If you’re scheduled to have spinal surgery, there is a significant possibility that you’re a little worried about how it will turn out. One thing that can help you stay calm and relaxed is preparing for the surgery beforehand. With this in mind, here are some tips on how you can prepare for your spinal surgery.
Manage Your Medications
There are some do’s and don’ts when it comes to taking medications before undergoing spine surgery. Listed below are some pointers. Before making any changes, however, always speak with your surgeon.
- Stop taking aspirin or anticoagulants, such as Plavix, Coumadin, and Lovenox. Make sure to check with your doctor regarding the timeline for stopping these drugs.
- Do not take any non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications or NSAIDs at least 7 days prior to surgery. Should you continue with these, you will increase the chances of excessive bleeding during surgery, since NSAIDs are blood thinners. Examples include Celebrex, Advil, Motrin, Voltaren, Diclofenac, and Indocin.
- Take a break from taking any herbal supplements or vitamins for 14 days prior to the surgery. This covers joint supplements, fish oil, Echinacea, vitamin D, vitamin C, vitamin E, ginkgo Biloba, ginseng, and garlic.
Do Not Stop Moving
Spinal pain is difficult to deal with. However, this should not stop you from partaking in your daily routine. You must get as much physical activity in as you can before your surgery. Exercising may also contribute to managing your weight by helping you lose some pounds. Being overweight can cause complications during surgery.
Avoid Eating or Drinking After Midnight
Almost all spine surgeries require patients to be under general anesthesia. Since this step may increase the chances of nausea and vomiting, patients are instructed not to eat or drink anything after midnight before the day of surgery.
Nicotine Cessation
Doctors strongly advise clients to undergo complete nicotine cessation before spinal surgery. Nicotine interferes with muscle, skin, and bone healing. Therefore, when you still smoke during this stage, there will be an increased risk of postoperative complications, delay in healing, and infection. It also accelerates disc degeneration and affects your perception of pain.
Undergo Preadmission Testing and Admission
Make sure to schedule an appointment for your evaluation tests several days before your spinal surgery. These tests are part of surgical preparation. Listed below are the assessments you should undergo.
- Anesthesia interview
- Pre-registration for surgery
- Electrocardiogram (EKG)
- Chest X-ray
- Blood test
- Urine test
Prepare the Items You Need to Bring
You will most likely spend some time in the hospital after your surgery. Therefore, you should bring all the necessary items you will need for your stay at the facility.
Pack comfortable, loose clothing and underwear to ensure your movement is not restricted. You should also bring slippers or any type of soft flat shoes (with a closed back). Pack a bag of your essentials a couple days before surgery and ask a companion to assist you with your belongings.
Spine Surgeon in Michigan
Are you looking for a surgeon to spearhead your spinal surgery? Look no further. The team at Ahlgren Spine Orthopaedic Surgery is here to help you with quality surgical and noninvasive treatments for all types of spinal conditions. We maximize the use of state-of-the-art technology to help you get back to your life as soon as possible.
Schedule a consultation today at one of our offices in Bad Axe, Rochester Hills, or Lapeer, Michigan. To make an appointment, call us at (248) 215-8080 or request an appointment online.
