There is always a lot of stress that goes into preparing for and going through any type of operation. This is especially true for an operation such as back surgery, because you are working on one of the most important parts of the human body. Even though the focus tends to be on what happens before the surgery takes place, you also need to consider the patient postoperative recovery as well. In fact, postoperative care is one of the most important things to think about to get back on your feet again.
Of course, the type of postoperative recovery that is necessary will depend upon the type of surgery that is needed. In more routine types of spine surgery, the recovery time may be somewhat limited although you might have to be cautious about lifting heavy items or moving in the wrong way. For more serious operations, the recovery may take place in the hospital setting and you may have further recovery time at home. That is why it is important for you to talk to Dr. Dickerman prior to the time that the operation takes place. You should have all the information as to what the postoperative care will involve.
The reason why it is important to know what is taking place in the time after the operation takes place is that there may be some preparation that is necessary. The instructions will be reviewed by the physician and then regular checkups after the surgery takes place will occur so that your progress can be reviewed. There are also a few specific things that need to be considered prior to the time that you go in for surgery. These are often covered by the discharge instructions provided by the hospital, but it is also a clever idea to ask your doctor questions in advance.
If you are going to be staying in the hospital, it’s a clever idea to know how long you are expected to remain in the hospital. You need to prepare in advance for an extended stay in some cases and it doesn’t hurt to prepare for a few extra days, just in case it is necessary. Many types of spine surgery do not require an extended hospital stay and many of them are done on an outpatient basis. It is still important to review this information, however, in case it is necessary for you to stay in the hospital overnight.
Understanding what is going to be necessary once you get home is also an important part of the patient postoperative recovery. You may need certain supplies or medications and it is a good idea to have them on hand prior to the time that the operation occurs. In some cases, you may need a physical therapist or a caregiver to help you until you are able to recover successfully. This is also something that should be prepared in advance so that you are not scrambling at the last minute to get everything together.
In some cases, there may be certain side effects to the operation and the potential for postoperative complications. It is not always going to be a problem, but it is a good idea to discuss these with Dr. Dickerman prior to the time that you are going in for surgery. They can help you to prepare for any issues that may occur when you get home. It will also help to take some of the stress out of the recovery because you will understand if something is normal or if it is necessary for you to get additional medical attention.
One other thing that you can consider is the amount of time that is necessary until you can resume your normal activity. When you have spine surgery, it is often necessary for you to limit the amount of activity that you do. It can be frustrating but if you pay close attention to the instructions given by the physician, you are more likely to have a full recovery and to get back to your normal, day-to-day life. Paying close attention to these instructions will go a long way in helping you to recover from the operation.
Regardless of whether you are being cared for in a hospital setting or if you are recovering at home, being prepared in advance is always going to be the best choice. You can talk to Dr. Dickerman about any issues that may come up or to understand more about what will take place when you arrive home. Being informed in advance will give you the best option for a full recovery.
