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Neuromuscular Spinal Fusion Day 1: After Surgery

Patient Education
Apr 12, 2023

Tests

  • A blood sample will be drawn to check your blood counts.

Nursing care

  • Nurses will teach you to cough and deep breathe. You will use a breathing device called an incentive spirometer. This helps prevent infection in your lungs.

Eating and Drinking

  • You can drink clear liquids when your stomach wakes up.
  • You may want chapstick on your lips.

Medicines

  • You slowly get less IV pain medicine. You will take pill or liquid pain medicine if you can drink.
  • You will get IV antibiotics.
  • If you have low red blood cells, you may need a blood transfusion.

Activity

  • You will get out of bed to a reclining chair 3 times. A Physical Therapist will be there to help you the first time.
  • A Child Life Specialist will meet with you. They help find activities you can enjoy while in the hospital.

Tubes and bandages

You will have:

  • Hemovac drain in your back.
  • Catheter in your bladder.
    • This is taken out about 24 hours after surgery.
  • IVs from surgery.
  • Bandage on your back.