Lumbar Spine Surgery Discharge Instructions

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For Post-operative Discectomy Patients the first two instructions are very important. Then #3-12.

1. SITTING for MINIMAL PERIODS OF TIME DURING THE FIRST 2 DAYS post-operatively except to get in & out of bed or to use the toilet. Try to eat standing.

2. Lie only on a bed. No sofas or recliners. Sit ONLY in a straight back chair (such as a dining room, kitchen or "club"-type chair or a "wing back" chair.)

1. Sit ONLY in a straight back chair (such as a dining room or kitchen chair.)

2. Lie only on a bed. Then # 3-12.

3. NO BENDING, STOOPING, PUSHING, LIFTING or STRAINING.

4. For MINIMALLY INVASIVE SURGERY you may shower the morning after surgery. For ALL OTHERS, you may shower 4 days post-operative. The first day is the day AFTER surgery. Do not soak the incision. Do not disturb steri-strips. For surgical skin clips or sutures, you will be given instructions.

5. Begin walking in the house and progress to outdoors. Take someone with you the first few times. Slowly increase the distance each day so that you will be walking 1 mile/day by your 2nd post-operative week, 2 miles/day at 2 weeks post-operative. Hopefully by 2 months post-operative you will be walking 4 miles/day. If you feel soreness, reduce the distance and REST. These are GUIDELINES, NOT RULES.

6. After leaving the hospital you will be allowed in the car TWICE, ONCE TO GO HOME, THE SECOND TO COME BACK TO THE OFFICE. You will get your next set of instructions upon your return. For patients from out of state or country, there will be specific instructions.

7. PAIN IS A RED FLAG TELLING YOU TO REST. Avoid taking pain relieving medication in anticipation that something you will do is going to cause pain.

8. CALL THE OFFICE if you develop a fever of over 101 orally or if there is excessive wound redness, swelling, drainage or infection. If you develop a low grade fever, keep a chart of your temperature pattern at 8 AM, 12 noon, 4 & 8 PM. Bring the chart to the office at your next visit.

9. If you question whether or not you can do something beyond the instructions given, it is safe to assume that the answer will be NO.

10. Return to the office for your first visit approximately 10 days after surgery. Call my office for an appointment (972.566.6444) or if you have questions or concerns. For GENERAL MEDICAL PROBLEMS CONTACT your personal physician.

11. Medications: For pain management, you will usually be given a prescription for a drug like Vicodin (hydrocodone) or Darvocet N100. For additional pain medication, try Extra strength Tylenol or similar agent. DO NOT USE ANY ASPIRIN or ASPIRIN containing medication. DO NOT use ADVIL or similar medication. These interfere with the clotting mechanism. You may take Celebrex if your general physician finds that it does not interfere with your OTHER MEDICATIONS.

12. Once you are permitted to sit, use ONLY a straight back chair such as a dining room chair of kitchen chair. A sturdy "wing back" chair is an option. Each day increase the time & frequency that you sit. (Example: 1st day, sit 3 times for 15 minutes each/2nd day 4 times for 20 minutes each/3rd day 5 times for 25 minutes, etc.) If there is pain after a few minutes GET UP. "LISTEN TO YOUR BODY"