Apr 12, 2023
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
- Eat well-balanced meals and snacks. This helps healing. Foods with Vitamin C and protein and good to eat.
- Drink 8 to 10 glasses of fluids a day. Also, eat fruits and vegetables to prevent constipation.
School
- You may return to school in 2-4 weeks. This depends on how you feel.
- Ask your school for an extra set of books to have at home. You cannot lift or carry a book bag.
Activity
- Walk for exercise as tolerated. Slowly start walking faster and farther.
- Keep doing leg and ankle exercises.
Follow-up
- Your first return appointment will be about 6 weeks after you go home. Then you are seen at 4 months, 6 months, and 1 year. Then yearly visits after that.
- It is important you return for your appointments.
Activity restrictions
For the first 6 weeks after surgery:
- No driving. Wear your seatbelt.
- You may have irregular menstrual cycles.
- Take pain medication as prescribed. Your need for pain medication will slowly lessen.
For the first 6 months after surgery:
- No sports or PE.
- No lifting greater than 5-10 pounds. A gallon of milk weighs about 5 pounds.
- No lying on your stomach.
- No bending, stooping, or twisting.
- No dental work.