Your experience
Any surgery can be stressful. It’s not an every-day experience for most, but it can an effective tool for treating certain conditions, helping you back to better health when other options may not be suitable.
This information will help you understand what to expect while you prepare for your surgery, on the day of your surgery, and during your recovery.
The information on this page is meant for general reference only, and you should always speak to your personal healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns.
Preparing for your surgery
Good preparation is an important part of any treatment. Surgery is no different. Your healthcare provider will explain your personal care plan, but below are some general points to keep in mind in the days and weeks prior to your surgery.
Good preparation is an important part of any treatment. Surgery is no different. Your healthcare provider will explain your personal care plan, but below are some general points to keep in mind in the days and weeks prior to your surgery.
The day of your surgery
You will receive precise instructions prior to your surgery. These will cover when you should arrive, and when you should stop eating and drinking before coming to the hospital. It is vital that you follow these instructions exactly.
If you don’t fast as instructed, your surgery may need to be cancelled, causing potentially long delays in your treatment.
This is because the anesthetic used during surgery will temporarily stop your body’s reflexes. If there is food and drink in your stomach, there’s a risk that food may re-enter your throat. Food may get into your lungs, potentially damaging them and affecting your breathing.
If your doctor has instructed you to take any medication on the day of your surgery, do so with only a small sip of water.
It is important that you arrive at the hospital clean. Take a bath or shower before you come in for your surgery but do not apply any lotions, perfumes, deodorants, or make-up. There is no need for you to shave the surgical site yourself, or clean the area with anything other than regular soap.
Be sure to take off all jewelry, including piercings.
Make sure you bring picture ID with you to the hospital.
Once you arrive, the area for surgery is normally clearly marked to make sure everyone knows where they’re supposed to be. If you have any questions, staff at the reception desk will be able to direct you.
Once checked in, you will be made comfortable until it is time for your surgery. One of your surgical team will come to see you as you wait, and answer any questions you may have.
You will be asleep throughout your surgery with an anesthesiologist keeping you safe and comfortable throughout the treatment.
Surgery will take a few hours, after which you will be moved to the recovery suite.
Your Recovery
After surgery, your back will likely feel stiff and sore. You may have difficulty remaining in a single position for any period of time. This is to be expected, and should ease in the weeks following your surgery.
It may take a month or two until you’re ready to get back to simple activities, such as light housework.
It may take 6 months or more for your back to feel entirely better. Again, this is normal, and allowing your body time to heal following your surgery will maximize your chances of a full and effective recovery.
To help your body heal, you may need to wear a back brace. Your doctor may also recommend that you see a physiotherapist. If needed, these additional steps will help you back to better health faster and help to ensure the results of your treatment are more effective and longer lasting.
Giving yourself the best chance of a full and effective recovery
What follows is general information, and you should always speak to your personal healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns.
Just like your pre-operative appointments, follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and well-being. Be sure to attend all appointments and contact your health provider if you have any questions or issues. They will know your personal circumstances best.
To reduce any general stiffness or soreness, warm compresses may be applied to effected muscles, but do not place heat sources directly onto any incision or sleep with a heat source directly pressed to your skin.
It may take some time for you to recover from your surgery fully. The first weeks and months following surgery may require you to make adjustments in your regular lifestyle to give you the best chance of a full recovery.
Work
You should discuss your recovery with your doctor before making any decisions about returning to work, but in many cases, so long as no physical labor is required, patients are able to return to work a month or two after surgery.
If your job involves light physical labor, it may take a little longer – perhaps 3 to 6 months.
If your work involves heavy labor, it may be that you will need to adjust your working requirements so as not to jeopardize the effectiveness of your treatment.
It is important that you speak with both your doctor and your employer before returning to work, ensuring you know which activities you can appropriately undertake, and where any adjustments need be made.
Physical activity
Following your surgery, your body will expend a lot of effort and energy to aid recovery.
You are likely to feel tired some of the time. It is important to rest when you feel tired and prioritize sleep – this will help you recover as quickly and effectively as possible.
It is still important to remain active, however. Your doctor will be able to guide you with the best course of action for your personal circumstances but, in general, gentle exercise each day is recommended.
Many patients find walking an ideal starting point, as it is relatively easy to steadily increase your activity levels each day without putting too much strain on your body.
Gentle exercise can help stimulate good circulation and help to prevent secondary complications such as pneumonia and constipation. Walking may also help ease any muscle soreness you may experience after surgery.
You should always discuss any significant increase in activity with your doctor prior to any change.
You may also need to rethink what you consider ‘strenuous activity’ as you recover. Everyday actions such as lifting children or groceries, or even light housework, may place more strain on your back than you first think.
Your doctor will inform you when they think it’s appropriate for you to return to more focused activity, such as jogging, weight lifting, or vigorous aerobic exercise.
Diet
You should be able to eat your normal diet shortly after surgery. If you suffer from any digestive issues, speak to your doctor and try bland, low-fat foods like plain rice, broiled chicken, toast, and yogurt until the symptoms subside.
You may notice that your bowel movements may not return to normal immediately after your surgery. This is common and no cause for alarm. Speak to your care provider. It may be necessary to take a fiber supplement to encourage your bodily functions to return to normal.
If your symptoms persist, speak to your doctor – they will be able to suggest the most appropriate course of action.
Medicines
You may be prescribed pain medication to make you more comfortable during the initial days of your recovery. It is important that you take these only as instructed.
If you have not been prescribed any pain medicine but you feel it would help ease discomfort during your recovery, speak to your doctor. They will be able to assess your need and make appropriate recommendations.
If you experience any negative side effects of any pain medication, speak to your doctor immediately. There may be alternative options they can recommend, so there’s no need to worry about being without pain relief.
Incision care
You will be given specific instructions about how to care for the cuts (incisions) made during your surgery.
These instructions will depend on the type of materials used to close the cut and may differ from any guidelines provided following any earlier surgeries you may have had. It is important that you follow these instructions.
Be sure to ask your doctor to clarify any uncertainties you may have about how to care for your surgical incisions.
If they become painful or inflamed following surgery, speak to your doctor immediately.
In emergencies
If you experience any of the following, seek immediate medical attention:
- Your pain medication does not improve your discomfort
- You experience bladder or bowel control issues, including persistent constipation
- You have new or worsening symptoms in your legs or lower back. These symptoms may include:
- Numbness
- Weakness
- Pain
- Tingling
- You experience any signs of infection, including:
- Increased or persistent pain, swelling, warmth, or redness
- Pus draining from the incision
- Fever
- Your stiches loosen, your incision opens, or you have blood or fluid draining from your incision