Published
April 12, 2023
•
Reviewed by
a UI Health Care Provider
Incision Care
- Keep your incision clean and dry.
- Remove the back dressing as taught on the instructions you were given.
- You can shower 2 weeks after surgery if your incision is well healed and has no drainage.
- Do not stand and let the water spray right onto your back incision. Let the water hit your front and shoulders then trickle down your back.
- Your back incision may be numb for months.
Eating and Drinking
- Slowly start eating as normal again.
- Eat protein to help wounds heal.
- Drink 8 to 10 glasses of fluids a day.
School
- You may return to school in 2-4 weeks. This depends on how you feel.
- You may need to start with half days when you first return.
Activity
- Sit in a chair a little longer each day.
- Do not flex your hips more than 60 degrees.
Follow-up
- Your first return appointment will be about 6 weeks after you go home. Then you are seen at 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year. Yearly visits after that.
- It is important you return for your appointments.
Activity restrictions
The first 6 weeks after surgery:
- Do not flex your hips more than 60 degrees when sitting up or with personal cares.
- Use a wheelchair to recline back. If you use a rented wheelchair, you will need extra pillows for support.
- Take pain medicines as prescribed. You will need them less over time.
The first 6 months after surgery:
- No lifting under the arms. Use a 2-to-3-person lift. Make sure your back and buttocks are supported. A mechanical lift can also be used if approved by your doctor.
- Do not lie on your stomach.
- No dental work.