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Spine Education
POST-OPERATIVE ROUTINE:
POST-OP AFTERNOON/EVENING- You are transferred to your room in your bed.
- When you arrive in your room, the nurse will take your vital signs, check your bandage, check your tubes and drains and get you settled.
- The nurse will instruct you about your coughing, deep breathing and foot exercises.
- You will start your diet slowly with liquids. You will have a full liquid dinner.
- The fluids are kept running for 24 hours until you are able to eat and drink fluids well and not experience nausea.
- It is recommended that you drink 6 to 8 glasses of water a day during your hospital stay. Fluids help the healing process and improve circulation.
- If you are on a special diet, it can be ordered for you after surgery. Speak to your nurse, or dietician, if you have any special food needs, preferences or restrictions.
- You may be expected to be out of bed on your first evening, or you may wish to dangle (sit on the side of the bed with the assistance of a nurse).
- The doctor will order a device called an incentive spirometer for you to use. This device helps you to take deep breaths and can help prevent pneumonia.
- A laxative/stool softener will automatically be prescribed. Both pain medication and anesthesia can cause constipation.
POST-OPERATIVE PERIOD- You will be getting out of bed the day after surgery with nurses and/or therapists. You will be expected to stay up in a chair 20-30 minutes the first time, then gradually increasing the time out of bed each day.
- Physical therapy will work with you in your room. The first day you will stand, get out of bed to sit in a chair, and walk to the doorway.
- Each patient progresses differently. Physical therapy will assist you in increasing your walking distance.
- The nurses will reinforce your spine precautions and activity restrictions. They will take your vital signs every 4 hours for the first 24 hours. (Heart rate, blood pressure, temperature, and respiratory rate.)
- Your urinary (Foley) catheter will be removed either the day of surgery or one day after surgery.
- Your oxygen will be discontinued the day after surgery, unless your doctor decides you need it longer.
- Patient-Controlled Analgesia (PCA) is usually discontinued the morning after surgery.
- After the PCA is stopped, you may have injectable pain medications. Once you are eating or drinking, you will be switched to pain medication in pill form.
Next: Your Do's and Don'ts
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