Helpful Hints- a list of things to do before having back surgery

This this list is my no means an exhaustive one. Please feel free to comment on what worked for you and by our collective input, provide a comprehensive idea of what to expect going into surgery.

1. Get a haircut-sitting and laying back into the bowl while they wash/wet your hair hurts, even several months afterward 

2. Get help with food and chores-see if a family member or friend can stay with you for a couple of weeks to help keep you company, prepare food, and do household chores (members of my church took turns bring over dinner for the first 3 weeks which was very helpful)

3. Arrange dishes and food in a convenient place (no bending or squatting)

4. Get entertainment- something light in subject like magazines, short stories books and funny movies.

5. Have someone take you home from the hospital with a larger, higher car- trying to get down into a low car is painful and can take a long time to just get in the car.

6. Get slip on shoes and comfortable clothes- this makes it easy to get dressed when you do get up and walk, but most time is spent laying down

7. Get inspirational, relaxing music- anything that helps you feel good, helps you relax will be helpful.

8. Have the phone number to call the hospital/doctor on call when you get home in case you need something. I had to call in the middle of the night the first 2 nights I was home to get my medication dosage higher to help with the pain.

9. Get a really nice mattress or new bed-if you can. I know someone who bought an adjustable bed prior to back surgery and it made all the difference. I didn't get a good mattress until 2 years later and noticed a big difference in how my back felt.

10. Have a cup to rinse and spit when brushing your teeth (since you won't be able to bend over the sink).

11.Depending on side effects of the painkillers, you may need to get laxatives or suppositories as the medication has a very drying effect on the body and can cause constipation.

12. Get a good lotion or vitamin E oil for the scar.

Comments

[Vitamins Canada]

These are good tips so you can be prepared for the surgery.