Q: Will I need to see a medical doctor for a check-up before my surgery?
A: If your surgery is at MRMC or SMH Yes, prior to your surgery, you must see a medical doctor for a pre operative medical clearance. During this visit, the doctor will perform a complete history and physical. Give him/her the history and physical forms that are in your surgical packet. The doctor will complete these forms and fax them to the office.
A. If your surgery is at St. Francis, you will NOT be required to see your PCP unless instructed by your surgeon or Pre-Admission Testing.
Q: Will I have to have any blood work or tests done before surgery?
A: Yes, you will need to have Pre-Admission Testing (PAT) done no sooner than 30 days prior to your surgery and no later than a week prior to surgery. This will include lab work, and an EKG. The Pre–Admission Testing office will schedule this for you and will contact you with the appointment information. Testing is completed at Reynolds Crossing for St. Mary’s, or in the designated locations within the hospital for those procedures at Memorial Regional and St. Francis
St. Mary’s Hospital PAT
Reynolds Crossing 6900 Forest Ave. Suite 105; building II |804-287-7284
St. Francis Hospital PAT
13710 St. Francis Boulevard, 1st floor; Multi Specialty Clinic |804-594-3140
Memorial Regional Medical Center
8260 Atlee Road, Mechanicsville Va 23116, Surgery Center |804-764-6251
At PAT, you will meet with a nurse for a pre-op interview. It is very important that you bring a list of the medications that you are taking. This includes over-the-counter drugs (cold medicine, aspirin) or any herbal supplements.
Q: What if I am a smoker?
A: If you smoke, your bones may not fuse, or you might have delayed healing after your surgery. It is advised that you stop smoking at least 6 weeks before your surgery and try not to smoke during the first 3 months after your surgery.
Q: Do I need to do anything special the day before surgery?
A: Unless told otherwise, please do not eat anything after midnight. This includes chewing gum or mints. If you take any daily medications and have been told to continue it, please take it with only clear liquids. Follow your physician’s instructions regarding which medications to stop taking. Refrain from smoking after midnight or altogether.
A: St. Mary’s allows 8 oz of clear liquids every hour up until 1 hour prior to your ARRIVAL time.
A: St. Francis and Memorial Regional Medical Center may NOT have any liquids after midnight the night prior to their surgery.
Notify the Doctor or someone in his office if there is any change in your physical condition, such as a cold, fever or flu symptoms. Contact the office right away if there is a chance you might be pregnant.
Q: What medications should I avoid before my surgery?
A: Pre-Admission testing will review all prior to admission medications during the pre-surgical interview. Please stop all NSAIDS (Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories) and blood thinning medications 5 days prior to your surgery date unless instructed otherwise by the prescribing physician.
Examples of NSAIDs include Diclofenac Sodium, Mobic, Advil, Aleve, BC Power, Aspirin and Ibuprofen. Blood Thinner examples include Warfarin (Coumadin), Clopidogrel (Plavix), Rivaroxaban (Xarelto), Apixaban (Eliquis).
Q: When should I arrive at the hospital?
A: Arrive at the hospital at the time specified by the nurse or the hospital the day prior to the procedure. Please be as prompt as possible so your surgery can start on time.
Q: What should I wear the day of my surgery?
A: Please use the bathing instructions provided to you in Pre-Admission Testing. Please do not apply any makeup. Wear low-heeled, comfortable shoes and loose, comfortable clothing. Clothing such as loose T-shirts, button-down shirts, sweatpants or baggy shorts are ideal since they will fit over bandages or dressings once you are out of surgery. Do not wear contact lenses or jewelry.
Bring non-skid slippers, a short robe, your brace and a list of your current medications and dosages with you to the hospital.
Q: What should I expect when I arrive at the hospital?
A: Most likely, you will arrive at the hospital a few hours before your surgery. Any forms that still need to be filled out and any tests that still need to be completed will be performed at this point. You will be asked to change into a cloth gown and one or more intravenous (IV) lines will be started. In the pre-operative holding area, you will be seen by the surgical nurses, the anesthesiologist, by your surgeon, and possibly other members of the surgical staff. You will be taken back to the operating room when it is ready.
Q: Will I need a brace or collar?
A: Most likely, the answer to this question is yes. Following most surgeries the surgeon performs, you will be required to wear your brace or collar.
Some patients are prescribed a Bone Stimulator to enhance bony fusion after surgery. Once the surgeon places the order Jamie Denton, Territory Manager with Orthofix Spine, will be contacting you. She will coordinate fitting you for this product in your home or during the first post-operative visit. Jamie can be contacted with any questions, concerns, clarifications via cell: 804-314-5636
Helpful Hints Before Your Surgery
Helpful Aides to Have on Hand
Please remember to be patient during your recovery process. Proper healing takes time. Muscle stiffness and discomfort are normal for several weeks after your surgery. Any restrictions that you are asked to adhere to are made with your health and recovery in mind. We would like you to have the best possible outcome.
Q: What diet should I follow when I get home?
A: You may resume your regular diet after returning home from the hospital. Try to maintain a healthy well balanced diet during the first 6 weeks. You may find that your appetite decreases in the early postoperative period. It is also not unusual to prefer softer foods during the first few weeks as they are easier to swallow when recovering from surgery.
Q: What activities will I be restricted from after surgery?
A: Do not lift any objects over 5-10 pounds. Please keep in mind that a gallon of milk weighs about 8 pounds. Do not do any back exercises until you have seen your surgeon for a follow-up visit after your surgery. Please do not play any contact sports. Refrain from activities which require bending, twisting or straining of the back. No bending with the hands below the kneecaps for 6 weeks if you have had a fusion. Squatting is okay as long as you keep the back straight.
If you have a fusion, limit sitting time to 30-minute intervals several times each day. After 30 minutes, get up and walk around for several minutes. After that, you can sit back down. Time can be increased to 45-60 minutes after the 3rd week or as tolerated. Sit in a straight back chair with armrests. Do not slouch. We advise wearing TED hose stocking provided during your hospital stay for 7 days post- operatively.
Otherwise, stay as active as possible. Walking is an excellent way to stay active and is crucial to a good recovery. Start with short frequent walks and slowly increase the duration with each walk. You may climb steps as tolerated.
Sexual activity is okay 2-3 weeks after your surgery, unless instructed otherwise. Position should be dependent (on your back).
Q: When should I wear the brace that I was given?
A: For LUMBAR FUSIONS surgeries until your first office visit, you should wear your brace at all times when you are upright. You may take the brace off when sleeping unless instructed to do otherwise. At your first visit, x rays will be taken, and it will be determined whether you can start weaning away from the brace. You will generally be weaned out of the corset or brace within 6-12 weeks.
A: For NECK surgeries until your first office, you should wear your collar at all times. Wear the collar even when you are asleep. At your first visit, x-rays will be taken, and it will be determined whether you can start weaning away from the collar. Your rigid collar may be replaced by a softer one at this first visit. Usually, the collar is discontinued after 3-6 weeks, depending on the progress of healing.
A: For LAMINECTOMY surgeries until your first office visit, you should wear your brace anytime you are out of the bed, with the exception of showering at which point you may remove the brace.
Q: Can I drive?
A: No driving. You can, however, be a passenger in the car as tolerated. Driving status will be addressed at your first post-operative visit and will depend on your healing. If you are going on a long car or plane ride, try to stop and walk around every 45 minutes to 1 hour. Do wear your brace in the vehicle.
Q: Can I return to work?
A: No working, please. You can expect to be out of work anywhere from 4-16 weeks, depending on the type of work you do. Please make it a point to discuss your personal work situation with your surgeon.
Q: Can I shower when I get home?
A: Showering is okay, but only if your incision is covered. You may shower without the brace, but please be careful not to bend or twist. Do not let water hit the incision directly. After showering, gently pat the incision dry. Apply a new clean, dry bandage and replace the brace. Please have someone nearby when showering in case you need help.
Q: How should I take care of my incision?
A: A covering, or dressing needs to be kept over your incision for the first 7 days after your surgery. Change the dressing daily or more often if needed. In most cases, your sutures will be absorbable, and none will need to be removed.
If you are experiencing drainage from your incision, please contact our office. We may need to start you on antibiotics as a precaution, so your incision does not get infected.
Q: Will I need Physical Therapy?
A: Most patients will require some form of physical therapy after surgery. Some patients will start light in-home physical therapy after they go home from the hospital. Also, after you have healed sufficiently and been weaned out of your brace, you will likely be sent for outpatient therapy to strengthen your back/neck, legs/arms and surrounding musculature. Usually, therapy is 2-3 times a week for 4-8 weeks.
Q: What medications should I avoid after surgery?
A: Use of anti-inflammatory medications (Advil, Motrin, Naprosyn, Mobic, etc) and aspirin is generally discouraged during the first 3 months following a spinal operation. Use of these medications has been associated with lower fusion rates and potential cause bleeding to the surgical site. The exception is Disc Replacements for which an NSAID will be prescribed for you prior to leaving the hospital.
Q: What can I do if I am constipated?
A: Both the surgery itself and some of the medications you will be given for pain can slow down bowel function. You want to be sure that you are having regular bowel movements. An over-the-counter stool softener can help you avoid problems with constipation. Examples of these medications include Dulcolax or Milk of Magnesia. Enemas can also be obtained over the counter.
Q: What diet should I follow when I get home?
A: You may resume your regular diet after returning home from the hospital. Try to maintain a healthy well balanced diet during the first 6 weeks. You may find that your appetite is decreased in the early postoperative period. It is also not unusual to prefer softer foods during the first few weeks as they are easier to swallow when recovering from surgery.
Q: What can I do to help relieve stiffness in my back or neck?
A: Again, stiffness and discomfort are both normal in the weeks following surgery. Heating pads or warm showers can be used to help relax stiff muscles. You can also discuss with your provider if a muscle relaxant would be helpful.
Q: When should I make a follow up appointment?
A: Make an appointment to see your surgeon or a physician assistant 10 days – 2 weeks after you leave the hospital. X-rays will be taken during this visit to make sure that everything is healing properly.
Q: What do I do if I feel nauseous when I get home?
A: One of the common side effects from narcotics can be nausea. Do not hesitate to contact our office if it is of concern.
If you have any questions or concerns during the post-operative period, please feel free to contact the office. A physician is on call 24 hours a day, but please remember that this is for emergencies only.
Contact the office if you experience any of the following symptoms:
If you feel that your condition is a medical emergency, do not hesitate to go to your local emergency room.
Please note that no medication refills will be granted when the office is closed.