If you live in the Greater Seattle area and are thinking about having non-invasive back surgery or disc replacement, you will want to be prepared ahead of time. Preparing before your back surgery for what you will need afterwards will help set you up for a smoother recovery.
Pain Reduction
After your back surgery or non-invasive disc replacement you will likely be given a prescription pain medication. Be sure that you have someone who can pick up your prescription for you. Also, you may feel a bit out of it, so having a pill organizer on hand can be helpful. If you don’t already have ice packs or heating pads, before your back surgery would be the time to get them. Using either application for 15 to 20 minutes with 2 hours in between while protecting your skin will help alleviate pain. Lastly, after back surgery you may find that you need laxatives, so be sure you have those available as well. You may also want to purchase some over the counter pain medications to use once your prescription has run out from a local Seattle store.
Nourishment
What you put in your body after non-invasive back surgery can make a difference. First, be sure that you drink plenty of water to stay hydrated while you are recovering. Foods with high-protein and high-fiber will also assist your body during recovery from back surgery. High-fiber foods will help with post back surgery constipation so include foods like broccoli, bananas, beans and berries. Men should have 30 to 38 grams per day and women should have 21 to 25 grams per day. By including high-protein foods in your diet after back surgery or non-invasive disc replacement surgery you will heal more efficiently. Be sure to include things like salmon, chicken, nuts and beans in your diet. If you live alone, especially, have food prepared ahead of time or have someone who can prepare meals in advance. You can also find food delivery services as well in the Seattle area to have it delivered right to your home.
Assistance
Be sure that you have someone close by that can check on you daily if you live alone after your back surgery. Also, if you live alone, have some friends and family that you can call or text, you may just want to hear someone else’s voice. Depending on the season in Seattle, you will want to have someone lined up to help with yard work. So it may be shoveling snow or it may be mowing the grass. Also having someone on hand who can help clean your home for the first few weeks will be needed. If you have pets, you may also want to consider having a friend or family member who can take them outside or on walks. Don’t be afraid to ask for help for your post back or non-invasive disc replacement surgery recovery.
Well Being Plan
After your back or non-invasive disc replacement surgery you will want to know who to call if you are not able to tolerate your pain. Whether it’s your primary care giver or your surgeon, be sure you know who you can contact. Sleep is also important while you heal after back surgery, so have a comfortable mattress and pillow and be sure you can easily get in and out of bed. Be sure that you speak with your surgeon about how soon you can start talking walks. You will start with short walks and work up to 10,000 steps per day. To help release tension and help you relax, you can also consider getting a massage, this is very beneficial to the healing process after back or non-invasive disc replacement surgery.
Equipment
Before your non-invasive disc replacement or back surgery there a few items you may want to have on hand so that they are available afterwards. The first few days of walking, you might consider having a cane or a walker to help you get around. When it’s time to shower, having a may or shower seat will help reduce any falls and an extra long shower will help you relax. Especially if you don’t have someone else at home, having a back scratcher can help reduce you over stretching when you need to scratch. Lastly, after your back or non-invasive disc replacement surgery when you are sitting you will want to be in a reclining position where your legs are raised and your upper back is propped up to relieve some discomfort. If you don’t have a recliner, you can use pillows under your legs and behind your back to create a similar effect.
Entertainment
Since much of your time after non-invasive disc replacement or back surgery you will be non-active, having some entertainment ready to go will help time pass by. It may be a good time to splurge on a streaming subscription or pay-per-view selections. If you like to read, get some books or magazines that you have been wanting to read. You can also do crosswords and adult coloring books to help the time pass by.
Having a good recovery plan is key to your success after surgery, so speak with your surgeon ahead of time and consider some of these ideas that you think will help you.
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