Scheduled For Spinal Surgery? How To Prepare For The Procedure

If you're scheduled for spinal surgery, it's time to start preparing for the process. Prior to it, your neurosurgeon will discuss the surgery you'll be going in for. They may also provide you with a list of instructions that you'll need to follow. But, there are other steps you'll need to take while you're preparing for neurosurgery on your spine. Here are some steps to help you through the process. 

Discuss Current Medications

If you need spinal surgery, your neurosurgeon needs to have as much information as possible. Part of that information includes the medications you're currently taking. When you sit down with your surgeon, be sure you have a list of all the medications you take. Don't just provide the surgeon with a list of your prescription medications. This should include over-the-counter medications, as well. Your neurosurgeon will use this information to determine which medications you'll need to stop taking until after the surgery. Some medications can interfere with the anesthesia you'll receive during surgery. Because of that, your neurosurgeon will need to know about every medication you take. 

Understand Your Restrictions

If you're scheduled for spinal surgery, it's important that you understand your restrictions. There will be certain restrictions that you'll need to follow prior to spinal surgery. If you understand them in advance, you'll be able to avoid problems. One of the restrictions involves tobacco and alcohol use. If you're going to have spinal surgery, it may be recommended that you discontinue tobacco and alcohol use for at least the 24-hour period prior to surgery. You'll also need to avoid food on the day of your surgery. If you've overlooked any of these restrictions, it's important that you talk to your neurosurgeon on the day of your surgery. They may need to postpone it.  

Choose a Surgery Companion

If your neurosurgeon has scheduled you for spinal surgery, be sure to designate a surgery companion. This companion should be prepared to come with you to the hospital on the day of your surgery. Your surgery companion will be able to keep you company while you wait for your surgery time. But, they can also write down any questions or concerns you might have. That way, you can remember them when it's time to talk to your neurosurgeon. 

Plan for After-Surgery Care

If you're going to have surgery on your spine, you're going to need plenty of after-surgery care once you get home. If you can, arrange to have a friend or family member come in to provide assistance. If you don't have a friend or family member available to help, arrange to have in-home medical assistance for at least the first few days following surgery. 

Contact a facility, such as Southwest Florida Neurosurgical & Rehab Associates, for more information.