Dealing with back surgery in Dayton, Ohio, can sometimes seem daunting. The recovery entails a lot, and it may be the most significant medical event in your life. It’s not surprising that there are many misconceptions about back surgery, including when you should have it done, what happens during the procedure, and how to prepare for it. A Dayton spine surgery specialist helps clear the confusion. Here are ways to minimize complications and make your surgery as smooth as possible.
-
Get a Toilet Riser
You’re going to be spending a lot of time on the toilet during your recovery, so you might make it as comfortable as possible. A toilet riser helps by lifting the toilet’s seat, so you don’t have to bend over as much. This small investment can make a big difference in your post-operative comfort.
-
Put Items in Easy Reach
Before your surgery, make a list of the items you’ll need during your recovery and put them in easy reach. This might include your phone, a book or magazine, a water bottle, ibuprofen, or other pain medication. You don’t want to struggle to get out of bed or off the couch whenever you need something.
-
Get Help with Childcare and Housework
If you have young children, it’s essential to make arrangements for childcare in the weeks after your surgery. You won’t be able to lift them or play with them like you usually would, and they may not understand why you’re tired or in pain. It’s also good to get help with household chores weeks after surgery. You won’t be able to do everything yourself, and it will be nice to have someone else to take care of things for a while.
-
Take it Easy
Recovery from back surgery is not a race. You need to take it easy and allow your body the time it needs to heal. Don’t try to do too much too soon. You may be tempted to overdo it to get back to your everyday life as quickly as possible, but this can delay your recovery or cause further injury. Pace yourself and take it one day at a time.
-
Educate Yourself About the Procedures
If you’re considering back surgery, it’s essential to educate yourself about the different procedures and their involvement. This will help you make an informed decision about which type of surgery is right for you. It will also help you understand what to expect during and after the surgery.
-
Meal Prep
In the weeks leading up to your surgery, take some time to meal prep. This will make it easier to eat healthily and get the nutrients you need during your recovery. Make sure to have plenty of easy-to-prepare, healthy foods on hand.
-
Stop Smoking
If you smoke, now is the time to quit. Smoking slows down the healing process and can increase the risk of complications after surgery. If you’re not able to stop altogether, try to cut back as much as possible in the weeks leading up to your surgery.
As you can see, the pre and post-back surgery times mean a lot. Thus, understand some of the confusion to minimize complications when it comes time for your procedure. The best way to prepare is by getting comfortable items in easy reach, making arrangements for childcare or housework help, taking it slow with recovery, and educating yourself about the different procedures.