My Spine - Lumbar
Careful attention is paid to obtaining good control of all bleeding points
before the wound is closed along the tissue layers. The laminae and spinous
processes are not replaced if they have been removed.
Ward care
The initial phase of the post-operative care consists mainly of managing the
post-operative pain and of early detection of complications.
Usually you would be expected to get out of bed on the first or second day
after surgery. You may usually walk around as much as you want depending
on the stability of your spine. Your specialist will advise you about this.
You should avoid sitting for too long or on too low a seat, because this may
cause strain on the back and result in pain. Your specialist may recommend a
period of time during which you should refrain from sitting. Your specialist
also may or may not require you to wear a brace until the bony growth has
advanced to the stage where the brace can be discarded.
Discharge
You would normally be discharged at about five to ten days after surgery,
depending on the degree of pain and disability you are experiencing and on
the absence of any complicating wound factors or concern about your gener-
al health at the time.
The hospital staff will assist you in obtaining your follow-up consultation
bookings, the prescribed analgesics to take home, the sick leave-certificate to
be provided by your doctor and the instructions regarding wound care provi-
sions in the post-operative period.
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