Hearing that you need back surgery can obviously be a traumatic experience. However, once you hear the news it will be time for you to prepare as much as possible to help ensure your procedure will be a success. Here are just a few of the things you can do to get yourself ready.
What to Do
Before your back surgery, your doctor will very likely ask you to stop smoking, or stop taking certain medications. In addition, he or she may ask you to go to your family doctor to have a general medical checkup performed.
There are some types of medications that could either affect the results of your procedure or even interfere with them. For example, they could result in excessive bleeding or have some sort of detrimental effect on your anesthesia. Some of these medicines include certain types of anti-inflammatory (primarily non-steroidal) drugs as well as aspirin.
While a procedure of this type usually does not necessitate donating blood, your surgeon will very likely still go over the pros and cons of donating your own versus using someone else’s. Should you decide that you want to donate your own blood, you’ll probably be prescribed an iron supplement that will help build up your supply before the procedure.
Depending on the type of back surgery you’re having, you may very well be able to walk soon afterward. However, you will still need help for at least a few days while you’re recovering at home. Before the procedure, arrange for someone to come over and help with cleaning your home, doing laundry and shopping. If necessary, make plans for someone to help you with dressing and washing as well. More than likely, you will be told not to drive for a certain amount of time after surgery. Make sure you arrange transportation, and talk to your doctor to make sure it will be safe for you to get in a vehicle.
Contact Us
If you are getting ready for back surgery and have any questions, get in touch with the Dallas area experts with Advanced Spine & Orthopedics. Give us a call at 817-310-8783 or contact us online.
