There’s no question about it — spinal surgery is a big deal.
Whether you’re due to undergo spinal fusion, disc replacement, revision surgery to correct a past surgery, or some other procedure, the good news is that whenever possible, surgeons now favor performing minimally invasive surgery.
This type of procedure is less traumatic to your body, since incisions are very small and your surgeon uses specially designed instruments. More good news: Minimally invasive procedures are associated with faster recovery, less scarring and bleeding, and a reduced risk for postoperative infection.
Dr. Benjamin Cohen has extensive experience in all types of spinal surgery, and he’s deeply invested in educating his patients before their procedures about exactly what will happen during surgery and what to expect during recovery.
He also believes that there are important steps patients can take to prepare for spinal surgery to support a positive experience and successful outcome.
In this post, we’ll cover what you can do to get ready for your procedure so you can set yourself up for successful surgery and an optimal recovery.
Preparation is critical when you have spinal surgery ahead of you.
When you meet with Dr. Cohen, he goes over everything you can do to make your experience positive.
It’s smart to consider exactly how the day of surgery will go and what you’ll need help with. Since you’ll receive anesthesia, you’ll need someone to drive you to the hospital and back home (if it’s an outpatient procedure).
Be sure to schedule your travel so you arrive a bit early, ahead of your assigned arrival time, to reduce the stress that naturally accompanies the day of surgery.
Before spinal surgery, you should discontinue taking anti-inflammatory medications at least 10 days before surgery. The reason for this is that these meds make your blood thinner, which sets you up for unwanted blood loss during surgery. The same holds for blood thinners like warfarin.
Impending spinal surgery is one of the best reasons to quit smoking well beforehand. Unfortunately, smoking can hinder your healing from, for example, spinal fusion by as much as 40%.
Make sure that for the weeks leading up to your surgery, you eat especially well. Consume plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, lean proteins like fish, healthy fats like avocados and olive oil, and beans, nuts, and seeds.
Now is the time to ask friends and family for help during recovery, such as meals, visits, grocery store trips, and other gestures.
You’ll likely also need help changing your bandages, going to the bathroom, keeping track of your medications, and caring for children or pets.
Supportive people can also provide all-important emotional support, which is just as important as taking care of yourself physically.
During recovery, you’ll want everything you need close by, and if you live in a multi-story home, consider moving a bed to the first floor or renting/borrowing a cot for your recovery period.
Outfit your bathroom with items that make it easier for you to move around and reduce your risk of a fall. For example, install a grab bar in your shower, remove slippery throw rugs, and place a stool somewhere in your bathroom.
Throughout the rest of your house, clear clutter and make sure all areas are well-lit.
Devices like walkers, canes, and braces are usually important during your recovery, so arrange to have them at your home when you need them.
Other helpful items include grabbers so you can get things that are outside of arm’s reach, post-surgery.
Do you have a medical directive? If not, prepare one before surgery, along with other important documents.
Make sure all your insurance and pre-registration documents are in order as well.
Dr. Cohen’s goal is to have you feeling completely comfortable about your spinal surgery before it happens. He’s happy to discuss your upcoming procedure with you at length and answer all your questions.
If you’re scheduled for spinal surgery, don’t delay — make an appointment to talk with Dr. Cohen about how you can prepare for the big day.
Call our Garden City office at 516-246-5008 to schedule an appointment or contact us through our website.
