THE RECOVERY PROCESS
Once surgery is over, a person should ask a doctor about the specific recovery plan. It is important to follow doctor's instructions carefully to recover from surgery as quickly as possible and increase the chances of a successful outcome, whether a person received a bone graft during a spinal fusion surgery or an orthopaedic surgery.
WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER SPINAL FUSION SURGERY
Recovering from back pain and surgery is an ongoing process. How fast a person recovers depends on the type of surgery that occurred, commitment to working closely with a physical therapist, and moving and exercising correctly, as recommended by a surgeon.
In most cases, immediately after surgery, a person's heart and lung function will continue to be monitored, a drainage tube may have been left in the wound and a doctor may prescribe medicines to control pain and nausea.
A nurse will show you how to care for the wound before you are sent home and a doctor will discuss a program to gradually increase activity. A person may be required to wear a back brace for at least one month after surgery and may be told to avoid repetitive bending, lifting, stooping, twisting, and athletic activities until fusion has occurred. A person may also be cautioned to avoid vibrations, like what might be experienced when driving a car, for a period of time after surgery.
Contact a doctor immediately if:
- A fever develops
- The wound starts leaking fluids
- There is trouble swallowing or breathing
- There are issues with urination
- There is new or increased back or leg pain or numbness
A doctor will schedule office visits to check on how a patient is doing and see if anything else needs to be done. After surgery, a surgeon may refer the patient to a physical therapist who will teach exercises to improve strength and increase mobility. The goal of physical therapy is to help the patient become active as soon as possible, using safe body movements that protect the back. This often includes abdominal strengthening exercises. Different ways of standing, sitting, or lifting may also be taught to avoid reinjuring the back.
WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER ORTHOPAEDIC SURGERY
Recovering from an orthopaedic surgery is an ongoing process. How fast a person recovers depends on the type of surgery that occurred, commitment to working closely with a physical therapist, and moving and exercising correctly, as recommended by a surgeon.
In most cases, immediately after surgery, heart and lung function will continue to be monitored, a drainage tube may be left in the wound and a doctor may prescribe medicines to help with pain and nausea.
Prior to being sent home, a person will be shown how to care for the wound and a doctor will discuss a program to gradually increase activity. Depending on the type of orthopaedic surgery, a person may need to walk with crutches, use a sling, or wear a brace and may be told to avoid certain activities until cleared by a doctor. A person should discuss these limitations with their doctor.
Contact your doctor immediately if:
- A fever develops
- There is trouble swallowing or breathing
- There are issues with urination
- The wound begins to leak fluids
- There is a rash, redness or increased swelling near where the surgery took place
A doctor will schedule office visits to check on how a patient is doing and if anything further needs to be done. After surgery, a doctor may refer a patient to a physical therapist who will teach exercises to improve strength and mobility.
