Follow up
Return to the Virginia Spine Institute for post-op examination.

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.

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).

Medication
Take all medications as prescribed.
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.
We recommend adequate vitamin and calcium intake on a daily basis to promote healing.

Water  ~  6-8 glasses per day
Multi-vitamin  ~   one daily
Vitamin C  ~  1000 mg daily
Calcium  ~   Less than 45 years old take 1000-1200 mg daily. Over 45 years old or diagnosed with osteoporosis take 1500mg daily

Do not smoke - smoking inhibits spinal fusion and soft tissue healing.