive spirometer.
This is a breathing tool that is given to you by the hospital/surgery center.
Minimize stairs and walking uphill.
Walk as much as you can tolerate with frequent rest periods. Recommend (3-4) five to ten minute walks.
NO bending or twisting, pushing, pulling or squatting with weight.
NO lifting more than 10 pounds until instructed by your doctor.
You may discontinue use of compression stockings after you are active (i.e.: completing daily walks).
Sexual Activity – may resume after 2 weeks
Blood Clot Compression Cuffs – use during the day for two weeks after surgery (charging at night)
INCISION CARE / BATHING
If Dermabond (glue) or Dermabond with Mesh was used (cervical/anterior/microdiscectomy surgeries) then no bandage is required.
If STERI-Strips were used, continue to cover incision as advised; leave Steri-strips on until they fall off.
You may shower with your dressing on (if applicable)
Change the bandage (leaving steri-strips intact) afterwards – allow to air dry before re-covering.
No soaking in bath, Jacuzzi or swimming in pool until advised.
DRIVING / CAR RIDES / TRAVELING
Do NOT drive until you follow up with you physician (2 week post op appt)
NO travelling in a car for two weeks other than to doctor’s office and leaving home from hospital.
NO prolonged car rides over 1 hour without stopping to stretch until 6 weeks post-op.
NO traveling by Airplane for 6 – 8 weeks after surgery
PAIN MEDICATION / BRACE / PHYSICAL THERAPY
Take your pain medication AS PRESCRIBED by your physician and before the pain becomes intolerable. NOTE: pain medication may take 45 minutes before it becomes effective.
Pain medication may cause constipation; please try a stool softener and / or laxatives available over the counter at the pharmacy. Another option is Magnesium Citrate which is also available over the counter.
** It is possible that 5 – 7 days after your surgery you may feel an increase in pain due to inflammation. Before taking any Anti-Inflammatory medication be sure to check with the office
Lumbar, Neck Brace, Or Crutches/Walker: Length of Time ________ Comfort Only __________
CALL YOUR PHYSICIAN IMMEDIATELY IF YOU HAVE ANY OF THE FOLLOWING:
INFECTION CONCERN:
Temperature of 101.5 or greater
Redness, foul smelling odor or drainage from the incision
BLOOD CLOT OR PNEUMONIA CONCERN:
Swelling in your foot and leg with calf pain.
Difficulty breathing or chest pain.
NERVE COMPRESSION:
New or different weakness, numbness or tingling.
Loss of bowel or bladder control.
Spinal Headache – positional.