When you are having TLIF surgery, it is important to speak to your spinal fusion surgeon about your recovery plan. A neurosurgeon from Florida Surgery Consultants in Tampa, Bradenton/Lakewood Ranch. Lakeland, Ocala, Gainesville, Brooksville, and Largo can tell you that it is important to fully understand your recovery plan so you follow all the steps to get back to your everyday routine sooner, rather than later.
Recovery Plan From a Spinal Fusion Surgeon
When having surgery, you will want to try to predict how you are going to feel afterwards. Most of the time, we think we will be fine to get back to our everyday lives right away. However, it is different for every patient since no two patients conditions are the same. Your recovery and rehabilitation will vary depending on your age, overall level of health, and the severity of your spinal condition.
Right after your surgery you will be brought to the recovery room. Once you wake up, you will be asked to stand up, walk around the room and be attended by a nurse. If needed, you will be given a prescription for a back brace. The doctors will keep you on IV fluids until you are able to drink from the mouth on your own. Once you are able to drink on your own, we will move your diet to regular foods and start you on pain pills. Finally, while you are still in the hospital, we will set you up with a physical therapist to make sure you are comfortable performing everyday activities.
When you get discharged to go home, the first few weeks will often be hardest. Your body will be trying to heal itself and you will need to gain your mobility back. Your overall time frame for recovery will be about 6-12 weeks. You will want to be aware of swelling, redness, draining, a fever of 101.5 or higher and etc. If any of these occur, you should reach out to your neurosurgeon right away. It is very important to keep your incision dry and sealed/ covered with a bandaid for at least 2 weeks.
