Spine - General Post-Op Instructions
Follow-up Appointment
In most cases, your post-operative appointment will be 2 weeks after your surgery. This will be scheduled by the office staff, please call to confirm your time.
Medication
All of your medications may be refilled during normal office hours (9am–5pm, M–F). However, your medication cannot be refilled on the weekend or after office hours.
Medrol dose pack: If you were told to take oral steroids, make sure you have a prescription before leaving the hospital and take as directed. Occasionally, steroids can increase swelling and irritation to the incision site. Also they may increase your blood glucose levels so if you are diabetic, check your blood sugars religiously.
Pain Medication: Make sure you have a prescription before leaving the hospital and take as directed. Narcotic medication has been shown to be addictive and can lead to tolerance and loss of effectiveness if taken chronically. Advanced Neurosurgery encourages you to be proactive in weaning yourself off of narcotic medication and use it as needed. Almost all pain medication will make you constipated so increase your fiber intake and stay hydrated. These medications will make you drowsy SO: Don't operate machinery, drive, or drink alcoholic beverages while on your pain medication.
Muscle Relaxants: Make sure you have a prescription before leaving the hospital and take as directed. These medications will make you drowsy SO: Don't operate machinery, drive, or drink alcoholic beverages while on your pain medication.
Medication to Avoid if you have undergone SPINAL FUSION:
Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAID)
Aleve
Celebrex
Feldene
Lodine
Motrin/Ibuprofen
Orudis
Vioxx
Steroids (unless approved by Dr. McConda)
*Does not include Tylenol
Smoking: If you use tobacco products, it is in your best interest to stop. Nicotine constricts blood vessels and decreases blood flow to your operative site. This decreases your bodies' ability to heal and increases your chances of having a poor surgical outcome and chronic pain.
Hard Cervical Collar: Needs to be worn all the time for 6-12 weeks post-operative, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week or until directed by Dr. McConda.
Soft Cervical Collar:
Use as directed by Dr. McConda or as needed.