Home

Quick navigation links:

About Joint Camp at Orthopedic Institute | What should I expect before & after surgery?
______________________________________________________________________________

Surgery

What should I expect before and after surgery?

To prepare for surgery:

• You may be told to stop taking certain medications, including herbal supplements and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen.

• Your surgeon may instruct you to stop smoking.

• You will be told not to eat or drink anything after midnight the night before surgery.

• You will be asked to sign a surgery consent form.

• Your healthcare provider will discuss your options for anesthesia (medication to keep you asleep during surgery).

Risks and Complications

Your surgeon will discuss possible risks and complications of surgery, which include:

• Problems with swallowing

• Persistent hoarseness

• Side effects from anesthesia

• Failure of the graft to fuse

  

• Shifting or displacement of bone graft

• Damage to nearby structures

• Bleeding and possible need for transfusion

• Infection

• Spinal cord or nerve damage

Breathing tips:

• You will have a breathing tool to assist with lung expansion

• Cough and deep breathe

• NO SMOKING

• Increase activity as soon as possible

What to expect after surgery

• Expect some pain

• Have realistic expectations - you will have ups and downs

• Be patient and persistent - rebuild strength gradually

• Be prepared for some emotional changes

• Develop a positive mental attitude

• Nurses will explain wound/incision care

Watch for:

• Increased temperature

• Increased redness

• Increased drainage

Activity Guidelines

When Sitting:

• Sit with good posture

• Keep feet flat on floor

• Sit for short periods of time

Exercising:

• Talk to your physician about resuming exercise

• Walk! Walk! Walk!

• Wear good, supportive, flat-soled shoes

Sleeping:

• Rest when fatigued

• DO NOT spend all of your time in bed

• May be "stiff" when first up - slowly stretch
  [Top]

Download pdf
[ 165K ]

This content is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Only your doctor can diagnose and treat a medical problem.

NO PHYSICIAN REFERRAL IS NEEDED UNLESS REQUIRED BY YOUR INSURANCE

Quick navigation links:

About Us | Treatment | Conditions | Educational Resources | Contact Us | Site Map | Home

Web design & Copyright 2009 © Prizm Development, Inc.
www.prizmdevelopment.com