What To Expect: Before and After Surgery

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BEFORE THE SURGERY

Most importantly, you should maintain a healthy way of life before the surgery. Proper sleep and exercise coupled with a healthy diet will prepare your body for the surgery and recovery process.

DON’T FORGET TO EXERCISE
Physical activity is encouraged before spine surgery. Exercises like walking, swimming and bicycling involve repetitive contracting and expanding of large muscle groups to move the limbs through a range of motion. In addition to muscle activty, your heart and lungs get a great workout too. (Note: Remember you should consult with your physician before starting any exercise program.)

You should practice exercises for blood clot prevention. After the surgery, ankle and leg movements will help to maintain muscle strength and promote circulation.

  Point your toes forward toward the foot of the bed.
  Pull your toes toward your chin.
  Repeat 10 times.
  Bend your knee and slide your heel up your other leg toward your hip.
  Stretch your leg out again and relax your leg.
  Using your feet, draw circles using your heels on the bed.

There are also deep breathing and coughing exercises you should practice to prevent lung complications.

  Breathe in deeply through your nose.
  Hold your breath and count to five.
  Breathe out slowly through your mouth.
  Do this five times. On the fifth deep breath, cough from your abdomen as you breathe out.

STOP SOME MEDICATIONS AND NO SMOKING
The use of any non-steroidal, anti inflammatory drugs, also known as NSAIDS, are discontinued before your surgery. These types of medications include Motrin, Midol, Advil, Naprosyn or any other products containing aspirin. Do not stop taking any routine medications unless ordered by your doctor. Do not smoke! Smoking slows down the healing process.

DONATE SOME BLOOD (IF YOU CAN)
It will probably be necessary for you to be given blood (transfused) during surgery. The safest blood for you to receive is your own, which is called autologous transfusion. Ask your doctor if you are able to donate and if so, arrangements can be made through your doctor’s office and with the local blood bank. You will donate blood over a period of a few weeks that will be saved for your surgery. During the weeks you are donating blood, your doctor may prescribe an iron supplement. These pills will make your blood healthier and more beneficial to you.

Family and friends who wish to donate blood for you, can be evaluated to see if they would be candidates for donation. This is known as a designated donation.

Some medical problems may prevent people from being able to donate themselves. If you are unable to donate all the blood your need or if the need is urgent, volunteer blood may be ordered by your physician.

All donated units of blood, autologous, designated and volunteer, are tested for HIV, Hepatitis, viral or bacterial infections that could be transmitted through the blood. Except for autologous units, the blood is discarded if any positive test results occur.

KEEPING UP WITH SCHOOL WORK
You will be in the hospital and recovering at home for a number of weeks. Let your school know in advance that you will not be attending classes. Many school districts will arrange for your to have a tutor at home so that you can keep up with your class work.

WHAT TO BRING TO THE HOSPITAL
Here are some helpful hints on what to bring and what not to bring for your hospital stay.

  Don’t bring much clothing. Hospital gowns/pajamas are preferred and provided by the hospital. You can
      bring a robe for your hospital stay and sweats or some loose fitting clothes to wear home.
  Bring a comfortable, well fitting pair of shoes or socks with non-skid soles.
  You can bring your own soap, shampoo or hair products.
  You can bring menstrual pads, if needed. No tampons.
  You can bring reading materials, a stuffed animal or other personal items that will make you more comfortable
      and more relaxed.

Be sure to mark all of your belongings with your name beforehand so that nothing gets lost.

Next: "PREOPERATIVE EVALUATION"