DNV GL/NIAHO Accredited facility.
There are many different types of orthopedic surgery in Richardson TX, so you should take the time to discuss your specific condition with your doctor. You’ll be advised about the best aftercare practices to ensure you heal properly when you do return home. In preparing you for your procedure, your doctor will likely talk to you about some of the same practices mentioned here. This brief overview will help give you a better understanding of the healing process after you undergo spine surgery.
How Long Will Recovery Take?
In addition to the severity of your condition, the type of procedure you need will determine the length of time it will take for you to fully recover from the surgery. Undergoing a diskectomy (removal of a spinal disc) or foraminotomy (widening the opening in the spine where the nerves leave the spinal column) may require as little as three to four weeks of recovery time. Laminectomy procedures involve removing bone spurs that are causing spinal column pressure. As such, it may take as long as three to four months before you’re completely recovered. In some cases, the healing process can take a full 12 months.
How Will You Care For Your Surgical Wound?
The bandages or tape that your surgeon uses to wrap your incision site will fall off by themselves in seven to 10 days after the procedure. If they don’t fall off within this time, you should ask your surgeon if it’s safe for you to remove them. Although it’s normal to experience some redness, pain, or swelling around the incision site, you should immediately contact your surgeon if the area feels warm, drains fluid, or seems to be opening up.
You should avoid showering during the first five to seven days after returning home. When you do shower, be sure to keep the incision area dry. It may help to have someone assist you with showering, or you can tape plastic wrap over the incision to keep it dry.
What Activities Can You Resume?
During the healing process, you should avoid sitting in the same position for more than 20-30 minutes at a time. When lying down, you can assume any position that doesn’t cause you discomfort. You should also avoid sexual activity until your surgeon has determined that it’s safe.
Be sure that you always bend at the knees when picking something up. You should avoid carrying or lifting anything that weighs more than 10 pounds. This includes lifting things like laundry baskets or groceries. Avoid picking up children or pets as well.
Although you should avoid strenuous activity until you fully heal, you can start getting exercise by going for short walks. After the first two weeks, you can gradually increase the distance or time you spend walking. You can walk up and down stairs once per day for the first few weeks of your recovery. You can gradually increase your time on stairs, but discomfort or pain should be taken as a sign that you’re overdoing it. Always consult your surgeon about any physical activity you intend to take up.
When you need orthopedic surgery in Richardson TX, you can trust the specialists at Eminent Medical Center. Their focus on providing quality patient care helps them stand out in the community, and the 24/7 emergency care they provide ensures help is always available. If you need spine, joint, orthopedic, or any type of general surgery, help will always be available at Eminent Medical Center.
