Here are some helpful tips for preparing for spinal surgery:
Try to stop smoking if you are a smoker. Smoking makes it much more difficult for bone to regrow and heal, and may lengthen your recovery time. Dr. Ahuja would be glad to talk to you about different ways you can approach quitting.
If you don’t have it already, talk to Dr. Ahuja about getting information on proper posture, which will be important for a successful recovery.
Move any items in your house that are up high or down low to a height that is easier to reach, so that you won’t have to bend to reach them.
Talk to family or friends about arranging for rides, as you might not be allowed to drive for a period of time after surgery.
Get a pair of shoes that you can easily slip on so you don’t have to bend down to tie them.
Talk to Dr. Ahuja about which medications you should stop taking before surgery, such as aspirin and ibuprofen.
Don’t eat or drink anything, including water or gum, after midnight the night before surgery.