Top Tips Before and After Back Surgery

Author: Britta W. McKenna
brittawmckenna@gmail.com

“Top Tips Before and After Back Surgery” is property of Britta W. McKenna and should be cited if used. To ask permission, please contact brittawmckenna@gmail.com.

So you’ve made the decision to have back surgery. Congratulations on getting to this point. I did everything I could before making the choice for surgery – rest, physical therapy, oral steroids to reduce inflammation, changed my diet to help inflammation from the inside out, and got a lumbar injection. Surgery was saved as a last remedy. And I got a second opinion to make sure surgery was the both the right decision and I was comfortable with my surgeon, their approach and the hospital. In the end, it was the best decision; the pain and discomfort prior to surgery is gone and for that I am thankful. This workbook with tips is designed to help you have your best result.

Once you have selected your surgeon and set the date, there is a lot you can do proactively to get ready before surgery as well as after to give yourself the best recovery experience possible. These tips are designed for both the surgical patient and your caregiver/s to reduce anxiety and prepare you for the road ahead.

The tips below are designed to help you navigate more efficiently. Remember, every body and every surgery is different. I’ve documented my journey to create tips and a “playbook” to help with your planning. Realizing gaps of information exist both before and after your hospital stay, this article is intended to help fill those voids and, hopefully, reduce your anxiety. My wish is that you prepare and follow what your doctor tells you and use these recommendations as fits you, your lifestyle, your care team and home environment. A handy checklist is available at the end of this article for your convenience if you, like me, are a checklist person.

This manual in no way should take the place of your medical teams’ instructions. It is a personal account and suggestions that may help ease your road ahead. I wish you the best in your procedure and recovery. If you have additional tips you’d like to add for back surgery, please email me at brittawmckenna@gmail.com to share them with me and I’ll update my document and credit you for your contribution if added to this playbook of tips.

TIPS BEFORE YOUR BACK SURGERY

Tip One: Recognize You Need Help After Surgery.
Why? Because you will need help. This is no time to be macho, a hero or a martyr. Allow yourself to be helped by others. Viewing others’ help as a gift instead of seeing yourself as a burden is the first step. Reframe your needs and their help to be a good receiver. When friends ask to help, allow them, specify their help and enjoy the company and compassion of others. This is a mindset that you’ll need to adjust to, especially if you have helped others and never received help. Your network won’t automatically offer to help you unless they know what help is needed, so reach out to notify those key individuals well in advance.

As for me, I reached out to my family and closest friends a couple weeks prior to my surgery date and set up a caregiver for each day (and night) the first week I was home. Additionally, I created a chart with the schedule and shared it with my family. My son also created a post it with ICE (In case of emergency) information: his name and cell phone number along with my husband’s for visitors should there be any issues.

Tip Two: Learn What You Need to Know.
1. Gain knowledge and get advice from doctors and medical professionals.
2. Read this top tips sheet thoroughly and keep it on hand as a reference.
3. Visit recommended websites to learn more; read materials provided by your medical team and the hospital.
4. Write down your questions and get them answered PRIOR to getting surgery/treatment.
5. Learn from doctor/hospital resources/Spine School (bring your partner, friend to be another set of ears) and TAKE NOTES.

Tip Three: Plan Your Resources for Easier Recovery Time.
This section is critical. I cannot stress enough how much easier post-op will be if you plan ahead, get organized and set yourself up for recovery.

1. Identify Your Support Team. Family, friends, neighbors, church members, Bunco group….take charge and invite them to help you. Be specific about your request – “I need you to be here to help on this day at this time for this long to help with this.” People do want to help; however they need to be told exactly how to help. A friend’s reply of “let me know what I can do to help…” should be followed up with specific examples to narrow down what they are willing to do (provide a meal, a ride, a visit, etc.). Caregivers are invited to read my blog, “10 Ways to Become An Empowered Caregiver” for additional insights.

2. Line Up Your Food. Planning for a healthy recovery includes food to fuel your recovery. Food and its preparation are often overlooked, only to be remembered AFTER you are back from the hospital or long-term care center. Be mindful of your diet now so you can avoid gaining weight and plan to eat healthy to help your body recover more quickly. Although comfort food may seem like a good idea, eating clean and healthy is good medicine. When someone is recovering from surgery, that person cannot be expected to shop and cook for themselves for a while; family members may not have the time to prepare meals. Here are some options to consider: + Cook meals ahead of time and freeze them in single portions; + Shop and stock up on healthy and easy to prepare items; + Use a prepared food delivery service; + Organize meals from your network; + Indulge in carryout food (on occasion). It is amazing how unsustainable carry out or prepared food home delivery is – the waste of recycled plastic, paper and insulation is astounding, not to mention packed with hidden calories. + Contact a non-profit like Fox Valley Food for Health. They both provide healthy, easy to prepare, portion controlled meals AND they use recyclable containers that are washed and returned weekly when food is dropped off.

3. Plan for Transportation. This is moving you or anyone who can’t transport themselves somewhere they need to be. Assuming you can’t drive (pain meds and other restrictions), line up folks willing to help you get places. Another possibility is ridesharing services like Lyft, or a local taxi service that can fill this need. Seniors may be able to get assistance from their city/county door-to-door public transportation pick up services as well. Bring a small pillow to make the ride more comfortable and pack your walker in early weeks for stability.

4. Evaluate Your Environment. Yes, this is where the patient will recover after coming home from the hospital.

+ Reduce trip hazards: Look for trip hazards (throw rugs and runners) and put these items away before surgery.

+ Place key items within reach. Avoid stretching/bending by staging things in easy reach (hip height to shoulder height). Focus on your bathroom sink area and kitchen countertops as well as bedside.

+ Clean up! A good idea is to have your house thoroughly cleaned just prior to surgery so you can come home to a clean home. Remember the windows of your bedroom and/or rooms you’ll spend the most time recovering in and looking out. Sounds trite? Not if you are on your back with hours of time on your hands wishing the dirt away…

+ Prepare your yard. If you are a gardener, get your yard work done before surgery, and then just let it be or hire someone to attend to it during your prescribed recovery period. You may see me at the mower next year (self-propelled).

+ Give up snow shoveling. Yes, as much as I love to shovel snow (really), that chore is now my husband’s and I’ll need to find someone to shovel when he is out of town. Same goes for raking leaves.

5. Assess Your Clothing. Week one you’ll likely stay in pajamas. It’s fine, really. If you don’t have PJ’s you are comfortable in around friends right now, purchase new ones. Shorts and top if warm weather or your internal thermostat “runs hot” and long pants, top for cooler weather. Robe if you prefer and make sure you have a solid, open-heeled pair of slippers with good tread you can slip on easily. Yes, treat yourself! Week two you’ll start to feel more like yourself, so make sure you have pants without thick seams (think yoga pants or sweat pants) and easy to put on tops. A pair of support hose or athletic compression socks (I like open toed) is recommended during recovery to help prevent a blood clot).

6. Stock Up! Make a Target run and get backups of all those things we run out of (tissues, TP, shampoo, soap, etc.). Don’t forget to pick up thank you cards and stamps to mail them to send to all your helpers. Also, go to the bank and get cash so you can send out a family/friend member to pick up items without having to put the burden of paying for it on them because you didn’t plan ahead. Or order online for a pick up and send someone with your order. Many places will even pack it in your car for you.

7. Acquire These Top 10 “Help” Items to Have on Hand After Back Surgery. Check your pride at the door and borrow or purchase the following items from a medical supply store. Garage sales and your friends will have many of these. I was able to round up all these items from family and friends at no cost. Make sure you clean them before use. My ranking below is based on how helpful I found them with #1 my first recommendation. I have also linked an example of each, however my link does not mean an endorsement.

1. Bed rail with grab bar: this fits between mattress and box spring and allows you to pull yourself up and around for your log roll style of getting in and out of bed. Alternatively, people can help you or perhaps leverage your headboard.

2. Walker: a basic, no frills one is fine, though make sure you have tennis balls on the back legs to avoid scratching. If you have a fancy one with a cup holder, bag and seat, even better as I’ve been wanting to bling out my basic model.

3. Extra pillows – Stock up on two sizes: lumbar-sized pillow (good for the car seat and chairs) and larger body pillow (fold them in half and place under knees to allow the arch in your back to rest).

4. High toilet with grab bar: If you are lucky enough to have a high toilet with grab bar, use it! If not, get a toilet raiser and install a grab bar or use someone’s arm or wall/ledge to assist for at least the first week.

5. Shower chair: Yes, this one I totally ignored at first, but it appeared before my first shower and thank heavens it did! Place a small towel on the seat to avoid slipping, use the grab bar (if in the shower/tub) to help you up and down and the nozzle hand shower if you have one. Also, have a shower partner help you for the first week or two until you get stronger. If you don’t have a shelf in reach for shampoo and soap, place a waterproof shelf within reach. Do not shower alone without someone there or nearby. Slip and fall risk is higher while you are weak and/or on pain medication. Also, use the shower chair outside the shower to sit on while you dry off, get dressed and dry your hair.

6. Plastic Mug with Lid and Bendy Straw: There is a reason the cup in the hospital has a lid on it and a bendy straw…because when you are laying down, drinking out of a cup is challenging. (And ice water on your chest is very cold.) Purchase a plastic mug with a handle, a secure lid that snaps on and sturdy bendy straw built in.

7. The Grabber: Alias “the reacher” is another item I thought too silly to procure prior to surgery. It is a stick with a trigger handle that clamps items out of reach so you don’t have to bend over. Seriously? I put that in the “clapper” category, but a friend brought one over a couple of days after surgery and I started using it to pick up items I dropped (clothing, personal items) and as long as dropped items are not metal or plastic, it does a good job. This item I used all 6 weeks to assist me in not bending over. And if you want to install the clapper, good for you. I just left the light on in the closet to guide the way if I needed to get up at night. If you will be left alone for periods of time, add the grabber to your list.

8. Emergency Communications Device (slingbag/holder): You do need to have your phone on or near you at all times, especially when you are home alone. If you fall, pass out or need help and your phone is across the room or house, well, that’s not good. So, don’t depend on pockets because phones fall out (first hand experience) and phones are hard to pick up with the grabber (ask me how I know that too). So, plan on something that can hold the phone around your neck (like a passport holder) or waist securely. Another plan is to use a product/service that has a button you can depress to signal help is needed. These are now available as necklaces or bracelets. Are you the son/daughter and want to keep an eye on things? How about using a video camera/baby monitor? Yes, there’s an app for that. Just be aware of privacy.

9. Squatty potty: Though funny sounding, this stool is helpful for positioning yourself on the toilet when constipated. I didn’t get one, but did use my grandmother’s small needlepoint footstool as a stand in. Constipation is a real thing, especially the week after surgery and when you are on pain meds – ug. And when it gets resolved you’ll feel so much better.

10. Walking/Trekking poles: The first couple weeks you should rely on your walker – inside the home and outside. Once you start gaining strength and if your medial team agrees after your post op appointment, try out walking or trekking poles for your outdoor walking. Once you try them, you’ll love the benefits. Let me count the ways: 1) Stability – provides added stability for you (and looks way cooler than a walker); 2) Promotes good posture – sized properly (adjust so your elbows are at a 90 degree angle) you’ll stand up straight while walking – remember that “motion is like lotion”; 3) Gets your arms working – yes, your arms get into the workout when you use your poles – an added benefit! 4) Helps with walking cadence. Walking with poles creates an even rhythm to your walking. Plant your pole with right hand and step with your left food, etc. NOTE: Purchase rubber tips for them on slip on the metal tips if you are walking on asphalt, concrete or hard surfaces other than an outdoor natural trail. They even have poles ergonomically designed for women.

Tip Four: Plan For Your Limitations.
1. Role-play your upcoming temporary disability. Yes, do a walk through. Seriously. And if you want empathy, have your spouse/partner or loved one role-play to really understand. Get in bed and take a good look at what is in arm’s reach, what you have to look at and how far it is to the bathroom, kitchen and if there are area rugs or runners that need to be taken up to avoid slipping. Ask ahead of time what you can expect and literally do a walk through. Before I had my back surgery, I practiced the “log roll” style of keeping my back/core straight while getting in and out of bed at home. After surgery, and before I was released, I asked the nurse to assist me and practiced again and again until I did it correctly and felt confident I could it at home. Don’t wait until you are home and end up struggling to figure it out when you are in pain.

2. Place a tray table next to your bed with items you’ll want to access without getting out of bed: tissues, glasses, plastic cup with lid and bendy straw, medicines, phone, pen and paper., etc. One thing I forgot was the power strip on the floor next to my bed. Nightly, before back surgery, I would bend over, plug in my Apple Watch and phone without a thought. So, place a power strip up on your bed stand within reach to recharge your favorite electronics. Order longer cords for computer and phone if the distance doesn’t work for you. Set this up BEFORE you go in for surgery so it is all ready for you when you return home.

3. Walk through your home and determine what you won’t be able to reach/open BEFORE SURGERY. I went through the kitchen and figured out which drawers and cabinet levels were off limits and then moved items I use a lot to the counter. I also discovered I was on my last inch of plastic wrap, had 2 resealable plastic bags and so used this exercise prior to #6 Stock UP mentioned in tip #3.

4. Line up simple projects. Like what?

+Check out library items: Go to the library and check out books – travel, pleasure, How-to. An assortment. Do this just before surgery, as the two-week loan period will be beckoning on the books. The same goes for audio and video tapes, CD’s, DVD’s and lining up podcasts to listen to.

+ Place media/entertainment nearby: Do you have a radio nearby or take advantages of smart devices to turn on/off your entertainment.

+ Organize simple hobby projects: Do you like to do needlepoint or collect things like stamps? Again, make piles of projects that you can access once you feel better.

+ Plan your next (fill in the blank) vacation? Garden plans? Volunteer opportunity research? Redecorating options? Car purchase? Use the time to your advantage.

TIPS AFTER YOUR BACK SURGERY

So, you are home. Lots of white coat anxiety is behind you and maybe some new fears of coping without nurses, pain levels and the lack of other hospital safeguards hits you. Take a deep breath and review these tips.

Tip One: Be a Good Patient – (aka follow directions)
1. Take pain meds on schedule (very important, particularly in the first week). Once you start to feel pain, you are behind and it can be hard to catch up (mentally and physically).
2. Ice early and often after surgery and use a heating pad down the road. The rule of thumb is ice 20 minutes at a time to reduce swelling and heat to promote healing. Alternate as needed and do what feels good to you.
3. Keep clean. Your incision site (just leave alone and keep dry), your body, wash your hands diligently and keep your environment clean to help prevent infections and disease.

Tip Two: Take It One Day At a Time
Every day post-op is one day closer to regaining your normal life. My blog post about taking things at a polepole (slow, steady) pace is HERE for your reading pleasure. Add in new things slowly and accept supervision. I started walking around the house two times a day the first day home, by the end of the week I was walking three times per day to the stop sign in the neighborhood (with my walker and a person to accompany me). By week two, I was confident and strong enough to take walks with my walker in the neighborhood two blocks three times a day. At my post-op appointment (two weeks) I shared my progress with Amber (PA) and we set new goals for the stretch until my next follow-up. As I am in my 50’s and a fit hiker, my goals are not yours, so set your goals realistic to your age and abilities (and limitations). Plan incremental progress, and don’t push too fast. When in doubt, ask your medical team.

Tip Three: 10 Ways to Manage Yourself
1. Practice good hygiene. You and those who come into contact with you as a precaution to avoid both infection and the spread of disease should follow the newest hand washing techniques. Here is a link to a video that reviews the newest 6-step method of washing your hands effectively.

2. Use recommended equipment specified in the “Top 10 Help Items” listed in the surgery prep section.

3. Wear easy to manage clothing – sweat pants, zip and button tops, slip on shoes or slippers. This is no time to be a fashion statement.

4. Hand wash your dishes and dry on counter or by hand. You will not be able to bend over to load/unload the dishwasher. Share this with whoever is at home with you as well.

5. Wear something to remind you of your limitations. Slip on a brightly colored band or bracelet on your arm or place something within your eyesight in bed for the first few weeks as an outward reminder you of your limitations.

6. Conserve your energy. Allow well-meaning visitors you didn’t invite to keep their visit brief. And don’t feel bad about telling them you need to rest. A fifteen-minute visit the first week is plenty. A word from the wise – visitors will wear you out!

7. Limit appointments or outings for the first two weeks, except for doctor follow-ups. If you have theatre or Cubs tickets, give them away to a friend as a gift or to one of your caregivers as a thank you. Both of you will feel good about that!

8. Take it easy and don’t over do it! As you start feeling better, you are more likely to forget the six-week restrictions. If you injure yourself and have to go back into surgery, the six-week clock starts again, so think of yourself as a six-week project.

9. Get a Text /Check-In Buddy. Are there people in your life who would like to check on you via text? This is especially good for family and friends who don’t live nearby and want to help you through recovery. Let them know you are open to getting inspirational and check-in texts. You can also text family at the same time each day – like “It’s 12:00 and all is well” or “It’s 12:00 and had a nice visit from Jen this morning and Paul is taking me to the doctor this afternoon.” It will give your family a sense of comfort hearing from you.

10. Be entrepreneurial in your recovery. Here’s an example: My deliveries were being placed on the ground where I could not get to them. I wrote a note and taped it to the front door asking for deliveries to be placed on the tray table by the front door to avoid having to bend over. Yes, they complied! And my UPS person even walked heavy packages inside for me.

Tip Four: Have An Attitude of Gratitude
Remember, the people around you want to help you through pain and challenges, so remember to thank them. Even if they are bringing you donuts (and you are trying to eat healthy), say “thanks for thinking of me,” then find a new home for the donuts (neighbors and first responders work well).

Once you start feeling better, you’ll want to resume normal activities like reading, writing, computer work, social media and projects. I didn’t feel like doing much other than sleeping, managing personal needs, and watching TV the first week. It’s ok to just rest, really. Resting and eating nutritional food helps you heal faster. I woke up on day 10 after surgery with a new energy level and opened my laptop and started writing this tips article.

Speaking of laptops, write down your Internet Wi-Fi on paper if you have one for guests to use while visiting. Put post-it notes in living areas and invite them to use it. Also a nice touch is to have a bowl full of packaged snacks and fruits for guests to eat and soft drinks and juices in the refrigerator. Invite them to help themselves!

Finally, remember to plan to thank those that helped keep you afloat during your rehab time. Sometimes a text is enough. Handwritten notes are always in style. Or plan a gratitude meal – at home or out with those who went above and beyond in your care and recovery.

That’s all I’ve got for tips. If you are a checklist person, please use the “Back Surgery Workbook & Checklist” below to help get organized and make your rehab just a bit easier. And get you back to living your life – good luck!

Happy healing!

Britta

“Top Tips Before and After Back Surgery” is property of Britta W. McKenna and should be cited if used. To ask permission, please contact brittawmckenna@gmail.com.

BACK SURGERY WORKBOOK & CHECKLIST

BEFORE SURGERY
(REC) = recommended/required (OP) = Optional

After You Schedule Surgery:
1. Inform family and friends of your upcoming surgery and invite them to participate in your care (OP).
Name them here: COMPLETE ❒ 
2. Research things you want/need to know (OP): COMPLETE ❒ 
3. Clear your calendar for at least first two weeks after surgery and review potential to cancel for 4 weeks after that (REC). COMPLETE ❒
4. Inform your employer so they can make plans to fill your role temporarily if needed (REC). COMPLETE ❒
5. Schedule date for Rush-Copley Spine School (Thursdays at 11 am) (REC) Date scheduled is: COMPLETE ❒
6. Recruit someone to attend Spine School with you (a partner, family member or caregiver) (OP) COMPLETE ❒
Name of person attending with me:

2 WEEKS BEFORE SURGERY:
1. Schedule your caregivers for first two weeks post op. Type or write up the list with date, name of person and contact information. Share document.(OP) COMPLETE ❒
2. Inform your work of restrictions you’ll have when you return to work.(REC) COMPLETE ❒
3. Think about your food strategy. Will you use a service? Cook and freeze ahead of time? Organize food deliveries? Partner/spouse to cook for you? What is your strategy? (REC) Name it here: COMPLETE ❒
4. Locate something in your home (or order new) to hold your cell phone in (passport holder may work) or research alert devices to press in case of a fall/emergency if you are alone (OP). COMPLETE ❒

1-WEEK BEFORE SURGERY:
1. Walk through residence you’ll be staying at after surgery to double check items are within reach and ready for your return after surgery. (REC) COMPLETE ❒

❒ Kitchen shelves and cabinets

❒ Refrigerator and freezer (reorganize items to be within reach)

❒ Bathroom cabinets (place most used items on countertop)

❒ Dresser drawers (place most used items on countertop), moving up items to top drawers.
2. Stock up shopping on non-perishable items (Tip 3 #6). (REC) COMPLETE ❒
3. Cook and freeze healthy meals (individually portioned)(OP) COMPLETE ❒
4. Line up a text buddy schedule (OP) COMPLETE ❒
5. Finalize your food strategy; sign up or execute on the plan. (REC) COMPLETE ❒
6. Start to practice “Log Roll” method of getting in and out of bed. (REC) COMPLETE ❒
7. Locate and secure “help” equipment: (REC) COMPLETE ❒

❒ Shower chair/bench

❒ Walker

❒ Extra pillows (sm for lower back support/larger for under knees)

❒ Bed Rail (slides between mattress and box spring)

❒ Large plastic mug with snap/screw on lid and flexible straw

❒ High toilet/toilet raiser with grab bar

❒ “The Grabber” or “Reacher)

❒ Squatty Potty

❒ Trekking poles

8. Schedule and get any foot care services needed (nails trimmed, pedicure) (REC) COMPLETE ❒
9. Schedule and get any personal care services needed (hair, laundry) (REC) COMPLETE ❒

3 DAYS BEFORE SURGERY:
1. Begin packing hospital bag. (REC)         COMPLETE ❒

Suggested items:

❒ Personal/toiletry items (if preferred)

❒ Eye Glasses/reading glasses

❒ Loose-fitting clothing (pants with elastic waist and no seams, top, underwear, socks, zip top layer if needed)

❒ Dentures

❒ Hearing aid

❒ Favorite reading material

❒ Electronics (iPad, phone)

❒ Recharging cords for electronics

2. Go to bank and get cash to have on hand to give to people running errands for you. (OP) COMPLETE ❒

3. Locate an additional side table or TV tray – put one next to your bed and one next to your favorite chair or sofa. (REC)

Recommended items for bedside:            COMPLETE ❒

❒ Tray (foldable bedside tray)

❒ Eye glasses

❒ Plastic drinking mug with lid and bendable straw

❒ Tissues

❒ Prescriptions

❒ Favorite reading material

❒ Cell phone, case/wearable pouch

❒ Power strip with electronic power cords 

2 DAYS BEFORE SURGERY:
1. Email, text or call reminders to your support team. (OP) COMPLETE ❒
2. Grocery shop for items with shorter shelf life (produce, bread, milk etc.)(OP) COMPLETE ❒
3. Visit the library and check out books, tapes and movies/subscribe to movie channel and podcasts. (OP) COMPLETE ❒
4. (Women) shave legs (OP) COMPLETE ❒

1 DAY BEFORE SURGERY:
1. Double check items in packed bag (see 3 days before surgery).(OP) COMPLETE ❒
2. Walk through residence you’ll be staying after surgery to double check items are within reach and ready for your return after surgery. (OP) COMPLETE ❒
3. Follow hygiene regimen specified at Spine School. (REC)
COMPLETE ❒
4. Copy final wishes/will and put in hospital bag. (REC)
COMPLETE ❒

MORNING OF SURGERY:
1. Follow hygiene regimen specified at Spine School (REC)  COMPLETE ❒
2. Do not eat or drink anything prior to surgery. Unless you have been instructed to take medications with a small amount of water.(REC) COMPLETE ❒
3. Pack car COMPLETE ❒

❒ Hospital overnight bag

❒ Lumbar (small) pillow (for trip home)

❒ Cell phone and recharger

❒ Purse or wallet with insurance card and government-issued ID
4. Arrive at hospital at designated time. (REC):

AFTER SURGERY:

When you arrive home from hospital:
1. Manage your pain and take prescription medicines on schedule.
2. Ice on a schedule for first 48 hours, then alternate ice and heat as you feel are helping.
3. Keep incision covered and dry.
4. Use all help equipment (walker, squatty potty, grabber/reacher, bedrail, toilet seat extender, grab bar etc.).
5. Rest, rest, rest with short intervals of walking (gradually add a few minutes of “uptime” each day).
6. Wear support hose or athletic compression socks faithfully to avoid blood clots (footless are great in warmer weather).
7. Drink lots of water to stay hydrated and aid with constipation.
8. Eat healthy food in smaller quantities.

WEEK 1
1. Keep incision covered and dry.
2. Be aware of and note any changes (in incision, symptoms, your temperature, increased pain level, etc.). Call your physician with concerns.
3. Use walker every time you get up out of bed or chair.
4. Deploy log roll technique when you lie down in bed or sofa.
5. Keep pillow/s under your knees when lying down flat and in between your knees if on your side.
6. Keep cell phone on your body at all times.
7. Schedule and utilize helpers round the clock to assist you with daily needs.                                                                                           8. Wear any special braces properly and for length of time prescribed by your medical care team. 

WEEK 2
1. Gradually add “up time” sitting, standing and walking as your energy level returns. Do not exceed 60-120 minutes at a time. Remember to lie down to take the pressure off your spine and restore your strength.
2. Continue using walker and help equipment until your post op appointment with your doctor/PA.
3. Even though you may be feeling better, if you live alone, ask a friend to drop in each day this week for a short visit and help you with anything (food, dropped items, simple chores, driving errands, etc.)
4. Follow any post op appointment instructions from your medical team.
5. Remember, no bending, twisting, deep knee bends or lifting over 10 pounds. Ask for help with things!

WEEKS 3-6
1. Remember that your recovery is a marathon, not a race. Add incremental “uptime” until you reach 2 hours. Remember to lie down to take the pressure off your spine.
2. If you are returning to work in this time period, ½ days with limitations are recommended for first week or two. Share your limitations with HR and ask for accommodations to lie down after two hours per recommended recovery.
3. Follow orders from your medical staff on rehab schedule.

AND BEYOND…
1. Make any changes to your lifestyle recommended by your medical team.
2. Evaluate and make changes to your lifestyle, particularly in these areas:
+ Make a plan to get you from 6 weeks to back (or better than) to your same routine with your medical team.
+ Physical/occupational therapy as prescribed
+ Be smart about yard work (use a self-propelled mower)
+ Outsource snow shoveling and other chores that stress your spine
+ Limit lifting heavy items
+ Walk with trekking poles or cane for added stability
+ Practice good posture every day
+ Use a lumbar pillow/other assistive or comfort items as they help

“Top Tips Before and After Back Surgery” is property of Britta W. McKenna and should be cited if used. To ask permission, please contact brittawmckenna@gmail.com.