Recovery and Aftercare
After your stay in the hospital is over and you are released to go home, make sure you have a comfortable transportation option-- ideally a sedan or similar vehicle that is easy to get in and out of. Depending on what type of surgery you’ve undergone, you may need to request help with preparing meals, cleaning, and other regular household tasks. To aid your maneuverability, consider getting a toilet raiser, a “grabber” for reaching items without having to stand up, and slip on shoes. A cane or walker may also be necessary at first.
Driving is inadvisable for several weeks after your operation, due to the narcotic pain medication prescribed, so having someone available to help you with transportation is highly recommended. However, you won’t be confined to bed during the recovery period. An exercise or physical therapy routine may be suggested to help you get the best results. Depending on the type of procedure, Dr. Walpert will give you specific instructions to help you recover as quickly and painlessly as possible.
As always, we sincerely recommend that you do not smoke or drink after your surgery. Doing so may interfere with your body’s healing process and may cause serious complications.
One of the best ways to prepare yourself for any procedure or treatment is education. Our resources should help you know what to expect before your appointment, surgery, and recovery time. It is our hope that these resources will give you the information you seek in a way that is easy to understand.
There are a few things you should expect after your surgery:
Your muscles were cut and manipulated during the surgery. Expect soreness at the incision and in the muscles. Hot showers and use of muscle relaxers will help with this, and it should improve significantly over the first few days.
Your follow up visit will be in 3-4 weeks. If you have questions in the meantime feel free to call the office at 706-475-1870.
You will be given pain medication and muscle relaxers after surgery. Use them as prescribed. If your pain is not controlled with this, call the office. Do not change the dose or schedule of your medications without speaking with us.
Narcotics and muscle relaxers cause constipation. Increase the fiber in your diet, drink plenty of water, and use OTC stool softeners as needed.
Some patients with sedentary jobs may go back to work after 1-2 weeks. If your job is heavier you will be out until your follow up appointment. Some patients may require physical therapy before returning to the workplace.
You will have skin glue on your incision. Keep it clean by showering at least daily. Do not put any ointments or salves on the area. There may be some swelling around your incision. This can be normal, but call the office if you are worried.
After your surgery, there will be some restrictions on your daily activities. While individuals may vary, some of these are universal.
Do not lift anything over 5-10 pounds for the first 3-4 weeks after surgery. No overhead work during this time.
Do not drive for the first 1-2 weeks after surgery or while you are still on narcotic or muscle relaxing medications. At first you will want to limit your trips to short, local trips.
Do not do any exercise the first 3-4 weeks except for walking. At your post op visit you will be given instructions about transitioning back to your normal activities.
Do not get in the bathtub or a swimming pool until your incision is completely healed, at a minimum 2-3 weeks after surgery.
If you need to contact us in case of an emergency or if you have any questions. Please call the office during normal business hours from 8 am - 4 pm for prescription medication. Narcotics require written prescriptions, so you should call 2-3 days before you are completely out. Medications will not be called in after hours. Call for any temperature over 101.5, increased incisional swelling, redness or increased pain. We may need to see you in the office.