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POST-OPERATIVE
INSTRUCTIONS FOLLOWING
DECOMPRESSIVE LUMBAR SURGERY
You
have just undergone an operation to relieve the pressure
on a compressed or pinched nerve in your lumbar spine.
The following recommendations will facilitate the healing
process and increase your comfort in the immediate post-operative
period.
- For
the first week following surgery, we recommend that
you remain at home and mostly at rest. This may include
positioning yourself in a recliner. You should not
stay at bed rest. When in bed, one or two pillows
beneath your knees will help to decrease the pressure
on your back. You may move about at home, avoiding
heavy work of any kind. You may not drive until you
have been evaluated post-operativley.
-
There is a plastic, waterproof dressing over your
incision. You may shower, leaving this dressing in
place. After five days you may remove the plastic
dressing but please leave the steri-strips in place.
If you have any questions concerning your dressing
care, please do not hesitate to call our office at
any time.
-
Please take whatever medications have been prescribed
for you, as needed. You may substitute Tylenol if
discomfort is minimal.
-
It is not unusual for you to experience some tingling
or the sensation of "pins and needles" in
the immediate post-operative period. This may last
from a few seconds to a few minutes. If this occurs
and should persist for a long periodof time, please
call the office and report it.
-
It is important for you to make sure that you have
regular bowel movements so that you avoid straining.
If you do not have a BM for two consecutive days,
please take a laxitive of your choice or call the
office for advice.
-
If you have questions or concerns at any time, please
do not hesitate to call our office at (919) 731-4048.
Should a question arise after office hours, please
call the switchboard at Wayne Memorial Hospital at
(919) 736-1110 to have Dr. Lacin or Dr. Katz paged.
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