The prospect of surgery – especially spine surgery – can be overwhelming and nerve-wracking, but taking time to prepare for the surgical procedure can make a significant difference in your experience.
Whether you are planning to undergo a minor or major surgical operation, being well-prepared before your surgery can help alleviate anxiety and contribute to a smoother recovery.
Here’s what you need to know about preparing for spine surgery and where you can go for outstanding spine surgery in Colorado Springs, CO.
Attend Your Preoperative Appointments
Approximately one month before your spine surgery, your spine surgeon will make an appointment with you to provide you with medical preoperative clearance. During this appointment, your surgical team will perform a physical exam, review your health history and current medications, perform blood work, and order electrocardiogram (EKG) and chest X-rays.
Your spine surgeon may also request that you have blood tests before your surgery within two weeks of your surgery.
Manage Your Medications
Several medications may cause complications during spine surgery, including pain relievers, blood thinners, antidiabetics, antihypertensives, osteoporosis medications, and rheumatoid arthritis medications.Vitamin and supplements such as vitamin E, green tea, garlic, ginkgo biloba, and diet supplements can also cause complications during the surgery.
Therefore, inform your surgical teams about all the over-the-counter medications, prescription medications, and supplements you are taking. Your doctor may either temper the dose of certain medication or advise you to stop taking your medications before your surgery.
Adhere To Preoperative Instructions
Your spine surgeon can also provide you with specific preoperative instructions to follow. These personalized instructions may include guidelines on fasting and hygiene protocols. For example, they may advise you not to eat anything after midnight on the day of surgery and stop drinking clear liquids (like apple juice without pulp, water, coffee, and tea) up to 6 hours before the surgery. It is important to avoid drinking alcohol and smoking before the surgery.
Pack Your Essential Items
Following your spine surgery, you may have to spend a night or more at the hospital. Therefore, bring all the essential items, including cell phones and tablets. Also, bring a pair of loose and comfortable clothing, bathrobes, and toiletries. You must also bring your identity card, insurance card, and any other documents your spine surgeon advised you to bring.
Prepare Your Home in Advance
To ensure you have a smooth and comfortable recovery process, prepare your home in advance for spine surgery. Some important steps that you should consider while preparing your home for spine surgery include:
- Designate a space in your home to rest and recover following your spine surgery. Ensure that the space is clutter-free, easily accessible, and well-lit.
- Choose a comfortable chair or bed to maintain proper posture and reduce strain on your spine.
- Make sure that the pathways in your home are clear and free from any obstacles that could increase your risk of falls or accidents.
- Gather all the necessary supplies for your recovery, including extra pillows, ice packs or heating pads, assistive devices, and any prescribed sports and races.
- Either precook and freeze your meals or stock up on frozen meals that you can use during your recovery.
Spine surgery in Colorado Springs, CO
At Front Range Spine and Neurosurgery, we have a team of highly trained and skilled spine surgeons who have built an excellent reputation for delivering exceptional outcomes for a wide range of surgical procedures, including spine surgery. Our spine surgeons also offer conservative treatments for a variety of brain conditions and spine conditions before turning to surgical treatments.
To make a private consultation with one of our neurosurgeons, please call us today at (303) 790-1800 or use our online appointment request form.
