 |
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| Follow up | ||||||||||||
 Return
to the Virginia Spine Institute for post-op examination. |
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| Wound Care | ||||||||||||
| Keep
your wound clean, dry and covered. Do not apply any ointments or creams to the
wound. The wound may be cleaned with hydrogen peroxide. Change your dressing daily
and as needed. A small amount of wound drainage is normal after surgery. No baths
or swimming. You may shower 3 days after surgery. The wound may be left
uncovered once the sutures have been removed and the wound is dry and healed. |
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| Activity | ||||||||||||
| Walking
is your initial therapy; walk as much as you comfortably can. We recommend walking
short distances frequently rather than long distances. Avoid sitting in one
position for long periods of time. No lifting anything heavier
than two pounds. Do not pull or push any object over ten pounds (ex: vacuuming, grocery
bags). Avoid riding in the car
except to go home and return to the Virginia Spine Institute. Do not drive a car
for 2 weeks after general anesthesia. Wear elastic stockings
until active (if worn in the hospital). |
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| Medication | ||||||||||||
Take
all medications as prescribed. We recommend adequate
vitamin and calcium intake on a daily basis to promote healing.
If
constipation is a problem; increase water intake, walking, and use other natural
remedies such as prune juice. If necessary try Colace tablets or a Fleets
enema (following package instructions for both). Colace and Fleets enemas
are available over the counter without a prescription. If you have had a spinal
fusion do not take any anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDS) post-operatively for
3 months. NSAIDS may inhibit fusion. Do not smoke—smoking
inhibits spinal fusion and soft tissue healing. |
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CALL
THE OFFICE IF YOU HAVE ANY PROBLEMS OR QUESTIONS 703-708-1114 |
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