Discharge Instructions after Spine Surgery

Congratulations! You are ready for discharge after Spine surgery. 
Please read below for your instructions.

Remember your Spine Precautions

• No Bending      
• No Twisting      
• No Heavy Lifting       
• No Pulling/Pushing
  

Incision Care
Your incision may have Sutures/Staples or Steri- Strips.  If you have:

• Staples/Sutures: They will be removed during your follow up visit.
  
• Steri- Strips: They will fall off on their own after the first week.  If not, then you can remove them on the 14th day post-operative. 

If your incision is covered with gauze:  Keep it covered until 5 days after your surgery, then you may leave it open to air if completely dry. 

Shower
You may shower 5 days after your surgery, let water run on incision and pat dry.
Do not apply lotion or soap to incision    &     No Baths

Follow Up Visit
Your first post-operative visit will be with a nurse practitioner or your local physician for a wound evaluation and to further discuss post-operative care and instructions.  Dr. Goldstein will see you for follow up at 4-6 weeks following surgery.

Notify Your Surgeon
 If you have:  Fever, chills, night sweats, persistent drainage from your incision, opening of your incision, new onset pain or weakness, sudden loss of bowel or bladder function.

*If you have a fusion--- No aspirin (Unless instructed by Internist secondary to Medical history) or NSAIDS (Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as Motrin, Aleve, Advil, Naprosyn for 3 months)*

 

By using this website, you acknowledge that you have read and agreed to the terms of our legal disclaimer. The information provided is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or health care provider. For additional health information, please contact our office or your own health provider.
©2011-2012 Jeffrey A. Goldstein, M.D., New York, NY.